A young university student poses with her fellow classmates at Roger Williams, Nashville, Tennessee around 1899.

Life & Times: Roger Williams University was one of four historically black collages located in Nashville. The students came from Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Arkansas and Indian Territory. The students could earn a BA or BS and in 1866 it became the first African American institute to offer a masters degree. By the 1880’s and 90’s approximately one third of the students were women. Around the time when this young woman was at school, there was a student rebellion on campus when the white president of the university was charged with racism and forced to resign. For more about the school’s history visit www.blackpast.org

“Della” c. 1899
Graphite on paper
Sierra Lowe | 2018

Creating these portraits, based upon real people from the past, is an opportunity to explore a life and time other than our own. Lovingly working on their portraits, I am rendering them as carefully as I would my own ancestors, while preparing them to be a source of strength and foundation for whomever chooses to bring their memory into their home. The calm faces from the past at once offer comfort but also a broader perspective that removes us from the hyper-focus of our day-to-day. If ‘Della’ speaks to you, if she represents an ancestor you would gladly look up to, I invite you to bring her into your family.

Original artwork
Lightweight, off-white frame
Polystyrene protective face for safe shipping
Saw-Tooth hanger

(Note: Frame, mat and paper may vary between arctic-white and off-white)