Delta Invitational features variety of artists statewide
Works of art show Muhammad Ali’s eyes and the Obamas dancing. Photo by Tevin Stinson
Editorial cartoonist Ron Rogers is among the presenters
The Delta Fine Arts Center latest exhibit is designed to shine a light on artist from across the state and right here in our community.
For the past six years The Delta Arts Invitational has brought North Carolinians together to showcase their works. This year 16 artists, including several from right here in Winston-Salem, created masterpieces centered on the theme “Legacy of the Creative Spirits.”
Although the invitational hasn’t had a theme in the past Dr. Allison Fleming, a member of the board of directors who is working with the exhibit, said this year they wanted to try something new.
“We put out a call to artists across the state of North Carolina and we’re always pleased with the response we get,” Fleming continued. “… This year we put out a more specific call to artist normally it’s an open call for any kind of art but this year we constructed a theme for the entire year that was derived from homage to Mandela exhibition that closed last week.
“We wanted to honor the creative spirits of all types through our exhibition in the main gallery as well as our People’s Gallery.”
The Invitational is in the Simona Atkins Allen main gallery.
The exhibit, which opened on Thursday, March 1, includes a variety of paintings and drawings that pay tribute to individuals like Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou and other greats; while other submissions are more abstract. All works by the artists are for sale, with Delta Arts receiving a percentage of the purchase price.
Ron Rogers, graphic designer and editorial cartoonist for The Chronicle, submitted drawings centered around Barack Obama and his time spent in the White House. Rogers who has covered seven U.S. presidents throughout his career, said Obama was his favorite to draw.
Rogers, who has won several awards and worked for some big-name publications throughout his career including the South Bend Tribune in Indiana, said there was energy around Obama’s campaign that he had never seen before.
“I was there [in Chicago] when he [Barack Obama] unofficially announced he was going to run. It was a lot of fun and excitement around his campaign.” Rogers said.
City native Joyce Fulton said she got her inspiration for her painting of an African-American girl performing a dance routine in front of a church congregation from the dance troupe at her church, First Baptist Church (Highland Avenue).
Fulton said she decided to submit the painting because the church has been a source of creativity in the African-American community for generations.
“The church inspired activists, artists, drummers, athletes, I mean everybody,” Fulton said. “The church has always been that force in the black community.”
Others artist featured in the exhibition are: Jerilyn Harney Baker of Winston-Salem, Kevin Bell of Hillsborough, Latisha Coleman of Winston-Salem, Patrice Culbreth of Winston-Salem, Owen Daniels of Winston-Salem, Cheston Dooley of Raleigh, Faye Oldham of Burlington, Barbara Rizza Mellin of Winston-Salem, Hoyte Phifer of Greensboro, Brenda Pinkston of Charlotte, Crystal Pinkston of Charlotte, Kyla Stimpson of Greensboro, Chante Thompson of Winston-Salem and Ronald D. Williams Jr. of Winston-Salem.
The Delta Arts Invitational will be featured until June 30.
The current exhibit in the People’s Gallery highlights 10 mixed media works by Dwight Smith, an artist from Fayetteville, and will be on view through the end of April.
The Delta Fine Arts Center is free and open to the public Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (closed the third Saturday of each month). For more information on the exhibition call (336) 722-2625 or go to http://deltaartscenter.org/.
