In conjunction with the current exhibition at the Taft Museum of Art, George Inness in Italy, I will be apart of the series A Place For Art ,where I will share how place and environment influence Inness’s and my work. American Painter George Inness (1825 – 1894) is remembered for his tonal style of landscape painting. His travels to Italy had a profound impact on his desire to be recognized as a great Master and his spiritual view of nature and the human condition. Inness traditionally looked to other artist for inspiration and created his on voice in landscape painting to latter become a master in his own right. Like Inness I am also inspired by my environment and the work of artist both past and contemporary who inspire my paintings and their spiritual significance. Join me at the Taft Museum of Art for special lecture on Inness’s work and how our work is related and inspired by place. To RSVP for this event visit this Link to the Taft Museum of Art at or visit the facebook event page.

Last week painter/sculpture and Xavier University Fine Art Professor Kelly Phelps, brought his Senor art students to see my work. Kelly Phelps is one half of the dynamic Duo Kelly and Kyle Phelps who do amazing sculptures that relate to social and economic concerns. Its was an honor to share with the young aspiring artist and art educators my journey as an artist and the experiences I remember as a student who once walked in their shoes. Thank you Kelly Phelps for this opportunity to share with your class and thank you Xavier students for stopping down to see my art.
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It is truly an honor to work with ArtWorks once again as the Project Manager for the Avondale Pride Mural. For four weeks myself along with my teaching artist Amanda Colley and eight talented Apprentice Artists, Steven Cavanaugh, Mariah Clark, Sam Cope, Avondale Youth Council member Armonie’ Demus, Kwesi – Kyles Taylor, Teresa Parker, Kelly Sadlon, and Isaac Walker, had the task making the mural that was inspired by the words and aspirations of the Avondale Youth Council come to life. Though the final design was completed weeks before we began, my apprentices on our first day of work brought to the table ideas that where latter incorporated in the completed mural. It’s the faith,patients,confidence and hard work that my team displayed day in and day out that made this collaborative community driven project work. The design is based on a map of Avondale, which includes some of the major streets that links the neighborhood together. This mural that celebrates peace, hope, victory, and pride is framed with the rich architecture of the monuments that rest on Reading Road along with images that reference home,family and recreational parks. I would like to send a special thanks to the Avondale Youth Council for inspiring me from day one. My team of talented artists had the muscle that got the job done and I could not have done it without them by my side. Most of all I would like to thank ArtWorks and the sponsors who believe in giving our city great public art for us and generations to enjoy.

Follow these links to see our team on Local 12 News and WLWT News 5

Local 12 News
http://www.local12.com/news/local/story/Kids-Use-Art-To-Send-Message-About-Crime/yIbm8Blqdki4u6UuTTK22A.cspx

WLWT News 5
http://www.wlwt.com/video/29189036/detail.html

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