I am Michelle Barnes, Artist and co-founder of the Community Artists' Collective. We are deeply rooted in the heritage of Houston's 3rd Ward. We are deeply committed to serving all people of Houston though our art related work with individuals and other organizations across the city. It is good and I appreciate this opportunity to share this particular time and space m=with my colleagues in service to the people of our city and country to symbolize the ties we have with each other and many others across the nation working in our field of dreams and endeavor. We are tied to each other as artists, educators, administrators, mothers, fathers, and as people who vote, people who care. People who are practicing, perfecting, and professionalizing the art of giving back to our communities across the country. We want the National Endowment for the Arts. It must continue to be an agency of the people of America but the National Endowment for the arts must respect the people it serves. The Congress must let the NEA do the work it knows should be done.

On the front of the pamphlet it says, "Community Artists' Collective Inviolate Aware Supportive Ashe Emplowered Caring Joyful Constructive Unity Harmonious Beautiful Amor Delighted Awesome Respect thoughtful." On the second page there is a description of the Community Artists' Collective's history and a membership form. On the third page there is a list of the Community Artists' Collective Board of Directors.

Draft for a flyer containing information for art sold at the Barnes-Blackman Gallery. There is a handwritten note at the end stating "We need to make sure that the name of the 'show' and the dates appear listing in the future".

Photograph of five children and a teacher in art class. The children are sitting at a table drawing with pencils, color pencils and paint. The children appear to be of varying ages. On the chalk board there is a problem solving formula. On the right wall in front of the windows, there is an art rack.

Flyer advertising an eight week program called "Self Discovery Through Visual Art." the program is to provide visual art experiences for youths and challenge them to use their analytical and problem-solving skills.

Poster for the Community Artists' Collective's "Summer Session for Young Artists" program, featuring drawing, ceramics, photography, painting, sewing, and printmaking classes.

Photograph of thirteen people in front of the Community of Artists' Collective. The group is composed of teens and children.

Information about programs hosted by The Community Artists' Collective and price quotes for organizations interested in partnering with the organization.

Letter from Sarah A. Trotty discussing the activities of the Community Artists Collective and soliciting donations to fund the framing of photographs for an upcoming exhibition.

In these papers, Michelle Barnes writes two drafts of a speech. Draft one, page one, "I am michelle Barnes artists, co-founder of the CAC, a community-based arts organization deeply rooted in Houston's 3rd and committed to serving all people of Houston through the arts. Our artist directed organization encourages out of the studio into processes which can utilize their skills and for which they can earn not only a living but earn credibility and visibility by quality service they promote. Tied to a government which wants to be and should be supportive of the people who support people. tied to the children who need to see and experience the rights of life. The joys of thinking, learning, doing, creative. Happy to have this opportunity to share this time with my colleagues in the work of that we have to each other. NEA- of the people/ for the people. We are tied to each other as artists, art educators, art administrators. As people practicing, perfecting, and professionalizing the art of giving back to our city. We are supportive of the NEA as an agency of the people being supportive of the people who do the work in neighborhoods across the country." …

Photograph of three people plastering mosaic tiles around the front door of the Community Artists' Collective. There is a woman in a orange shirt on top of the ladder next to the door. On the ground to the right of the ladder, there are two people standing and talking next to the supply table.

Photograph of two women working on plastering mosaic tiles around the front door of the Community Artists' Collective building. The woman in an orange shirt is at the top of the ladder. The other woman is in a window smiling down at the woman in the orange shirt.

Photograph of a man helping two children paint. the child wearing the green outfit is observing the painting process. The man is helping the younger child wearing the purple shirt.

Photograph of Michelle Barnes and six children in front of a wall with art that the children created. There are six visible pieces of art create by the children.

Photograph of two women at an art gallery. The woman on the left is Michelle Swain Barnes, co-founder and executive director at the Community Artists' Collective. The woman on the right is wearing a suit jacket with an apple brooch and circular earrings.

Photograph of a man and a woman painting. To the left of the man there is a table with all of the necessary art supplies.

Photograph of a man in a yellow shirt helping a child light the Kwanzaa candles. On the table there are fruit, pamphlets, the candles, and a vase with flowers. Behind the table stands a podium where two men are position. The man behind the podium to the right is wearing a Malcolm X t-shirt and holding a microphone.

Photograph of three women having celebratory drinks. On the table there is a trophy the resembles a tennis trophy. The woman on the far right is Michelle Swain Barnes, co-founder and Executive Director of the Community Artists' Collective.

Postcard advertising a quintet of artistic expression. The event had three parts on three separate days. The Opening reception had live jazz with the Kenny Andrew Trio. The next two events were discussions featuring artists Tierney Malone, Ron Smith, and Don Ransom. A notable guest speaker at these events was Alvia Wardlaw, a Professor of Art History from Texas Southern University.

Photograph of six people around a circular table. There are two women seated on the left side of the table and the remaining four people are standing to the right of the table. In the center of the table there is a tennis trophy.

Sheet of graph paper with "Áshe" written on it several times in a variety of styles. The phrase "The Force to Make Things Happen" is written near the center of the page.

Photograph of the Community Artists' Collective's building from a street view. The photo was taken on 1501 Elgin Ave..

Document discussing the Community Artist's Collective's desire to secure tax exempt status and the activities the collective has planned for 1987-1988.

Price list for artworks shown at the "Women of Color" exhibit at the Security National Bank in Shreveport, Louisiana. The showing was held from January 30 through February 28, 1987.