Featured artists include
James Threalkill, Michael J. McBride, Michael “Ol Skool” Mucker, John “Jahni”
Moore and James Spearman Jr.
While the traveling
exhibit organized by the curatorial staff at the Tennessee State Museum explores
historic resistance to segregation in African American communities, the local
exhibit showcases living artists whose work transcend any limitations of the
past.
"It certainly seems
appropriate to exhibit the work of successful African-American artists in juxtaposition
to the struggles depicted in the Civil Rights Movement artifacts,"
explained Pryor Gallery Curator Rusty Summerville, who organized the local
exhibit.
“The works of the five
artists on display are very diverse, reflecting the personal journey of each,”
Summerville observed.
Alabama native Moore has
won numerous awards for his creative and humanitarian accomplishments.
“As an artist I
understand that my creative platform should not only serve as a means of
inspiration but should also be used as an integral part of the educational
process,” said Moore, who recently served as an art ambassador to South
America. “I have used art as therapy for children’s advocacy and hospice
centers. A creative spirit manifests in the flesh.”
Threalkill spent many
years directing community art programs in his hometown of Nashville. In 1995 he
traveled to South Africa to coordinate a mural project with South African
students for which he received a commendation by President Nelson Mandela
during a personal visit.
Commitment to the
Nashville art world has always been at the forefront of McBride’s career, which
includes instructor, artist, curator, illustrator and commercial artist. He was
one of Nashville 17 artists featured in a sister cities exhibition with
Belfast, Northern Ireland in 2005 – one of many prestigious accomplishments.
“Growing up in the
Golden Age of Hip Hop, graffiti became one of my artistic pastimes that allowed
creative freedom,” said Mucker, a Tennessee artist who works with children to
develop logical application for their creative thoughts and dreams. “Art is visual
music that the eyes play for the mind and soul of the viewer.”
Spearman, a native
Georgian who now lives in Columbia, considers himself a realist and uses oil,
acrylic, pencil and charcoal to capture portraits, landscapes, animals and
other subjects. His work is collected nationally.