gallery of african art

I should begin by saying that I am not a big fan of this kind of art; thus my review comes from a very short visit..However, I do.wish I had more time because I probably could have picked up a much better understanding of the art with one of the "audio docents". I'd been at the Icon museum all day and didn't have much time to linger here. There are some interesting things, not just the usual masks and pots. The "nail" figures are quite interesting, for example. There was a Clinton resident in there when I was and he was enthralled, going on and on about how he lives right there and thought it was just a store display and was going to be back the very next day with a camera. There are short films and there is even a space, as at the Icon museum, for kids, with a little table and puzzles, etc.I, like the Clinton fellow, thought that since this was described as being "in the back of the store" it was just a couple of cases of things. However, it is as big or bigger than the store it is attached to, and it would take at least an hour to do it justice.The store, by the way, has a very limited but very nicely priced section of African goods (such as small ornaments, beaded bracelets,necklaces, shea butter and soapstone and olive wood bric a brac).

After a excellent time at Museum of Russian Icons, I headed over to the Gallery of African Art, another passion of Gordon's. Here, in a smaller and more informal exhibit are African Artifacts including masks and pottery from numerous tribes and time frames. There is a self guided tour which was very helpful in explaining the importance and function of the many pieces. While many of the pieces have yet to be documented, wandering through is worth the time. It is free but donations are greatly appreciated. The gift shop offers many interesting pieces art work as well as colorful clothing and interesting gifts. Cynthia is a great source of knowledge about the town and Gordon. Another great gem in Clinton.

I loved the scale and scope of the collection. Some beautiful carvings, nicely displayed in the limited space.

After (or before) you take in the Russian Icon Museum in Clinton make sure you stop be this Gallery of African Art which is just a very short walking distance. The Gallery includes more than 500 works of art from Africa's west coast. Many interesting and unusual displays of artifacts, statues, paintings, etc. that depict various aspects of tribal life. On Wednesday evenings (for youth & adults), you can learn about and participate in traditional and contemporary West African drumming.Gallery hours are mon-fri 10am-5:30pm, (thurs. 10am-8:00pm). Sat. from 9am-5:30pm. Admission is free; however, donations are accepted. The telephone number is 978-368-0227; the website is www.galleryof africanart.org.

We were surprised by the scope of this collection of West African artifacts. There are hundreds of items from many different cultures. The display is well thought out and the supporting maps are helpful. We spent an hour looking and listening. There is a nice children's area where they (and us) can handle some items. Well worth the trip.

Thank you so much for your glowing review of the Gallery of African Art, it's much appreciated. Director Zach Combs is planning some lectures and exhibitions in the near future, so check back on the Gallery website for an events schedule.

This is the sister gallery to the Museum of Russian Icons, opened five years ago. This time, it is art from western African tribes. It is a wonderfully ecclectic exhibit, something that children will find as interesting as adults. You enter through Sunrise Boutique; admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Add a trip to the Russian icon museum, lunch at one of the local restaurants serving Irish, Italian or Thai food and you have a great international adventure.