COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus artist Don “DonCee” Coulter was selected for the first Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Fellowship, one of two new programs created by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, in partnership with Columbus Museum of Art (CMA), to support African American, professional visual artists and honor the legacy of the beloved Columbus artist.
Earlier this year, the Arts Council and Columbus Museum of Art, with support from community leaders, launched both the fellowship and a residency in Robinson’s home in the Shepard neighborhood. In 2020 both programs are made possible with the financial support of Loann Crane.
“The diverse number of applicants for the first Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Fellowship is a compliment to the appreciation and respect artists have for Aminah and her work,” said Dr. Bing Davis, one of the jurors for the fellowship. “The team of jurors continued this love and respect for Aminah throughout the selection process and we feel the Columbus community will be pleased with the selection of DonCee Coulter as the recipient.”
Coulter, a Dublin resident (43017), was born in Columbus and attended Columbus College of Art & Design. His mixed-media, environmentally friendly pieces illustrate creative reuse of common materials and found objects while also touching on past cultural movements such as the jazz movement. Coulter has exhibited his work extensively at galleries and museums like the King Arts Complex; Westbeth Gallery in New York, NY; Touchstone Gallery in Washington, D.C.; Indianapolis Art Center; Ann Arbor Art Center; and many others.
Coulter reflected on what receiving the fellowship means to him and shared some wisdom for emerging artists: “Aminah Robinson is someone I admire and respect. To be the first to receive the Aminah Robinson Fellowship is a huge honor and a major milestone in my career. It’s not easy being an artist. We put our souls into our work and open ourselves up to the world for acceptance. My advice to young artists is to be your own number one fan and stay the course. You WILL eventually hit your stride. When you do, remember those who are following that same path and reach back.”
The fellowship runs Mar. 2-May 31, 2020, and includes a $15,000 unrestricted award, community outreach activities (facilitated by Arts Council staff) and the opportunity for a public presentation and/or exhibition.
Jurors for the fellowship included:
- Barbara Brandt, civic leader and Arts Council board member
- Bing Davis, curator and former director, Paul Robeson Cultural & Performing Arts Center
- Carole Genshaft, curator, Columbus Museum of Art
- Deidre Hamlar, associate director, The Ohio State University African American and African Studies Community Extension Center
- Angela Tucker McCaleb, Shepard neighborhood representative and friend of Aminah Robinson
Applications are open for the residency through Mar. 9, 2020. It will take place Aug. 17-Nov. 15, 2020. Interested artists may apply here: gcac.org/grants-services/individual-artist-fellowships/
The Greater Columbus Arts Council receives major financial support from the City of Columbus, Franklin County Commissioners and the Ohio Arts Council.
Mission of the Greater Columbus Arts Council: To support and advance the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. www.gcac.org
Mission of the Columbus Museum of Art: To create great experiences with great art for everyone. www.columbusmuseum.org
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CONTACT: Jami Goldstein
(614) 221-8492
jgoldstein@gcac.org
