MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Moore at 847-491-4819 or jkm229@northwestern.edu

February 8, 2005

Dittmar Exhibits Work of Margaret Burroughs

EVANSTON, Ill. --- This winter, Northwestern University will pay tribute to the influential African American artist, educator and institution creator Margaret Burroughs, co-founder of Chicago’s DuSable Museum of African American History, with the exhibition “Life with Margaret.”

The exhibition will be open to the public from Feb. 17 through March 27 at the University’s Dittmar Memorial Gallery located in Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston campus. It will include a collection of paintings and other works by the nationally known artist. It is a creative and inspiring visual journey of the liberated black woman.

An opening reception that is free and open to the public will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24. Burroughs is expected to attend the event.

Born in 1917, in Saint Rose, La., Burroughs has been a Chicago resident since 1937. She has made countless contributions to the African American arts and culture. At the age of 22, Burroughs opened the South Side Community Arts Center, a gallery and workshop studio for artists and students. The center remains active and Burroughs serves on the board.

In 1961, Burroughs and her husband Charles Burroughs opened the DuSable Museum, now an internationally recognized resource for African American art. It is the oldest museum of its type and the only independent institution in Chicago dedicated to the experiences and achievements of African Americans. It houses more than 13,000 artifacts, artworks and books.

Burroughs’ work includes influences from the Mexican muralists in addition to many artists with whom she worked during the past 60 years. She has worked in sculpture, painting and printmaking. She uses linoleum block prints to create evocative images of African American culture. Her work has been featured in the Corcoran Art Galleries in Washington, D.C., and at the Studio Museum in New York. She has served as art director for the Negro Hall of Fame. In addition to art, Burroughs has illustrated several children’s books and published volumes of her own poetry.

Burroughs serves as chairman on the Committee on Programs and Recreation for the Chicago Park District Board. She also is active in the various institutions she created.

The Dittmar Memorial Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Admission is free.

For information, call the Dittmar Memorial Gallery at (847) 491-2348 or Norris University Center at (847) 491-2300, or e-mail dittmargallery@northwestern.edu or go to the Norris Center Web site at www.norris.northwestern.edu/nbsm_dittmar.php.