Sunday, February 7, 2010

2/5: First Fridays art walk featuring African-American art

Rebecca Clark The Arizona Republic Feb. 2, 2010 12:54 PM

"Lady Universe," by Lalla Benefield, is just one of the several pieces of art showcased in the African American Vibes of the City.

In a state that's population is predominately Caucasian and Hispanic, sometimes other ethnic groups get little recognition for their contributions to Arizona culture.

African American Vibes of the City: 'Mixed Media Art Exhibition'
When:
6 to 8 p.m. opening reception Friday, Feb. 5. Exhibition through Feb. 27.
Where:
Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix.
Admission:
Free.
Details:
602-262-4627, phoenix.gov/ PARKS/phxctr.html.
First Fridays art walk

As such, 11 years ago, Larry Wilson, a local artist and a former arts coordinator for Phoenix saw a need to represent the African arts culture in the Valley, and created the exhibition "African American Vibes of the City."

According to the 2008 census, Maricopa County reported less than 5 percent of its population as African-American.

"I created this event originally as an educational process," Wilson said. "A lot of the Valley's African-American artists didn't know how to go about applying in the Scottsdale galleries and some of the bigger shows. I also wanted to give the African-American artists exposure, because many of them had never shown their art publicly."

When the exhibition first began, seven African-American artists participated. This year, more than 35 are expected at "African American Vibes of the City" exhibition at the Phoenix Center for the Arts on Friday .

"A lot of the artists who started with us continue to show at this event," Wilson said, "but we have also accrued a lot of young, fresh talent."

Stacia Holmes, a recreational coordinator for Phoenix Center for the Arts, said the event has come to mean a great deal to the Valley's African-American community.

"There are not a whole lot of galleries that cater to or specialize in artwork by African-Americans," she said.

The event will feature both two- and three-dimensional works of art, such as photography, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and metals, from prominent Valley artists such as Lalla Benefield, Chinue Moore and Stephen Marc. Wilson will judge the artwork for creativity, style technique, degree of difficulty and originality.

"It is important to let the African-American community, especially the kids, know that if you have this kind of talent, it shouldn't be swept under the rug," Wilson said.

The exhibition will open with a free First Friday gallery reception 6 to 8 p.m. Friday during which visitors can tour the gallery, meet the artists and enjoy live music and refreshments.

"It is a unique event," Wilson said. "There are no other venues on the First Friday tour that exclusively show African-American art."

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