This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Anna Hirt.

A new collection of artwork reflected a series of serious themes Thursday evening, serving as display of student pieces and a fundraiser for local arts and school programs.

As part of the GW Black Heritage Celebration “Canvassing the Black Fingerprint” took over the Williams House, featuring artists from the University and the greater D.C. area in an art show and silent auction.

The exhibit features pieces contributed by middle school, high school, undergraduate and graduate students. Created from different media, the pieces all shared a common theme of celebrating black culture, while confronting social issues like teen pregnancy, poverty and inadequate schools.

Jasmine Stovall, a sophomore majoring in fine arts, sought to intrigue viewers with her painting “Salience of Race.”  The piece depicts a large, black fingerprint made up of a whorl of words reflective of Stovall’s personal thoughts.

She describes the work as “exploring what it means to be black, and all the feelings associated with it. It doesn’t matter what part of the African diaspora you come from, we’re still all united.”

The work in the exhibit was also part of a silent auction, with proceeds going to Ballou High School students and Guerilla Arts Ink, an organization that promotes the arts for youth in the District.  The work featured in “Canvassing the Black Fingerprint” will continue to be displayed over the next week.