9

Daniel J. Frye
University of Maryland
Arts Department

March 30, 1987

Mr. David Driskell
University of Maryland
Art Department
College Park, Maryland

Dear Mr. Driskell,

In a recent letter, I requested and interview with you
concerning present trends in black artists' works and black
artist organizations. As I explained, I am researching
information for the basis of my dissertation. However, the
interview I requested was to serve a more immediate purpose.

I am enrolled in a course this term at Syracuse University
in which I am surveying black artists and directors of black
artist organizations in order to assess the situation of the
black artist in the 1980s. I am also interested in maintaining
contact with the people I interview and keeping them aware
of my findings.

If an interview at this time is difficult to schedule,
would you please, write an essay using the enclosed
questionnaire as a guideline. These are the questions I
used interviewing Deirdre Bibby of the Schomberg Collection,
William T. Williams - a practicing artist and professor at
New York University, Camille Billops of the Hatch - Billops
Collection, Mary Schmidt Campbell of the Studio Museum in
Harlem, Judith Wilson who has recently received her doctorate
in art history from Yale University, David MacDonald -
practicing artist and professor at Syracuse University, and
Herb Williams - director of the Community Folk Art Gallery
in Syracuse. If at all possible though, I think the interview
would be more enlightening.

My purpose is to use your essay and the interviews as
supporting documentation in the paper I will submit for class.
I am not going to take your words out of context but wish
to report your overall feelings. If you would like, I will
send you a copy of my final paper.

I hope that in the near future we will have an opportunity
to meed and informally talk of what the black artist can
anticipate in the future. Until then, I wish you much
success in your present endeavors.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

Daniel J. Frye