Renwick Ifill didn't watch television growing up in Guyana. Instead he immersed himself in the South American country's rich culture, listened to his grandfather's folk tales, joined art clubs and went to art fairs.
He saw none of that cultural appreciation in the United States.
"When I came over here, I realized a lot of African-Americans didn't understand the principles of art and how it pertains to our culture," said Mr. Ifill, 24.
Four years ago, he and his father, Patrick Ifill, 54, opened a gallery in their Annapolis home to show African-American and African art.
More than 60 pieces from their collection are on display this month at the Nimitz Library on the Naval Academy campus. The exhibit honors Black History Month and is open to the public from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
"His unique collection represents one of the most significant African art collections in the Annapolis area," said Elizabeth Mayfield, a Naval Academy spokeswoman.
The exhibit at the academy features works celebrating the history of African-Americans since slavery. There are pictures of black cowboys, proud black families and farmers.
Mr. Ifill said his collection is "a representation of our culture -- the past, present and future."
The exhibit also has West African masks, portraits of ballplayers from the Negro Leagues and Ernest Watson's painting, "Night Life at the Studio." The painting is similar to the portrait seen at the beginning of the 1970s television sitcom, "Good Times."
Mr. Ifill, who sponsors art shows throughout the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, said he was drawn to Annapolis because of the city's historic character. He decided to open his gallery after realizing the city didn't have any galleries dedicated exclusively to African-American art, even though there is a large black population.
Although Mr. Ifill wants to make money, he also wants to promote new artists and the heritage of Africans and African-Americans. He travels to art shows around the country looking for talent. He is an agent for more than 20 artists from different states, buying their work and selling it elsewhere.
Taiwo Duvall, 62, from Clinton is one of those artists. He said he likes to portray African-Americans doing things they enjoy. For example, one of his works features children jumping rope.
"I ran into a lot of bad experiences as an African-American," said Mr. Duvall, an illustrator who was laid off by an engineering firm. "[But] I don't carry anger into my work."
Mr. Ifill and Mr. Duvall met in 1991 when Mr. Duvall was a volunteer for state Sen. Beatrice P. Tignor, a Prince George's County Democrat. Mr. Duvall was displaying art in the Rowe House Office Building in Annapolis.
Since then, the two have done three art shows together and sold 10 of Mr. Duvall's works.
People can make appointments to see the work of artists Mr. Ifill represents by calling (410) 280-9059.