Fisk University will host their 96th Annual Spring Arts Festival, beginning Monday, March 31, and running through Sunday, April 6, 2025. Themed “Art Across Generations: Celebrating Shared Journeys, Community, Culture, and Creativity,” the 96 th Annual Fisk Spring Arts Festival will showcase the current artistic contributions of students, alumni, faculty, and staff, along with the contributions of former faculty members and associated artists, with plays, musical performances, poetry and jazz, and more.
Among the highlights are an opening night fireside chat, a celebration of the art and legacy of Alicia Henry, and a special Curator’s perspective presentation on the phenomenal exhibition “Kindred Spirits” on view in both the Carl Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk and at the Frist Art Museum, along with the amazing “David Driskell and Friends” Exhibition there.
“For nine decades, the Spring Arts Festival has provided an outlet for the many talented students and faculty members that make up our Arts community,” said Persephone Felder-Fentress, organizer of the annual Spring Arts Festival. “There will be no shortage of talent and it is our sincerest hope that our students, faculty, staff, and community members enjoy the many activities throughout the week.”
Kick off the Festival with Alice Randall on the evening of Monday, March 31, as part of Fisk University’s 96th Spring Arts Festival. This special fundraising event will explore the intersection of country music, the Black American experience, and Fisk University, as highlighted in her book “My Black Country.”
A distinguished author, songwriter, and scholar, Randall holds an honorary degree from Fisk University and has made a profound impact through her work. Her contributions to literature, music, and cultural scholarship continue to shape the conversation around country music’s roots and the rich history of Black artistry in the genre.
Adding to this incredible evening, the mother-daughter country music group O.N.E. The Duo will deliver a special guest performance, and Alice Randall will be accompanied by her daughter Caroline Randall Williams for an engaging fireside chat. This event promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion, celebrating storytelling, music, and the deep legacy of Fisk University.
The event, hosted by Fisk President Dr. Agenia Clark, runs from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Fisk Memorial Chapel. Tickets, $30 per person, are required for entry and quantities are limited. Available now at: https//givebutter.com/alicerandall Please note that no tickets will be sold at the door.
On Thursday, April 3, special tours of the Kindred Spirit” exhibition will be given in the Van Vechten Gallery all day. That evening, join Julie McGee, art historian and independent curator; Jamaal B. Sheats, associate provost of art and culture at Fisk University and director and curator of the Fisk University Galleries; and Michael Ewing, associate curator at the Frist Art Museum, for a discussion about the exhibition “Kindred Spirits: Intergenerational Forms of Expression, 1966 – 1999” at the Frist Art Museum from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium; gallery admission required.
Saturday, April 5 at 12 Noon, a special Celebration of the Art and Legacy of the late Fisk art professor Alicia Henry will be held on the 3rd Floor of the John Hope and Aurelia Franklin Library.
