Collection of Stuart Marshall Bloch and Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch

February 8 – March 16, 2008

Hidden Hands, by Robert Freeman, 1987

The exhibit showcased over 30 paintings, watercolors and collages by distinguished 20th century African-American artists Romare Bearden, Benny Andrews, Alma Woodsey Thomas, Robert Freeman, and Richard Yarde, whose art, though distinct, is united by their grounding in the 20th century African-American experience. These artists became preeminent in their time and created innovative, expressionistic works drawing from their social environment.

The Freedom Place Collection was assembled, and is owned, by Washington residents Stuart Marshall Bloch, chairman of Congressional Bank, and Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch, President of the US-China Education Trust. The Blochs have been collecting works of African-American artists for over 35 years, and this exhibit was a culmination of these efforts. The name of the collection refers to the Freedom Place stop along the Underground Railroad, once located near where the Bloch’s home stands today.

The exhibit was open to the press for a private preview on Thursday, February 7, 2008. Artist Robert Freeman, creator of the work, Hidden Hands, spoke about his artwork and led guests through the exhibition. Margery E. Goldberg of Washington’s Zenith Community Arts Foundation and Stuart Marshall Bloch also spoke to visiting journalists.