Black Meetings and Tourism

Black Meetings & Tourism June/July 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 26 Rare Treasure Found in Basement Now Hangs at Detroit Institute of Arts Robert Duncanson Painting At the Foot of the Cross on loan from University of Detroit Mercy The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) recently put on display a rare biblical painting by 19th century African-American artist Robert Scott Duncanson. The painting was unknown to scholars ofwork by the internationally acclaimed artist until its discovery approximately five years ago in a basement at University of Detroit Mercy (UDM). The painting is owned by the Jesuit Community at UDM, and is on long-term loan to the museum. "When we found an old damaged painting in our base- ment a few years ago, I could never have imagined that today it would be hanging on a wall at the DIA," said Rev. Gary Wright, S.J., rector of UDM Jesuit Community and director, University Ministry, UDM. "The Jesuit Community at UDM wanted to be able to share this treasure of our city's African- American heritage with the whole community. This has been a great experience of two venerable Detroit institutions working together so that the whole community can now enjoy this piece of our history." Duncanson (1821-1872) is considered one of the best landscape artists of his time, but he also painted portraits and genre paintings. In 1845, he came to Detroit in search of commissions and painted portraits of prominent Detroit cit- izens, such as Henri Berthelet and his young grandson, William. He maintained a studio in downtown Detroit and advertised his talents in the Detroit Free Press. Before his departure in 1846, the Detroit Daily Advertiser remarked favorably on Duncanson's skills as a painter. The artist would return to the area many times in his life, making Detroit and Cincinnati his primary residences. The South Carolina State Museum has been chosen to pre- mier a prestigious national touring exhibition on the history of the American Red Cross. Our National Treasure: The American Red Cross opened March 14, 2009 and runs through June 30, 2009. Guests will learn about the 1863 founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland, which led to the Geneva Conventions, interna- tional treaties to protect the wounded, prisoners of war and civilians in wartime. The exhibition will be divided into sub- ject areas which illustrate major functions of the Red Cross such as Disaster Services, Blood and Biomedical Services, International Services, Service to the Armed Forces and Veterans, and Health and Safety. A gala to open the exhibit took place March 13, 2009 at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia, SC. The exhibit includes an impressive array of artifacts, photographs and personal stories collected over many years. It not only displays the past and present of this magnificent life-saving organization, but it inspires Museum guests to become part of the future of this dynamic organization. For more information on the exhibit, please visit www.museum.state.sc.us. President & CEO for the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports and Tourism, Ric Luber states, "This is a blockbuster event for Columbia. We are the premier city and that says a lot for us. It's also great for our leisure travelers and our meetings and convention attendees. They will be able to experience a premier event in the heart of Downtown Columbia and at a price that's extremely affordable." After the exhibit's premier in Columbia, it will travel nationally. SPRING IS HERE AND WITH IT COMES EVEN MORE MUSEUM EXPERIENCES At the Foot of the Cross, Robert S. Duncanson, 1846. Oil on canvas. BY PATRICIA ANN JORDAN

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