ArtsBoston is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the arts.
The Museum of the National Center of Afro American Artists (NCAAA) is dedicated to the celebration, exhibition, collection and criticism of black visual arts heritage worldwide. The Museum presents a wide range of historical and contemporary exhibitions in many media, including painting, sculpture, graphics, photography and decorative arts. Among the resources offered at the Museum are its African, Afro-Latin, Afro-Caribbean and African American collections; an extensive slide archive, and a rich variety of education programs for young people and adults. On the grounds of the museum’s historic location sits the Eternal Presence. This piece was commissioned by the National Center of Afro-American Artists to celebrate human creativity and spirituality from the beginning of the human family to now. John Wilson created the sculpture drawing upon various traditions including the Olmec heads of ancient Mexico and images of contemplating Buddhas. Eternal Presence was installed in 1987, and represents the commitment of the NCAAA to excellence in contemporary artistic expression for the black world Since 1969, the National Center of Afro-American Artists and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, have enjoyed a unique collaboration that has been mutually beneficial, and has greatly assisted in the development of the NCAAA’s museum.
