Something To Look Forward To: An Exhibition Featuring Abstract Art By 22 Distinguished Americans Of African Descent: Franklin And Marshall College Lancaster, Pennsylvania, March 26-June 27, 2004

"Everyone who is fortunate enough to live a long time will become an elder, and this includes visual artists. The title of this book, suggested by sculptor Melvin Edwards, conveys the certain destiny human beings can anticipate by simply lasting."—from the Introduction

Something to Look Forward To pays homage to the exceptional talent, unique vision, and courageous persistence of mature artists who have created dynamic abstract images and objects during extended and successful careers. The 22 artists included here— Betty Blayton, Frank Bowling, Yvonne Pickering Carter, Edward Clark, Melvin Edwards, Sam Gilliam, David Hammons, Gerald Jackson, Lawrence Compton Kolawole, Alvin Loving, Richard Mayhew, Sam Middleton, Mary Lovelace O’Neal, Joe Overstreet, Howardena Pindell, Helen Evans Ramsaran, John T. Scott, Sylvia Snowden, Mildred Thompson, Jack Whitten, William T. Williams, and Frank Wimberley—are all over 60 (seven are over 70), and they’re all African American.

The principal essay by April Kingsley offers brief overviews highlighting little-known but significant details about the artists and their work. Franklin Sirmans’ essay comments on the complex layers of style and meaning that compel the audacity of the art and artists. Reflections on abstract art by Geoffrey Jacques illuminate essential questions about the history and status of the artists represented.