On August 6 the Red Piano Too Art Gallery is hosting its 19th “Annual Summer Art Show at 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. This art show is a convergence of over 50 artists and authors from the Lowcountry and around country.  The “Featured Artist” this year is artist, musician and fine arts educator Amiri Geuka Farris. Amiri is a renowned African-American artist whose works are represented in major collections and museums around the nation including the Smithsonian Museum of American Art in Washington, D.C. <!--more--><a href="http://www.beaufortislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Amiri-Farris-3.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2373" title="Amiri Farris 3" src="http://www.beaufortislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Amiri-Farris-3-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a><a href="http://www.beaufortislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Amiri-Farris-4.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2374" title="Amiri Farris 4" src="http://www.beaufortislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Amiri-Farris-4-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>
Amiri’s powerful paintings combine an alluring mix of vivid colors and layered textures that evoke images of the Sea Islands Gullah culture.  His creative vision introduces us to uplifting moments and insight into his contemporary view of Gullah culture.  He has captured the spirit of a people who have preserved their African customs and traditions of net making, basket weaving, quilting and bateaux building.  Deep, engaging layers attract you to look deeper in to the painting, where empowering images and colors dance across the canvas in an energetic show of expression.  Amiri states, “I combine original imagery to create art that celebrates Gullah life and its historic elements; but also forcing on contemporary experiences.”
The Red Piano Too Art Gallery is thrilled to showcase this newly created collection of Amiri Farris. Gallery owner, Mary I. Mack said “every year we agonize over a theme for the Summer Show.  This year we asked the artists to just go where the spirit takes them.”  “Featured Artist” Amiri Farris chose for his theme “Summertime,” and created a body of work reflecting this theme. He even wrote a new song called “Summertime” that he will perform at the show.
Joining the featured artist and various gallery artists are numerous Lowcountry authors. Pierre McGowan, Heyward Inabinett and Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor will accompany Pat Browning author of the new coffee table, art-laden cookbook “Shrimp, Collards and Grits.” Pat previously hosted daily broadcasts on food and entertainment, teaming up with notable chefs from around the country while developing an enthusiasm for anything Southern — especially cooking! She has compiled this assemblage of keepsake recipes from generations of Southern cooks, timeless recipes still being served nowadays at oyster roasts, barbecues, ladies luncheons, teas and lavish dinner parties throughout the Lowcountry, where Pat now makes her home. Today, Pat Browning works as a freelance writer, cookbook author and food editor.
Come out and join the artists and authors at the Red Piano Too Art Gallery, 870 Sea Island Parkway on St. Helena Island on Saturday, August 6 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, please call 838-2241.