Charles Bibbs

Charles Bibbs has always believed that we are the keepers of our culture, and as such, has spent much of his time working towards developing a cohesive, energized African American community. He is a committed activist on behalf of economic development and empowerment in the community, spending much of his free time holding seminars and workshops with young people.

In his quest to preserve and develop the visual arts, Charles Bibbs has founded Art 2000, a non-profit visual art association that informs and inspires artists and art patrons alike. Out of this association has grown Images Magazine, the first national publication dedicated to ethnic art.

Another one of Charles’ passions is jazz music; and by founding the Inland Empire Music and Arts Foundation, another non-profit organization, he has been able to bring an annual world class jazz and art festival to Southern California, while providing much needed funding for a number of art and music programs. Charles Bibbs’ artwork manages to fuse African, African American and Native American cultural themes, to make powerful cross cultural statements. His work is thought provoking and capable of arousing strong emotions regardless of ethnic, gender and generational affiliation. Although he may have an idea or vision in mind when painting a particular piece, Charles prefers each individual who views his work to gain a personal vision from his artwork.

Across the board, his renderings convey a deep sense of spirituality, majesty, dignity, strength and grace. It is sufficient to say, however his works are viewed, whatever individual emotions they may evoke, they remain characteristically and recognizably Bibbs.

www.theworldart.com

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Danny Broadway

Mixing rich, thin layers of light and dark acrylic pigments with broad, energetic brushstrokes and vibrant colors, artist Danny Broadway exudes his talents by creating pieces that speak to a viewer’s soul. As ancestral memories flood his mind and senses with the sounds, smells, sentiments, sensations, and actions of various eras, Broadway contemplatively depicts serene scenes that entice viewers to gaze often upon history in the present. Though Broadway has a quiet disposition, his art speaks volumes. His disciplined, yet freely expressed, creativity led him to a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Memphis.

His creations span several media types reflecting an artist that is always in motion and striving to reach new heights with his talent. Even as a youngster, Broadway connected with his inherent calling as an artist and has heartfelt memories of creating art. From then until today, Broadway has constantly sought new ways to evolve as an artist. His focus and passion has been evidenced by his dedication to his craft since high school when a dedicated instructor, recognizing Broadway’s diligence and desire, took Broadway under her wing.

Broadway’s dedication to the community is evinced in the numerous paintings and art workshop sessions he donates locally and nationally. Often utilizing his artistic talents to rally support for charitable organizations such as The Memphis Child Advocacy Center, The American Liver Foundation, SOCKS, The American Heart Association, The March of Dimes, Friends for Life, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Memphis.

Broadway currently serves as Artist in Residence at St. Georges Independent School where he provides budding artists with the same inspiration he discovered through disciplined creativity. Broadway’s strong artistic sense and steadfast commitment to the community also led Silver Starr Art Studios LLC (SSAS), an arts and entertainment consulting and design firm, to select Broadway as an SSAS Visual Fine Art Division In-House Artist. ~Red Door Gallery

www.dannybroadway.com

Gallery Guichard

Housed in the historic Supreme Life annex (founded in 1919), in Chicago, Illinois, is a three-story building in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood  that illuminates the block of 35th  and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.  The sand colored exterior, with large oblong windows providing glimpses of artwork inside, serves as a creative beacon in the city’s revitalized Black Metropolis.

Artist, Andre Guichard, helps to fuel this structure’s aura.  Started in 2005, Guichard features his work as well as 35 other artists of the African Diaspora. This gallery was designed by the owners. Gallery Guichard is artistically designed with a combination of high ceilings, track lighting and peek-a-boo insets that complement the original works of art in various mediums, sculptures, collages, blown glass, ceramics, metal sculptured lighting fixtures, and furniture.

Music resounds in the gallery and complements the majestic three-story space, as guests wander across the shiny mahogany wood floors, flat-screen TVs show crowded openings and collectors who inform guest of the value of collecting artwork of the African Diaspora. As you walk up to the 3rd floor   you can even see artwork on the ceiling. The gallery showcases new artist every six to eight weeks and always has a huge inventory of work that appeals to everyone.

The mission of Gallery Guichard is to continue to expose the art community to the art of the African Diaspora.  The Gallery strives to provide a portal to fine art and artists of different parts of the African Diaspora.  Gallery owners, Andre, and his wife, Frances Guichard, Stephen Mitchell and Stanley B. Stallworth are best described as a collaborative partnership of artists, collectors and art administrators who take ownership of the mission and who create a unique experience for everyone who visits the gallery. 

www.galleryguichard.com

Dayo Laoye

Dayo is from Southwest Nigeria which is the heart if Yoruba culture. He is from a highly esteemed family and grew up in Ibaden, Nigeria. Dayo Graduated from the School of fine art, Yaba College of technology near Lagos, Nigeria. His early formal training as a painter involved learning the style of modern masters. Dayo eventually found himself studying art at Howard University in Washington D.C. and was influenced by the philosophy of Dr. Alain Locke who challenged Black artist to incorporate their ancestry into their work. He developed a style that reflected his experiences in America while embracing his heritage and maintaining a firm foundation in his past.

