UAB’s AEIVA marks first 10 years with largest-ever survey of its permanent collection, “Material Resonance,” from May 31-Aug. 10

The creation of the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts transformed the visual arts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and forever changed the landscape of contemporary art in Birmingham, Alabama.

AEIVA’s inaugural exhibition, “Material Evidence,” curated by Gail Andrews, director Emerita of the Birmingham Museum of Art, pulled from the impressive private collections of some of Birmingham’s most dedicated art collectors and enthusiasts.

Now, in commemoration of its first decade, AEIVA will present the exhibition “Material Resonance,” curated by John Fields, the Lydia Cheney and Jim Sokol Endowed Director of AEIVA. The large-scale survey of more than 60 artists represents many of its most iconic exhibitions from the past decade and offers a glimpse into future exhibitions.

Featured artists will include Willie Cole, Titus Kaphar, Erin LeAnn Mitchell, Quentin Morris, Leslie Wayne and many more.  

An opening reception, free and open to the public, will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31, with a walk-through beginning at 5:30 p.m. led by John Fields and AEIVA curator Hannah Spears along with select artists featured in the exhibition.