The Dr. John T. Biggers Collection

To learn more about the museum's conservation efforts of the Dr. John T. Biggers Collection, please enjoy the video below

The Gaston County Museum of Art and History is continuing its work on the extraordinary collection of artworks by Dr. John T. Biggers, gifted to the museum in 2023 by the family of John Biggers and the Hazel Hales Biggers Trust.

Collections staff spent the last year cataloging the collection, which included detailed research and selection of artworks for high-resolution photography. The museum hired Asheville-based Conservator, David Goist, to conduct a conservation assessment on the works on paper in the collection. This assessment will help the museum to plan for conservation of works in preparation for exhibition. 

Select Works by Dr. John T. Biggers

The Gaston County Museum of Art & History unveils 25 selected works by Dr. John T. Biggers to be viewed online only. Scroll through the images below to view this selection from the ground-breaking gift of 250 works by John T. Biggers from the Hazel Biggers Trust.

Dr. John T. Biggers on exhibit

The museum is working to raise funds to conserve a selection of artwork for a larger exhibition of Dr. John T. Biggers' works. In the meantime, visitors can preview one of these extraordinary artworks in the foyer of the Hoffman Hotel and learn about the legacy of Dr. Biggers and his nephew, James C. Biggers, beginning December 31st, 2024.

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This intimate exhibit featuring one of Dr. John T. Biggers' works and one of his nephew's, James C. Biggers, works was guest curated by Kenlontae Turner of the Hampton University Museum. 

Hampton Roads native, Kenlontae Turner, attended Christopher Newport University where he majored in Studio Art and had a double minor in Art History and Museum Studies. After graduating in 2017, Kenlontae attended Georgetown University where he earned his Master’s degree in Art & Museum Studies. Kenlontae currently serves as Curator of Collections at the Hampton University Museum, where he helps to oversee the care of the collection, conduct research for grants, and curate exhibitions and educational programming. With almost a decade of experience interning and/or working in museums and art galleries, Kenlontae’s work primarily focuses on creating transformative and accessible opportunities for viewers to learn more about artists of color and their impact in how we view culture, history, and the arts.