The American South Meets South Africa
Photo Exhibit

The University Galleries at North Carolina A&T State University announce the March 31 - May 14, 2005 showing of the photo exhibit, The American South Meets South Africa. The exhibit documents a cultural and educational exchange program in dance and drama between the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at North Carolina A&T State University and arts and culture teachers in Cape Town South Africa. The exhibit features the photographs of Dr. Sheila Whitley, Assistant Professor in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Dr. Eleanor Gwynn, chairperson and dance program coordinator for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at North Carolina A&T State University, and theater professor Dr. Vanita Vactor directed the program.

The exchange program began in May 2004 when Gwynn, Vactor, seven members of the E.Gwynn Dancers of NC A&T, two Richard B. Harrison Players theater students traveled to Cape Town, South Africa. The faculty and students taught numerous dance and drama workshops for a select group of 20 South African arts and culture teachers; visited several township schools to better understand the way dance and drama is taught in Cape Town; and toured several historical sites to raise their cultural awareness and sensitivity.

The exhibit focuses on the dance and drama workshops, the children in the township schools, Nelson Mandela, and the sights and people of Cape Town. The featured photographer is Dr. Sheila Whitley, Assistant Professor in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at North Carolina A&T State University.

The University Galleries of North Carolina A&T State University are located in the Dudley Building, 1601 E. Market St., Greensboro, North Carolina. The gallery hours are Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

For more information about the cultural and educational exchange program, contact Gwynn at (336) 256-2137. For more information about the gallery, call (336) 334-3209.