The collection is arranged as 7 series. Series 1: Biographical Material, 1928-2020 (0.2 linear feet; Box 1) Series 2: Correspondence, 1948-2021 (0.8 linear feet; Box 1) Series 3: Writings, circa 1969-circa 2020 (0.3 linear feet; Box 2) Series 4: Exhibition Files, 1992-2015 (0.6 linear feet; Boxes 2, 5) Series 5: Project Files, 1987-2018 (0.4 linear feet; Boxes 2-3, OV 6) Series 6: Printed Material and Subject Files, 1948-2022 (Boxes 3, 5) Series 7: Photographic Material, circa 1935-2020 (Boxes 3-5)
Access Note / Rights:
This collection is open for research. Access to original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C. Research Center.
Researchers interested in accessing born-digital records in this collection must use access copies. Contact References Services for more information.
Summary:
The papers of Washington, D.C.-based mixed media artist Cleve Overton measure 3.8 linear feet and date from circa 1928-2022, bulk 1948-2020. Included are biographical materials; correspondence including letters from Overton to his wife Jude Andreasen while she was in various countries in Africa; writings, exhibition files, project files, printed materials, subject files, and photographs and photograph albums of Cleve, family, events, artwork, events and exhibitions.
Citation:
Cleve Overton papers, circa 1928-2022, bulk 1948-2020. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Additional Forms:
The bulk of the collection was digitized in 2023 and is available on the Archives of American Art website.
Funding:
Funding for the processing of the the Cleve Overton papers was provided by the donor. Funding for the digitization of this collection was provided in part from the donor and the Walton Family Foundation.
Use Note:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Biography Note:
Cleve Overton (1928-2020) was an African American mixed media artist based in Washington, D.C. Overton was born in Staten Island, New York on September 17, 1928. From 1945 to 1948, Overton served in the military in an All-Black army unit, the 76th/933rd AAA battalion in Japan. He studied art at the New School and other New York schools. He also ran his studio, the Potter's Wheel, where he offered pottery classes, and later he founded and managed his business, Earthworks. He was a skilled welder. He also taught as an adjunct professor of art at Baruch College and the College of Staten Island, CUNY.
Overton collaborated on many projects with his wife, Jude Andreasen. They moved to Washington, D.C. in 1989. Overton traveled extensively and lived in many countries in Europe and Africa. His time in Senegal led to the creation of a photographic series which were exhibited in IFAN National Museum in Dakar and later became a book The Doors of Senegal that he published with Andreasen. The couple published a second book of photography together, and Overton wrote three other books of his own: a memoir, a book of essays, and a novel.
Overton exhibited widely and often. His mixed media art often reflected his profound commitment to environmental, social, and racial justice. He passed away in 2020.
Language Note:
English .
Provenance:
The Cleve Overton papers were donated to the Archives of American Art in 2022 by Jude Andreasen, Cleve Overton's wife.
Digitization Note:
This site provides access to the papers of Cleve Overton in the Archives of American Art that were digitized in 2023, and total 3,236 images.
Location Note:
Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 750 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
