Out(sider)
Preservationist
who is an
The outsider, visionary, and intuitive artist label is given to self-taught artists inspired by an often spiritual drive to create art, often from the most immediately available material culture.
Out(sider) Preservation Initiative brings those considered outsiders or marginal to place commemoration to the center of American commemorative landscape creation by elevating and securing descendants’ place knowledge.
The concept of “Outsider Preservation,” in which every connotation of the outside is engaged, encourages us to revise our thinking around what is valid preservation practice, which places are valid ones to preserve, and who gets to call themselves a preservation practitioner.
“Out(sider) Preservationist”
builds on the concept of the outsider artist — not merely grassroots projects, but those projects and groups left outside traditional funding opportunities.
Here are a few examples of outsider artists that inspired this concept.
Dabney Hill Freedom Colony
gloria Smith
outsider preservationist
Burleson County, Texas
Landscape Documentation with Gloria Smith - More than Monuments class, Texas A&M University, March 2022. Descendant work supported by Texas Freedom Colonies Project. Dr. Roberts’ pedagogical work with descendant-centered education in Smith’s settlement can be viewed below.
Dabney Hill Freedom Colony Landscape Documentation
(March 2022)
Bastrop County African American Cultural Center
doris williams
outsider preservationist
Bastrop County, Texas
This project aims to create a mosaic mural that honors the Kerr family’s contributions to African American rights in Bastrop post-Civil War. Collaborating with descendants and local educators, the mural will preserve Black history and enhance community pride.
Bastrop County African American Cultural Center & Freedom Colonies Museum (May 6-8, 2024)
dunbar schoolhouse
carmen smith
outsider preservationist
Dunbar Rosenwald School, Virginia
Dunbar Schoolhouse serves as a community hub, providing multigenerational learning and preserving Black history. They seek to continue their efforts by safeguarding fragile historical documents and enhancing community engagement.