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April 2024 by Naomi Favors
Great place to visit. Beautiful things to help you appreciate you are from the Motherland. Lots of History, and great Cultural gifts. Nice place for sightseeing .
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November 2023 by Jim Johnson
When you're an emerging and literally starving artist it is easy to fall prey to the ills and evils of a shady, shoddy, poor art gallery owner. This is true when it comes to my tale. This is to warn future artists to avoid this place like the plague. No gallery owner should ever tell an artist not to produce work out of "fear of oversaturating the market."I first met Wesson West, owner of the Sereneti Gallery when googling BLACK GALLERIES in MD. The usual happened I sent my portfolio and then we had a schedule studio visit. Wesson West appeared promptly and was able to view my most recent works and even works that were still in progress. Upon viewing my works Wesson noticed that I was a radical artist, whose "Art reflects the current atmosphere." These were his words. I asked Wesson before the visit ended, "If I was a great fit for his gallery?" And upon him saying, "Yes" I told him I want to be in the history books and that nothing was geauxing to stop me as, "I am tenacious." Wesson West then stated to me to bring my work to his gallery 7 pieces of his choice and then 1 of mine.That following saturday I showed up with 8 unframed works as I was told, "Do not worry about framing as I will frame the works to my likings. No need to worry, your job is to paint. This is what a business partnership looks like." Wesson showed me around his Art hoarding headquaters, showed me the wall where my art will geaux. I asked Wesson again, "Am I a good fit for your gallery?" Wesson responded, "Yes of course." No contracts, no agreement forms, just a handshake. However, my initial observation of his gallery was one that was cluttered and filled with a vast array of originals that dated back to the 60s. RED FLAG. This monstrosity of 4,000 sq ft was not a gallery, in fact it was a make shift cave of art hoarding. As months went by Wesson West was slow to communicate with me about patron viewing my work. I literally was living off my art at the time. I secured another 2 galleries: 1 in the deep south and the other in the same state as Serengeti Gallery. As I am extremely new to the art world, I blindly told Wesson that I do not know the art business. I had no idea Wesson would take advantage of a black man who only wanted to make art so he could be a legend of his time. I grew tired of contacting Wesson asking about the update of a show, only to get the response: "Covid has his hands tied" or "I am not receiving a lot of traffic, so there were no eyes to view your work John." I had to ask Wesson about a piece, "Men of Bronze: Harlem Hellfighters." Wesson took a piece which I told him was my favorite and placed it in inventory. When I asked him why wasnt this piece on the floor as he stated all my work would be shown, he retorted,"John I have 7 other works on the floor to be seen, and if you want to take your work, you can." On that note I did just that. I secured my 3rd and final gallery at the time. This securing of a gallery would be the wedge drove between our partnership. Wesson West let a customer come between us over pricing, one which I had no control over, as I am an emerging artist and the prices have to reflect market for new artists, so I let the galleries determined that. Wesson West was livid with me. Since he felt liked l betrayed him, he wouldnt promote my art at all.He even started holding off payments from me after I was working with another gallery in the same state. Wesson actually believed in his inept art dealer/gallery head that artists should not have more than one gallery in the same state to represent an artist. After speaking with numerous veteran artists they told honestly, that "this person sounds like a fraud and it would behoove me to remove my property from his gallery." I was selling everywhere but his gallery, mind you the other two galleries wanted literally the work which is in his "gallery." He has blocked my number and I had to fight for payments for the 5 prin
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March 2022 by David W. Foster
Wonderful Nigerian motifs!! Serengti's owner was very nice and helpful. I didn't know much about African art and what it meant, but she was patient and helped me look for some Bday gifts for my wife.
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January 2022 by Martin Dale
Every visit has been outstanding and educational for me.
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January 2022 by King Israel
I dunno I stayed in the car, my wife went inside. I can't say how it was.
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January 2022 by David Banks
Great set of artifacts, pictures, and even getting cards describing the African as well as the African American experiences.
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December 2021 by Portia Yohannes
The atmosphere was so cozy. The manager was personable, knowledgeable, and hilarious. It was such a pleasurable experience. My family and I will definitely return. It was our first visit after living in the surrounding area for quite a while, we googled “things to do” and found a hidden treasure in plain site.
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December 2021 by Mary West
Very customer focused. All of my art has been framed here, and all of it looks beautiful and has stood the test of time. Good prices too
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December 2021 by 01carbin1
As you would gather from the name, the art here is very Africa centric, with African American themed pieces sprinkled in. It has a much better selection than the similarly themed shop in Bowie. The host at Serengeti is also very knowledgeable. He always has historical information to pass along.
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November 2021 by Clifton Pittman Jr
I dunno I stayed in the car, my wife went inside. I can't say how it was.
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November 2021 by christine warren
The artwork is superb
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November 2021 by TYESHA RAY
Like a small museum!
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January 2021 by Yvette Muhammad
Great place to find what you're looking for.
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December 2020 by Reuben Gilmore
This is a unique art gallery full of beautiful African & African diaspora paintings, metal-casting & wood works, tapestries, and jewelry for sale. There are pieces of art to adorn homes, public spaces, offices and your body too. The owner/proprietor has immense knowledge of all pieces & afrocentric history. The art is wholesome, positive, nurturing & edifying (not traumatic). Works can be ordered as well, and the beautiful space can be rented for events too.
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November 2020 by K. R.
This is a gem in the community. If you are looking for authentic African American Art. Or need some professional framing completed this is the business for you.
