ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 3, 1996 TAG: 9602030019
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PULASKI
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
A collection of African masks, carvings and other figures and artifacts is on display at the Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley in celebration of Black History Month.
The pieces for the exhibit, called "From the Motherland," are from the collection of Robert Miller, owner of Miller Off Main Gallery in Blacksburg.
Miller began collecting African art several years ago and has been refining his collection. He said it is difficult to tell the difference between actual African artifacts used for tribal religious purposes and customs from those created for trade or sale to visitors to Africa.
This is mainly because various tribes have been creating pieces for trade for centuries. But even trade pieces reflect the craftsmanship, customs and traits of the tribes that made them.
The exhibit will be on display through February at the center's Main Street Gallery at 21 W. Main St. In March, the center will continue its tradition of hosting artwork from New River Valley students as part of Youth Art Month.
LENGTH: Short : 29 linesby CNB