Hampton Art Lovers

Hampton Art Lovers

We inspire the appreciation of African-American Fine Art. We honor the heart and soul of Fine Artists and make their work accessible to anyone who loves art. Hampton Art Lovers believes that understanding culture through experiencing the arts is becoming increasingly vital in the modern world. We live in an information economy, a world in which technology can provide access to products and services that have been previously inaccessible. Intense, experiential learning is the currency of the knowledge economy and lovers of art do this naturally. Hampton Art Lovers believes that through culture and arts education we can improve our communities and communities all over the world.

Historic Ward Rooming House

The Historic Ward Rooming House is supported by the City of Miami SE Overtown/Park West CRA and operated by Hampton Art Lovers. The Historic Ward Rooming House Gallery has a rich socially significant history. It is an honor to bring this exhibition to this space. Built in the 1900s by an African-American family with Bahamian roots (Shaddrack and Victoria Ward), the Ward Rooming House served as a home for both African American and Native Americans who needed a safe place to sleep at night. In the 1940s and 50s it was known for hosting various civic groups and became the “Club House”. Built in the era of Overtown's historic heyday, when it was known as "Colored Town," the Ward Rooming House stands as a tribute to the history of one of the oldest historic Black community in the City of Miami. As one of the few remaining buildings of its time, a seemingly ordinary rooming house becomes significant for the larger role it serves in preserving the history and architecture of Miami's Black community. It was designated a historic site by the City of Miami in 2006 and fully restored in 2010. Now it serves as a gallery and event space.