Douglasville, Georgia – In celebration of Black History Month, the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County will exhibit new and recent works by local artists Penelope Davis, Donald Holdman, Tracy Murrell, and Delores Surry-Smith during the months of January and February.
Exhibiting various mediums, styles, and subject matters, the exhibit will open Tuesday, January 17 and will remain on view through Wednesday, February 22. The special reception, hosted by the Douglas County Connection, will be held on Saturday, January 28 from 7 until 10 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Council. Gallery admission, tours, and receptions are always free; special gallery tours are available with appointments – 770.949.2787.
Penelope Davis, a South Carolina native, is a self-taught painter of over thirty-five years. A member of the Douglas County Art Guild, Penelope’s favorite subject matters include whimsical faces and florals. While acrylic paint is her medium of choice, she also expresses her love of paper in her mixed media work. Penelope’s work is influenced by fashion, nature, and everyday life.
Donald Holdman, a classically trained painter originally from Colorado, received his degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis on the old masters and classical painting from the University of Colorado. He later attended the Colorado Institute of Art, where he received a degree in Commercial Design and Illustration. After moving to Atlanta in the early 80’s, Holdman worked at Turner Outdoor Advertising, where he had the distinction of being the first black illustrator/ designer hired at the company. After being promoted to creative director, Holdman was further distinguished at “Turner” by being commissioned to design the official artwork for the first Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Celebration.
Tracy Murrell, an Atlanta-based artist, uses silhouettes to re-contextualize imagery of black females as entry points for deeper conversations on gender, race, ethnicity, privilege, and beauty. Painted in high key color, her paintings are reminiscent of Pop and Post-Pop masters such as Lichtenstein, Katz, and Hume. Murrell served as the 2011-2013 President of African Americans for the Arts, and is currently the curator for Hammonds House Museum, as well as a consultant with the National Black Arts Festival.
Delores Surry-Smith, born and raised in Georgia, attended Spelman College before moving to New York – where she married and started a family. About 30 years ago, upon her return to the state, Delores started Sudi Arts, now known as SurrysmithArt.com, as she spent more time developing her artistic talents. Delores’ artwork sets out to show the light and dark sides of how people live. Much like Blues musicians create rich beautiful melodies with dark undertones, Delores works to leave a lasting impression with viewers through the use of varying forms, textures, tones, and techniques.
The Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/ Douglas County, located at 8652 Campbellton Street in historic downtown Douglasville, Georgia, is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For directions and more information, visit www.artsdouglas.org or contact the Cultural Arts Council at 770.949.2787.
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