WASHINGTON, D.C. – “: The Hewitt Collection of African-American Art” will continue its national tour in Washington, D.C., this summer. The Howard University Art Gallery is host to the collection that features over 55 two-dimensional works by 20 artists from August 13 to October 14.

Renowned works such as “The Card Players” by Hale Woodruff; “Morning Ritual” by Romare Bearden; “Woman in a Blue Coat” by Ernest Crichlow; “Gate in Tangiers” by Henry O. Tanner; “Easter” by Jonathan Green; and “Head of a Woman” by Elizabeth Catlett are included.

The tour kicked off in January 1999 in Charlotte and has traveled to Memphis, Tenn., Jacksonville, Fla., Atlanta and St. Louis. Following its three-year national tour, the collection, a promised gift to the Afro-American Cultural Center, will return to Charlotte.

Bank of America purchased the collection in 1998 from Vivian Hewitt and the late John Hewitt of New York. It is regarded as one of the most important and comprehensive collections of African-American art during this century. Bank of America Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the bank, is underwriting the nationwide tour.

“The Hewitt Collection above all is a testament to the building of communities,” said Hugh McColl, Jr., Bank of America chief executive officer. “This collection stands as a testament to the passion of Vivian and John Hewitt, their close interaction with many of the artists and their knowledge of the history of African-American art.”

For more than 50 years, collecting art by the country’s best African-American artists was John and Vivian Hewitt’s passion. As a teacher and librarian, the Hewitts didn’t have an unlimited budget, but they had an eye for fine art and for emerging artists who would grow to national prominence. “So many people, through the generosity of Bank of America, will now have the opportunity to learn about the appreciate the outstanding contributions of some of the greatest African-American artists, many of whom have become our friends,” said Vivian Hewitt.

The nationwide tour includes the following cities: August 13 to October 14, Washington, D.C.; November 6 to January 14, Dallas; February 5 to April 15, Los Angeles; May 7 to July 22, Chicago; August 13 to October 28, 2001, Seattle; and February 11 to April 21, 2002, Tulsa, Okla.

Additional cities that plan to host the exhibit but are not yet scheduled include Kansas City and San Francisco.

For information, 704/376-3434.