Black History and Black Art

It’s February and once again it’s Black History Month.  In my community that means the entertainment pages of our local newspaper are filled with an abundance of programs related to African-Americans.   This month is proclaimed each year as a month to celebrate and commemorate the contributions of African Americans to our nation.  It’s a great month to celebrate history, and I am not surprised that the arts are at the top of the list of events and programs offered during this month.

I began to wonder about how Black History Month originated.  I discovered that the occasion began in 1926.  A historian suggested that the second week in February would be designated as the week to commemorate the accomplishments of African Americans.  This week happened to be the birth dates of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.  Interests grew and in 1976 it expanded into National African-American History Month.

Many museums and libraries are offering special exhibits and programs relating to African American artists.  There are opportunities to view the works of prominent local African-American artists.  This is a great month to celebrate history and art.

Art as An Investment

I recently read that the major auction houses are claiming that last year was a good year for them. Both Christie’s and Sotheby’s are claiming to have sold about 5 billion dollars in art. Investors are finding that art work is a good and safe investment in an uncertain financial market. Contemporary art is being purchased for the most part by young collectors and investors. This is a growing trend that has been noted the last few years.

It is not surprising that some of the artists who were major contributors to this year’s strong market include the pop artists:  Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol and abstract artists, Mark Rothko.  These artists who had their introduction to stardom in the early ‘60’s are once again drawing lots of attention.  These are the artists that many young investors today can identify with. 

How long art will rank high as a great investment, no one really knows.  It appears that for now if you want to get make a good and safe investment today and you can afford it, you should look to the art world.