A Creative Journey: The Collection of Judy and Patrick Diamond

"The principal themes which connect and shape our collection are faith, family, and African-American history and culture."
– Patrick Diamond

A Creative Journey: The Collection of Judy and Patrick Diamond began during a year-long residence in East Africa when the couple were fresh out of graduate school and has continued throughout their life together. Their metaphorical journey reflects the geographic journey of their lives from Boston, where they met, to stops in Tanzania, Williamstown, Massachusetts, Chicago, Charlotte and Atlanta. 

Patrick says:
"We began collecting out of a desire to learn more about the many significant contributions which have been made to American culture by artists of African-American descent. Equally important was our interest in providing our son with an introduction to the importance and richness of our African-American heritage. When I was a child growing up in South Carolina, black people were not allowed admission to the City’s art museum. Consequently, I was an adult before my first visit to a museum. We wanted our child to have a different experience, and for our home to further enhance his introduction to the visual arts and history."

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website