"Original Acts: Photographs of African-American Performers in the Paul R. Jones Collection" will open Feb. 5 and remain on display through March 28 at the University Gallery at Old College.

The exhibition will be the first major showing of works from the collection since it was donated to UD in February by Jones, an Atlanta entrepreneur and one of the nation's leading private collectors of works by African-American artists.

After its UD run, the show will move to Spelman College in Atlanta, with which UD has developed a working relationship in conjunction with the collection.

"Original Acts" presents the work of African-American photographers who have focused on African-American performers exclusively or as an integral part of their careers.

Representing several geographic regions in terms of origin and training, these artists used techniques ranging from the formal studio style of preeminent photographers Prentice Herman (P.H.) Polk and James Van Der Zee, to the stage-derived and more spontaneous approaches of California-based photographers William Crite and John H. Cochran Jr., originally from Savannah, Ga.

Bert Andrews captured the power, passion and promise of African-American theatre for more than 35 years. Though the Chicago native was highly sought after and respected as a photographer throughout New York's theatre circuit, he was especially noted for his "live" images of the award-winning Negro Ensemble Company.

New Jersey native Jim Alexander has photographed leading jazz musicians for the past 30 years. Having worked as a photographer for Yale and Clark Atlanta universities, he reached a milestone with the publication of the acclaimed photo-essay "Duke and Other Legends," dedicated to the musical genius of Duke Ellington. His work also includes portraits and candid stage shots of such international stars as Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Eubie Blake and jazz vocalist Betty Carter.

Motion picture still photographer and freelancer Adger W. Cowans creates improvisational pieces that pay homage to the life and work of Ellington as well.

Susan J. Ross is self-defined as a "photo-griot." As official photographer for the city of Atlanta, she has documented national and international events for 25 years, including the Centennial Olympic Games, King Week celebrations and Nelson Mandela's trips to the city.

William Anderson emphasizes the resourcefulness and unpretentiousness of solo street performers in a manner that approaches photojournalism.

Gerald Straw, on the other hand, turns his camera to America's urban streets in less obvious references to the interactive roles of audience and performer.

For more information, call (302) 831-8242 or visit the University Gallery web site at [http://www. museums.udel.edu].