Opening February 1, 2024

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum presents BLACK WOMAN GENIUS: Elizabeth Talford Scott—Tapestries of Generations, in partnership with the Elizabeth Talford Scott Community Initiative, the 2023-24 Exhibition Development Seminar (EDS) capstone project for MICA’s undergraduate Curatorial Studies Concentration.  The exhibition focuses on Elizabeth Talford Scott as a key figure for Black women in the fiber arts. Her work will be showcased alongside contemporary Black women fiber artists from the Chesapeake area. The exhibit will explore themes including Ancestry, Tradition, Fiber Narratives, and Healing, aiming to spotlight the distinctive elements of Elizabeth Talford Scott’s work and featured artists including: Kibibi Ajanku, Aliana Grace Bailey, Aliyah Bonnette, Mahari Chabwera, Dr. Joan M.E. Gaither, Murjoni Merriweather, Glenda Richardson, Joyce J. Scott, Nastassja Swift, and Katherine Stewart Wilson.

We will showcase several of Elizabeth Talford Scott’s remarkable works. Among these, “Stamps and Flags II,” one of her early creations, pays tribute to her evolution and exploration as an artist. This exhibition aims to emphasize Elizabeth’s significant influence as a maternal figure for generations of Black women fiber artists. Through her exceptional artistry, she brilliantly reflects her life experiences as a Black Woman.

The Elizabeth Talford Scott Initiative

This initiative brings together five museums and four university sites across Baltimore City for a reunion of the artist’s work from February through May 2024. Each venue will have at least two Exhibition De students from the participating colleges—Coppin State University, Johns Hopkins University, MICA, and Morgan State University—working on a presentation of Talford Scott’s work for their gallery spaces and organizing a free public program. Under the guidance of 2023-24 EDS Instructor Deyane Moses, the students will determine the curatorial direction of their presentation, drawing out connections to each organization’s collection, space, history, and/or audience.

Major support for “No Stone Unturned” provided by the Bunting Family Foundation and Friends of EDS. Community Day is supported by Lorraine Whittlesey & Markell Whittlesey. Printed and digital materials are supported by The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund. The Closing Reception is supported by Carol and Jerry Doctrow. In-kind support is provided by the Estate of Elizabeth Talford Scott at Goya Contemporary Gallery.

NOTE: Purchasing a ticket to BLACK WOMAN GENIUS: Elizabeth Talford Scott—Tapestries of Generations view grants visitors access to all current Museum exhibitions.