Young, Gifted, and Black

In 1972, Gladys Barker Grauer started the first Newark art gallery, on Bergen Avenue, dedicated to women artists of color. Called “Black Women’s Visual Perspective,” the gallery was a space for women and girls, mothers, and educators to focus on their practice and find support; to, as Ms. Barker encouraged, “do both — do all things.”

These collages honor seven women who have each played an instrumental role in building this space and the Newark arts community, including Ms. Barker. In order, they are:

Gladys Barker Grauer, “Mother of Newark Arts,” who founded Black Women’s Visual Perspective.

Camille Josephine Billops, sculptor, filmmaker, archivist, print-maker, and Rutgers-University Newark art professor.

Victoria “Viki” La Beaux Clark Craig, a widely respected educator and the founder/executive director of Art in the Atrium, Inc.

Nette Forné Thomas, a Newark educator and administrator for 36 years, whose art explores women’s roles and societal status.

Margaret Slade Kelley, an acclaimed painter and the first Black artist commissioned by the State of New Jersey to position artwork on public buildings.

Eleta J. Caldwell, who was a graduate—and later, principal—of Arts High School, and who devoted her life to mentoring young Newark artists.

Bisa Washington, a sculptor, printmaker, and writer whose work explored her identity as an African-American woman.