The fourth floor of the John B. Coleman Library contains the art gallery, a center of artistic expression and historical reflection on the origins of people and is free of charge for anyone who shows an interest.Anthony Suber’s work is currently on display in the gallery and it paints a vivid picture of the brave new world of capitalism and its soul-numbing oppression of people. Aesha Lee, another artist whose talent is currently on display, is adept at drawing emotional pathos from each of the subjects of her portraits, creating a touching and very intimate connection between the casual viewer and the subject of her paintings. However, these works are only temporarily displayed in the gallery.
In addition to the showcasing of many local artists, the gallery contains an expansive section on African bronze and Iron Age statues.
“Art appreciation is essentially appreciation of self,” said Lauren Kelley, the curator for the gallery and professor of the arts at Prairie View. Kelley, along with a group of volunteers and work-study students, tend the library during its normal hours Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. “Art is for everyone, we matter- and I want that reflected in our gallery. The gallery is a place for seeing yourself,” said Kelley.