Peter Williams: Homegoing–A Call and Response

Opening Reception: Friday, September 5, 2025 6:00–8:00 p.m.

“As I go further into the backstory of my work, I feel that it is all about the strength to cross a middle passage, to endure centuries of slavery, and find some place to exist that is not just on the physical plane. I’m trying to find that world inside my painting.” —Peter Williams

Peter Williams: Homegoing–A Call and Response celebrates the life, legacy, art, and motifs of artist and MCAD alumnus Peter Williams ’75 (1952–2021). To mark his recent passing and honor his life’s work, this group exhibition features a selection of Williams’ iconic paintings alongside those of fellow Black creatives, serving as a moment of remembrance and connection. Rooted in themes of history, presence, and liberation, Peter Williams: Homegoing moves beyond a retrospective into an active call-and-response through the cultural practice of “homegoing”–a memorial celebration of life, legacy, and freedom in the Black community.

Williams aimed to capture the uniquely Black experience on canvas by addressing personal narratives and social justice issues. Through vibrant, honest, dark, humorous, unsettling, and richly layered works, he employed caricature and storytelling to address the complexities of our times and the realities faced by Black Americans today.

Keisha Williams, Director and Curator of MCAD Gallery, states, “This exhibition marks the first time Williams’ work will be displayed in this context with fellow Black artists from Minnesota, which amplifies and serves as an offering for Williams' and our collective liberation. Through a chorus of artists' voices, it’s a symbolic and literal welcome back to MCAD, honoring his dedication to depict the presence and resilience of Black culture.”

Participating Artists

Ta-coumba T. Aiken ’74
Leslie Barlow MFA ’16
Sayge Carroll
Candice Davis ’18
Douglas R. Ewart
Russell M. Hamilton
Christopher E. Harrison
Maiya Lea Hartman
Leeya Rose Jackson
Seitu Ken Jones
Nia-Symonne
Lamar Peterson
Bobby Rogers ’14
seangarrison
Jovan C. Speller
Peter Williams ’75

This exhibition was made possible in part by the Henry Luce Foundation.

Gallery Visitor Policy

The MCAD Gallery is open to the public the following hours:
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m–7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

All visitors must enter through the north (main) entrance, sign in at the welcome desk in the main lobby, and stay in designated gallery areas.

Accessibility Information

The gallery has limited padded and non-padded seating. Some artworks contain light, projections, sound, screens, and scent.

The Main Gallery is on the first floor of the building, at the main entrance off Stevens Avenue and 25th Street. The Concourse Gallery is on the second floor and can be accessed via elevator or stairs. The building is equipped with wheelchair-accessible and gender-neutral bathrooms and accessible entrances from the main and parking lot entrances.

MCAD is committed to providing students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities equitable access to MCAD-sponsored programs and events. For more information or any disability accommodations, please contact MCAD Gallery staff at 612.874.3667 or gallery@mcad.edu.

Transportation and Parking

There is disability-accessible parking at two locations: the main entrance off Stevens Avenue and 25th Street and the MCAD parking lot off 26th Street and Second Avenue South. General event parking can be found in the MCAD parking lot off 26th Street and Second Avenue South, street parking along Stevens Avenue, or the Mia parking ramp.

For more information on how to find us and where to park. Event parking is free in the MCAD lot for the opening reception.