Gallery Night and Day to feature two local artists

Gallery Night and Day at the King Drive Commons Gallery and Studio will be held on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, January 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is located at 2767 North Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. This art exhibit is called, “Points of View,” recognizing the visual artwork of Willie Lamar and Greg Cox.

Artist Willie Lamar became interested in art and photography while in third grade when his teacher brought in pictures from the Grand Canyon. This inspired him to start taking pictures of his neighborhood, friends and adventures. While in college he took photography and film classes and worked in the dark room developing his photos. Willie became fascinated with panoramic landscape photography, combining several images to create one seamless picture. This inspired him to develop fine art photography and to find new ways to view an object or place.

Artist Greg Cox recalls painting at the age of five. However, in tenth grade his commercial art teacher discouraged him from drawing. Many years later in 2010 while viewing artwork on the internet he decided to go back to sketching. Other than spending time with family and work, a great deal of his time was then spent in the art supply stores acquiring materials and going home to paint and sketch. Devoting many hours to his artwork he rediscovered and developed his gift in painting and in drawing with charcoal, pencil and graphite. He acquired the skill that just by looking at a picture and using various kinds pencils and a paintbrush technique he can draw it the same but in his own version.

Friday’s night entertainment will include live rhythm and blues musical selections by MAK’E and Soul Trio, performing cherished tunes by Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Al Green. Also featured will be an educational presentation recognizing the poetic lyrics of Curtis Mayfield. A panel discussion is also featured on lyrics heard in popular Rap to those of earlier music.

This is one of a series of “Art of Health” programs developed by Marquita F. Edwards.

This program is an innovative kaleidoscope of connecting forms of cultural arts and areas of health, to engage communities in promoting healthier lifestyles for the mind, body and spirit.

With culinary delights by Pas Da Peas Catering, the event is free and open to the public.

This event is sponsored by Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation and the Bader Philanthropies Inc.