BENTONVILLE, AR.- Prints of works by prominent African-American artists are the focus of the newest exhibition opening at Crystal Bridges at the Massey. Proof Positive: Master Prints from the Collection of Fisk University Galleries features 40 prints from the art collection of this historically black university in Nashville, Tenn. The opening coincides with Black History Month, and the exhibition will run through May 3. The Massey is Crystal Bridges Museum’s temporary exhibition space and is located at 125 W. Central Ave. in Bentonville.

Crystal Bridges Chief Curator Chris Crosman, said, “These important prints from Fisk University’s outstanding collection feature widely diverse subjects and print-making techniques. They celebrate and provide abundant ‘proof positive’ of the major and often moving contributions of African-American artists throughout the 20th century and into the 21st.”

Proof Positive showcases examples of African-American printmaking during the 20th century. Along with the 40 prints, examples of printmaking techniques will be featured including a printing plate, printing block and painting on canvas. Visitors can learn about the printmaking process while viewing the prints.

Famous African American artists, such as Romare Bearden, Martin Puryear, Elizabeth Catlett, James Wells, Hale Woodruff and Fisk professor Ted Jones are featured in the exhibition. The subjects of the art works span several decades and include images from the Harlem Renaissance in the early 20th century to modern-day events. The exhibition was first on display in 2007 at the Aaron Douglas Gallery at Fisk University, and its curator is Dr. Victor Simmons.