NCCU Art Museum To Feature Annie Day Shepard Family Ancestry And Art Exhibition
Durham, NC – The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Art Museum turns the spotlight on the notable Day family of North Carolina and Virginia in a featured exhibit. The exhibition titled “Annie Day Shepard Ancestry and Art Exhibition” is now on display through Sunday, November 7, 2021, at NCCU Art Museum.
The Annie Day Shepard Ancestry and Art Exhibition, coordinated by Meghan Wilder, fourth-generation niece of Dr. James E. and Mrs. Annie Day Shepard, is a group exhibition that features the works of various members of the Day family, including that of the renowned master artisan, craftsmen, and furniture maker Thomas Day (1801 – 1861). Day, a Dinwiddie County, Va., native was the grandfather of Annie Day Robinson Shepard, wife of university founder Dr. James E. Shepard. The exhibition includes historical photos and a family tree illustrating the lineage of the Day family. Other family members contributing to the exhibition include Marjorie Matthew (1921–2007), Floyd Allen, Jr., Jason Hinsey, Adrianna Hinsey, and Alexia Hinsey.
Floyd Allen, Jr., who is inspired by his experiences in life and his surroundings, contribute to the exhibition a diverse range of works such as drawings, paintings, architectural designs, and three-dimensional model making.
Adrianna Hinsey, a New York-based graphic designer, thrives in the opportunity to produce works that “bring awareness to the glamorization of the un-safeties in our society.” Through the stroke of a paintbrush, Adrianna Hinsey addresses the issues of eating disorders, pill addiction, and the fascination of the rich in owning exotic animals for their own personal gain.
Alexia Hinsey’s artistic journey began with drawing. As time progressed, she developed an interest in other forms of artistic expressions, particularly crocheting. She started with hats, mittens, and scarves, but learned to crochets stuffed animals, exploring the use of fabric and sewing techniques.
Jason Hinsey, a Carpenter’s Union member for 21 years, provides photo documentation of his talent with wood. He began his artistic journey with drawing, but after being inspired by his uncle Floyd Allen, Jr., Hinsey began experimenting with wood. With time he excelled to the point of being able to do stagehand work for Broadway, music celebrities who were in concert, and eventually Universal Studios. He continued to grow and moved on to building houses, including the one in which he now resides with his family. Nine handmade collectible dolls by Marjorie Matthews are on display in the exhibition.
The museum will also host a closing reception during the 2021 Ultimate Homecoming Experience, scheduled for Nov. 2.
The NCCU Art Museum is located on Lawson Street, across from the Farrison-Newton Communication Building. The Museum’s hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Admission is free. For general information and group visits, please call 919-530-6211. NCCU Art Museum is accessible to the physically challenged. Please note that all visitors are asked to wear a face-covering during their visit.