Description

The Reece Museum (TRM) at East Tennessee State University is home to the Sammie L. Nicely Collection of Black Appalachian & African American Art, named for artist, educator, and collector Sammie Nicely (1947-2015). Comprised of approximately 150 objects, this growing collection of post-war and contemporary art explores Black imagery and themes, representing a variety of media and forms. For the first time, TRM will dedicate staff time and resources toward the development of interpretation and programming in its presentation of the Nicely Collection to the public. Through the development of an exhibition series (three in-gallery; one online), printed brochures and gallery guides, public programming, and collection research, TRM’s presentation of the Nicely Collection will offer a view of Appalachian identity that is more fully representative of its people by celebrating the diversity of the region.  This grant would help fund the creation of public programming, collection research, and interpretation for objects housed in the Sammie L. Nicely Collection at the Reece Museum, East Tennessee State University. 
The proposed first-time grant speaks to the AAP’s commitment to supporting academic art museums and collections, especially those that serve rural communities.
The project aligns with the AAP strategic goal 3a: To advance the care, documentation, publication, and installation of under-utilized collections for expanded access for wide-ranging communities.