The exhibition was made possible with the generous support of the University of Delaware Offices of the President; the Dean of the College of Arts and Science; Affirmative Action and Multi-Cultural Programs; the Center for Black Culture Advisory Board; the Faculty Senate Committee on Cultural Activities and Public Events; the Black American Studies Program; and the Departments of Art and Art History.

Paintings, prints, photographs, and sculpture comprise the wide-ranging collection of Paul R. Jones, which encompasses works as diverse as the photographs of Roy DeCarava and the folk art of Sister Gertrude Morgan. Although only a small sampling of Jones' holdings, the exhibition reflected the intensely personal vision of the collector.

Since many were not represented in commercial galleries, he began a practice of dealing directly with the artists themselves. In many cases, these business relationships turned into genuine friendships that continue to this day.

The Paul R. Jones Collection now numbers over 600 works and includes a variety of media and stylistic periods. It is significant, but not surprising, to note that many of the emerging artists of decades past whose work Jones chose to support, can now be counted among today's most respected painters, printmakers, photographers, and sculptors in the field of American art. Jones' commitment to these artists and their work is best summed up in the collector's own words, " As my collection 'caught fire'...broader, deeper involvement emerged...respect for and relating to pieces grew stronger...respect for the collection's force increased."