Celebrating Black Art in Martha's Vineyard

(The Root) -- The Root is a proud sponsor of this year's Harlem Fine Arts Show, being held in the historic Oak Bluffs section of Martha's Vineyard. Editor-in-Chief Henry Louis Gates Jr. addressed black-art lovers at the show's opening remarks. 

Of the significance of a black-focused art show premiering on the island, Gates said that he believed "this was the first place where African Americans could purchase [summer beach-resort] property on the [U.S.] Northeast." The works of more than 30 established and up-and-coming artists are viewed by hundreds of black-arts enthusiasts over the course of the showcase.

The show, which is being held inside the Hooked Restaurant from Aug. 9 to 12, features a diverse collection of artwork, from pieces by emerging jewelry designers to selections provided by devout art collectors. One collector displayed several works from the celebrated artist Romare Bearden, which were priced as high as $15,500.

During his opening remarks, Gates shared how he was able to secure his own Bearden collection when he was a young lecturer at Yale and making only $6,000 a year. Check out his remarks below and check back all weekend on The Root for updates from the show. Don't forget to join the artsy conversation on Twitter using #HFAS2012.

Video produced by Akoto Ofori-Atta, The Root's assistant editor.

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