Dayo has worked as a graphic designer and book illustrator. As a custodian of Yoruba culture, He has taught his native language and consults on many aspects of the Yoruba worldview. His works have been shown in galleries across the country and are in hundreds of private collections.

Dayo has used his talent in many roles, including political cartoonist and graphic designer. His decision to pursue painting on a full-time basis has resulted in a carefully crafted collection of academically advanced and intensely personal portraits and still life paintings. Rich with color and texture, Dayo applies a daub of himself in every painting, be it his own concept or a portrait of a subject.

Dayo Laoye’s paintings tell the story of an African-American’s journey to collect and expand his heritage while maintaining a firm foundation in his past. Having spent the better portion of his artistic career in the study and production of what he calls “academic art”, Dayo now opts to create more abstract, personal portraits that depict both the exterior and interior of his subjects. His paintings straddle the line between the real and abstract.

Pearlie Taylor

A resident of Chicago, IL, Pearlie is an abstract expressionist artist. Over the past thirty years Pearlie has worked primarily in acrylics but also uses a variety of mediums to express her abstract themes. Her influences range from Jackson Pollack to Richard Dempsey from each she studied their approach to the image thereby enhancing her own ability to create non-representational expression.  In her work she uses color to describe things or feelings in their most fundamental way.  

Over the past thirty years, Pearlie has worked primarily in acrylics but also uses a variety of mediums to express her abstract themes. She has studied at The American Academy of Art, and the South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC). She is the recipient of the 2004-05 African American Alliance of the Arts Award for Excellence in Abstract Art, and has been published in the March 2006 issue of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, 2007 Spring/Summer Anniversary issue of BridesNoir Bridal Magazine and the September/October 2007 issue of Chicago GRO Magazine. She won third prize ribbon at Black Creativity 2008 juried art exhibition held at The Museum of Science and Industry.

Included in Pearlie's many exhibitions are a solo exhibition at the University of Illinois at Chicago the 2007 National Black Fine Arts Show in New York and Embrace the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, Georgia.  Pearlie's work is collected around the country and has been exhibited internationally.  

Publications: Artwork aired on The Morning Show Feb. 9, 2008; 2007 Spring/Summer Anniversary issue of Brides Noir Bridal Magazine; 2007 September/October issue of Chicago GRO Magazine; March 2006 issue of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine.

www.pearlietaylorgallery.com

Kenneth Gatewood

Gatewood has been an acclaimed watercolor artist for over twenty-five years. He has dedicated his life’s work to capturing the spontaneity, curiosity, mischievousness, innocence and intensity of children from all over the world.  The realism of each image is brought to life in a way that reflects Gatewood’s incredible gift. Gatewood captures the spirit within all of us. He reaches within each image and brings it to life. They are our children. They are our families. They are our heritage.

Gatewood is an award winning artist. He recently was honored by the Beverly Hills Arts Festival as the Best Artist in the show and received the Jacob Lawrence Award for his tireless work and service within the Los Angeles community.  Many collectors comment on the way Gatewood captures the eyes...it is through the eyes of a child you will find the heart and soul of Kenneth Gatewood and his passion for art. Look within each image and you may find someone you know. Through the eyes of a child Kenneth’s gift is brought to life.

Gatewood's delicate focus on the innocence and spontaneity of children provides him with his greatest satisfaction and acclaim. "I want to capture the special moments, the innocent expressions, and the impulsiveness of children", said Gatewood. His art reflects a continuous evolution of personal growth and has been commissioned by major motion picture studios, television and music production companies, and various corporations, as well as by individual collectors.

As the original creator of "baby sports" artwork, Gatewood took the sports licensing world by storm. At one point, Gatewood became the only artist in the world to be officially licensed with the National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball. The world embraced images of such greats as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Shaquille O'Neal, Joe Montana, Wayne Gretsky, Larry Bird, John Elway, Jack Nicholas, Cal Ripken and others.

Gatewood boasts an incredible collection of autographed fine art sports paintings including Jordan, Ali, Stockton, Malone and many others. In addition, Gatewood's artwork has been featured in SPORT Magazine, Sports Collectors Digest, Trading Cards Magazine, the Encyclopedia of Sports Memorabilia, KABC Channel 7 News and on the hit show "My Wife and Kids", "Boomtown" and the nationally syndicated television show, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". Commissions include Naismith Foundation, Black Enterprise Magazine, Keyshawn Johnson Foundation, UCLA, University of Michigan, and others.

Gatewood possesses an unyielding commitment to the inner city and frequently reaches out to the community to nurture the talents and aspirations of others. His volunteer work with schools across the country offers guidance and hope to children. "I want children to know the importance of education, respect and self-expression." Gatewood works with battered women and children and is currently a volunteer with the Naismith Foundation helping disadvantaged children in the Caribbean. He has also garnered recognition for his volunteer work with a large AIDS organization (NAESM) in Atlanta, Georgia.

www.kennethgatewoodart.com

Jonathon Romain

Jonathon Romain has been an artist for most of his life and a successful gallery-owner for nearly 15 years. Peer into his paintings and you'll feel the shifty movement that pulsates in his art.

