Essence Editor To Host Harlem Fine Arts Show
HARLEM -- The 2011 Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS) is moving ahead full steam to its gala opening on Friday, February 25, 2011 with Susan Taylor, whose name is synonymous with Essence Magazine as Editor-in-Chief-Emeritus of the publication, at the helm. A dazzling highlight to Black History Month, the 2011 HFAS, one of the nation's largest and most prestigious collections of works (paintings, photographs and sculpture) by African American artists from around the world - both established and emerging - runs from February 25-27 at the historic Riverside Church in Harlem.
"The opportunity to support this major presentation of Black art is thrilling. The show is a cultural celebration and nourishing to the souls of people from every walk of life," Susan Taylor states. In addition to the art or "cultural nutrition," part of the "enrichment" is the community outreach the HFAS always incorporates. The beneficiary of the Friday night gala is the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in Harlem, which is dedicated to providing quality oncology care for medically underserved New Yorkers. The cocktail reception on Saturday night will benefit Brotherhood/Sister Sol, which mentors black and Latino young people in Harlem, with the goal of helping them develop into critical thinkers and community leaders.
"We couldn't be more excited to have someone of Susan Taylor's stature as a part of the 2011 Harlem Fine Arts Show. She adds an additional layer of warmth, grace, beauty and authenticity that is undeniably artistic," said Dion Clarke, President of JWD Enterprises Inc., which is the producer of the Harlem Fine Arts Show.
As an added component, this year the HFAS is partnering with New York area public and charter schools to provide a forum for cultural exposure for young people. This will be the first time that some children will have had to view authentic fine art. Students will experience the exhibit throughout the day on Friday, February 25 for Art, History and Ancestry Day! Lastly, the HFAS is a stunning networking opportunity for an eclectic gathering of patrons from throughout the tri-state area, as well as up and down the eastern seaboard - to exchange ideas and naturally promote inter-cultural awareness.
The HFAS is built upon the tradition of the well-loved and well-established Black Fine Arts Show, held for 14 years at New York's Puck Building, which drew thousands from all over the country.
More than 100 artists and galleries will be featured at the 20011 Harlem Fine Arts Show - including:
* New York photographer Ming Smith, well-known for her informal, sometimes whimsical, in-action portraits of Black cultural figures from James Baldwin to Nina Simone. Her work is currently on exhibit at MOMA.
* Leroy Campbell, perhaps best-known for his silhouetted elongated figures with long necks, who describes his art as "a celebration of Black lifestyles," working in a media mix of pastels, ink, acrylic, fabric and charcoal.
* Harlem born Ray Grist, international painter, lecturer and educator, whose work was selected in 2010 by Columbia University for inclusion the launch of their program for older professional fine artists: ArtCart.
* Exhibit Curator, Andrew Nichols, whose oil paintings have been procured by several members of the New Jersey Nets, is best-known for his works "Goodnight," "Harmony" and "Good Morning."
Participating galleries include Golden Gallery of Denver, Colorado and E&S Gallery of Louisville, Kentucky, which will be offering the masters - the works of Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden and others.
