The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
HONORING WITH ART
Lorain Arts Council to celebrate impact of Black and Hispanic figures in February
“Art still has meaning for a lot of people; kids still like to paint and it still has that magic to it.” — Jeff Pye, local artist and art facilitator at Harrison Cultural Community Centre
The celebration of the cultural impacts of both Black and Hispanic figures will be on display for the month of February as the Lorain Arts Council is getting ready to host the third annual James F. Pye Sr. Community Art Exhibit at 737 Broadway in downtown Lorain.
Art students at Harrison Cultural Community Centre in Lorain currently are creating the works.
“It’s meant to coincide with Black History Month,” said Jeff Pye, Lorain artist and facilitator of the art projects at the culture center, and lead artist for the upcoming exhibit. “We have works of modern and historical figures that represent and celebrate Black History and culture.
“I also wanted to include
Hispanic history and culture because there is a lot of overlap there and history that needs to be celebrated and explored.”
Pye, who is the son of James F. Pye Sr., said the art that he is guiding for the exhibit is from a pretty wide demographic of artists.
“It’s art by various students and adults,” he said. “This is a free community arts center for folks.
“It’s mainly for kids that can come here after school and work on their art and be encouraged to build on those talents, skills and passions. The purpose is so they contribute their time to this art exhibit. It’s also a great way for them to display their talent.”
Pye said he focuses the young students that he mentors in art with “Start With Art” and focusing on
Community Art Life Matters (CALM).
“That’s what we need today, more calm, we don’t need to have people jump up to conclusions,” he said. “Art still has meaning for a lot of people; kids still like to paint and it still has that magic to it.”
Antonio Barrios, executive director of the Lorain Arts Council, said the upcoming art show will allow local artists to shine.
“We’re communityminded,” Barrios said. “We
are not so much interested in finding a big professional artist to come and do a show.
“We are more interested in finding the local artists and trying to help promote them. Jeff and I have worked for quite a few years together. This is something that we do every year for Black History Month.”
Pye said he tries to offer free workshops for people in the community.
“If you want to draw and paint, you don’t have
to be used to it, just come and try,” he said. “I help guide them forward, and it can be very uplifting for people.
“After this show, we will probably be showing at Lorain County Community College, but being from Lorain, the Arts Council has got to have first dibs.”
Barrios said novel coronavirus pandemic protocols will be implemented for the show.
“It will be socially distanced,” he said. “We have it spread out and no more than 10 people at a time.
“We will keep the flow going so people who want to get in will be able to see the art. As an art organization, COVID has killed us. So, will need to have folks coming in, but we will make sure it is safe.”
The show starts Feb. 5 and the last day of the month.
It will open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
We have works of modern and historical figures that represent and celebrate Black History and culture. I also wanted to include Hispanic history and culture because there is a lot of overlap there and history that needs to be celebrated and explored.” — Jeff Pye, local artist and art facilitator at Harrison Cultural Community Centre