Romain has had to meander his way through the complex world of art-dealing. He started by selling his art to several galleries and eventually obtained employment at one. His experience with the gallery's owner provided the artist with the confidence to start a gallery of his own. Upon the acquisition of his own showroom, Romain's eye shifted from strictly art, to the business of art. He quickly established himself as one of the city's premier businessmen, garnering a New Business of the Year Award in 1997.

In 2002, the National Black Prosecutors' Association commissioned the artist to compose a work of art that would symbolize its mission. In addition to presenting his commissioned piece, Romain presented Bill Clinton, the keynote speaker at the painting's unveiling, with an original oil portrait of the President soulfully blowing his trademark saxophone.

Romain's paintings and drawings are colorful abstract pieces; portraits of Barack Obama and Malcolm X as well as the dispossessed and down-and-out; poetic and well-composed nudes; pieces commissioned for friends who happen also to be leaders in their field, whether business or media. It's artwork that has attracted the attention of Black Entertainment Television, the Food Network's cooking whiz Emeril Lagasse, Oprah Winfrey and national news shows. His work has been showcased in museums, galleries and exhibitions throughout the country: The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, The Studio Museum of Harlem and The National Black Fine Art Show in New York among them.

Jonathon has also leveraged his talent on many occasions to benefit the communities in which he serves. He has helped to raise tens of thousands of dollars for minority scholarships and community organizations throughout the country. He presently sits on the Board of Directors for Illinois one Family one Child and the Peoria Black Chamber of Commerce.

Romain has had a number of commissions for organizations such as the National Black Prosecutors Association, Cook County Bar Association, State Farm and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. just to name a few. He speaks on a regular basis to schools and organizations across the Country about his incredible will to succeed when all odds were hopelessly against him. He literary gave up blood, sweat and tears to get to where he is today.

Abiola Akintola

Abiola is a true hybrid of different art generations. A native of Nigeria, he began to study formal art at an early age of 9. From mastering the techniques of life drawings, anatomy, portraiture figure-paintings, and sculpture, he proceeded to earn a college degree in Sculpture and exploited sculptural art as a translational form for representational and expressionistic paintings.

His apprenticeship with Tunde Odunlade (batik-maker), Paulette Gartsher (ceramist), and Ademola Akintola (world-class painter) helped launch his 1987 maiden art exhibit at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture. Following great successes, he settled in the U.S. under the invitation and sponsorship of renowned Art Promoter, Peju Wilson.

His recent works have been much influenced by the London-based abstract Painter, Ademola. In the new millennium, his latest paintings, especially, "Waiting" and "Mademoiselle", both Acrylic on Canvas, transcend abstract art forms and impressionism, as he seeks to render a mixture of realism, fantasy, and sensuality with intense and vibrant colors, sometimes embedding humorous inventiveness, where one discovers the depth of emotions.

Abiola’s latest paintings, such as “Waiting” and “Mademoiselle” acrylics on canvas, transcend abstract art forms and impressionism. He seeks to render a mixture of realism, fantasy, and sensuality with intense and vibrant colors, sometimes embedding humorous inventiveness, where one discovers the depth of emotions. In several of Abiola’s works, he exhibit’s a deconstructive and re-creationist of forms in ways that complement his saturated use of colors.

Abiola exhibits a de-constructivist and re-creationist of forms in ways that complement his saturated use of colors. Many of his paintings embody his personal statement of freedom, versatility, and open-mindedness needed for new creations. Abiola lives and works in Chicago. While showing in assorted galleries and exhibitions around the USA and in Chicago he is permanently shown by his friend, renowned American artist Marc Richard Rubin, at Marc Rubin Gallery, Chicago 3333 W. Arthington.

Ron Witherspoon

Fiber Art

www.rondellfiberart.com

Stacey Brown

Stacey Brown, currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia offers an eclectic collection of original paintings for the contemporary art lover. Born and reared in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, he came to Atlanta and began his artistic journey of discovery with aspirations for a career in graphic design. After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, he embarked on a successful ten year career in graphic design, but something was "missing" in his life.

After ten years, that something "missing" drew him to his paint brush, and he decided to pursue his true passion, fine art. His love for the arts has led him to a successful career as a full-time artist, expressing himself through acrylic paintings on glass, and watercolor on paper. Each painting is born of his imagination, and keen observations of everyday life, always colorful, lively, and unique.

Stacey Brown and his art have been featured in Decor Magazine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Indianapolis Star newspapers, and numerous other publications. Featured in the private collections of the Dazz Band, grammy award-winning songwriter Kandi Burrus, and many art lovers throughout the country, Stacey Brown emerges as a visionary artisitic talent for the 21st century.

www.sbrownart.com