Art Gallery Exhibition – Breaking the Chains of Forgetfulness

Exhibition on View: March 2 – April 24, 2026 at the Elaine Bailey Augustine Art Gallery
Gallery Talk and Reception: Thursday, April 16, 3:00 pm
Gallery Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

The Department of Visual Arts and Design unveils Breaking the Chains of Forgetfulness, an exhibition by Tennessee artists Bernice Davidson, Michael McBride, and Jemma Perran. Through vibrant paintings, intricate fiber art, and mixed media, their works unite to illuminate the stories of Tennessee’s unsung heroes. Each portrait and personal expression resonates with emotion, inviting viewers to feel respect, appreciation, and empathy, and to leave with hearts and minds opened.

Bernice Davidson, the visionary behind the exhibition’s central theme, dedicated her life to art education and championing peace by making art that “brings communities together and surmounts racial, age, and socio-economic barriers.” Her works are informed by struggles for justice, the pursuit of civil rights, and the complex relationships between humanity and the earth.

Michael McBride, a notable illustrator whose art graces both print and television, brings to life a series of gripping portraits depicting Elias, the house slave and carriage driver of James K. Polk. Through these moving, respectful images, we witness Elias at pivotal moments in his life: from the early years, when he carried vital responsibilities within the Columbus community, to his later years as a passionate advocate for black equality as a free man.

Jemma Perran sees art as a treasure discovered within her own spirit, a form of therapy that has offered her solace, healing, and a space for deep reflection for nearly three decades as she fulfills her role as a hospice chaplain and counselor. She is drawn to the hidden stories in found objects, passionately recycling and transforming them into meaningful pieces. In this exhibition, Perran’s work features Adinkra symbols, brought to life with found objects, resin, and reclaimed window frames.

Join guest artists, Visual Art and Design faculty, and students for our Gallery Talk and Reception on Thursday, April 16, at 3:00 pm. The event will be held at the Elaine Bailey Augustine Art Gallery in the Visual Arts Building. For more information, call 256-765-4384.