MANHATTAN, KS — The new exhibit at the William T. Kemper Art Gallery invites the campus and local community to explore the “Beauty of Black Art” in honor of Black History Month. Marking Artist SirIsrael Azariah King’s final exhibition before relocating from the United States, the exhibit offers a powerful and moving experience. This beautiful and meaningful collection is one you won’t want to miss

King has been painting and drawing for over 30 years and says that while he has loved his journey thus far, he says that, "it's time to hang it all up". His art highlights Black families, love, and beauty. Throughout his paintings, King uses bold and expressive colors to reflect his emotional state and employs a variety of techniques in his creations.

Created in honor of Black History Month, and to cultivate a deeper sense of community within the Union, the exhibit highlights a wide range of stories, experiences, culture and history.

"The Beauty of Black Art" runs through Feb. 26 in the gallery located on the Union’s first floor. A free, public reception with snacks and refreshments will be hosted in the gallery from 4-6 p.m., Friday, Feburary 20. In addition to the reception, Israel and his wife will be displaying his latest painting in person for the first time.

For more information, contact UPC at upc@k-state.edu or visit the UPC Website

About Union Program Council: Union Program Council plans more than 150 entertaining, educational, cultural, and substance-free events for K-State students and the Manhattan community each year.

The Union’s mission is to serve all, especially students, with facilities that provide services, programs, leadership experiences and educational opportunities which foster a sense of well-being, belonging and community.