Cheryl Finley, the director of visual arts and culture at Spelman College, has been honored with the prestigious David C. Driskell Prize, which recognizes significant contributions to African American art and art history. This award, established by the High Museum of Art in 2005, comes with a $50,000 prize and has previously been awarded to notable figures such as Alison Saar and Amy Sherald.
Finley has led the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective since 2019, championing the development of Black arts professionals, scholars, and curators associated with historically Black colleges and universities. She has played a pivotal role in co-organizing the "Black Portraiture[s]" academic convening since 2013, focusing on the exploration of African diasporic art and culture. Additionally, she is the author of Committed to Memory: The Art of the Slave Ship Icon and has contributed to My Soul Has Grown Deep: Black Art from the American South.
High Museum director Rand Suffolk commended Finley for her impactful work, stating that she operates "at the intersection of scholarship and institutional change." He highlighted her commitment to nurturing the next generation of visual arts leaders within Atlanta's HBCU community and beyond, emphasizing the importance of her efforts to elevate Black artists and expand the understanding of African American art.
In her acceptance, Finley reflected on her relationship with David C. Driskell, an influential African American artist and scholar, expressing gratitude for his mentorship. She noted the significance of the Driskell Prize in a time when the arts and education face unprecedented challenges, recognizing its role in fostering innovative teaching and collaboration at HBCUs and in the broader arts community.
This recognition not only honors Finley's achievements but also underscores the ongoing need for support and visibility of African American art in contemporary culture. As the art world continues to evolve, such awards play a crucial role in shaping future leaders and ensuring diverse artistic voices are heard and celebrated.
