BLACK ARTISTS GROUP (BAG)
BLACK ARTISTS GROUP OF ORLANDO
From 1968 to 1972, St. Louis was home to the Black Artists’ Group (BAG), a seminal arts collective that nurtured African American experimentalists working in theater, visual arts, dance, poetry, and jazz. As debates over civil rights, nationalism, and the role of the arts in contemporary struggles all found form in BAG, the organization quickly became one of the Midwest’s most significant exemplars of the emergent Black Arts Movement of the 1960s.
A great cultural organization is re-born in Orlando, FloridaInspired by a need for an assertive Black cultural renaissance in the Orlando area, Everett Spruill and a group of visual artists decided in 2007 to revive the "BLACK ARTISTS' GROUP".
BAG of Orlandos' mission is to raise society's Black cultural consciousness and elevate Black Artists, through economic empowerment, to an equal status in American Society. BAG and its members will established and promote art exhibitions for the general public, and focus on socio-economic concerns including wealth building and financial security for artists of color.
BAG Goals and Objectives
BAG is a cultural organization that promotes and exhibits African, Afro- American and Afro-Caribbean artists in the Orlando community to the general public. BAG is especially interested in socio-economic issues concerning Artists of color.
BAG objectives include:
- strengthening links among all artist and arts professionals concerned with elevating artists of African descent into the American mainstream
- planning and implementing cooperative projects between art organizations and the private sector
- introducing artists to current commercial opportunities and services
- sharing our cultural heritage while promoting cooperative economics
Please visit our member sites.
Jerry Farmer "I got started working as a freelance artist
from my home studio and participating in local art
shows. I'm a self taught artist. My drawings and painting
include portraits of sports figures, rustic urban scenery and
urban black art".
Michael Magee “Influenced by the love of music and the love of art, I paint lyrical impressions of life by changing harmonies into colors and by turning iambic expression in to images.”
Everett Spruill As a mid career artist Everett explores his personal world of contemporary aesthetics and culture. He creates a dialogue with the viewers of his ethnically inspired images using his own mixed media visual language. Spruill creates images in bold colors, using a variety of mediums. His images are ethereal, thought provoking and spiritual as they illustrate his Afro-centric visions.
Jane Turner "I believe that the inherent urge of the artist finds expression in making a personal statement about belief, value and the quality of living. My intent is to enhance lives by reflecting on the impact of past historical events, record the present, and bridge the gap between the two, for the future".
Tamerlane Bey- "I have been fascinated with Art ever since I could remember. As a youth growing up in Harlem, NY, you had to stay focused in order to survive in the streets. On a typical day when all my friends were out 'ballin’, shootin’ dice, cuttin’ school, and ‘mackin’, I was discovering the wonders of Art in my third floor apartment in Jefferson projects".
Lydia Boggus "I live and breathe art and design. Although I work fulltime for a living. This is my passion. I dedicate hours daily to my art. I'm thirty three years old and discovered my hidden talent around twenty six. This is who I am, it completes me. I can express myself in ways others can relate to. Hopefully after viewing, You too can enjoy and start your healing process".
Evelyn Karuhaunga " My inspiration comes from the desire to enjoy every aspect of the artistic expression that I am capable of representing"
Woody Anderson - Woody has been painting for over 20 years. It is only now that he feels, after hearing from others, that he has a little something to give to the vast world of art. You be the judge.
Torria Hudson - Womyn2womyn.com showcases the custom made jewelry of Torrial Hudson and the paintings of Rochelle Howard.
Mike Chatman- Mike is a Folk Artist currently living in Orlando, FL- check out his paintings.
Alfred Williams
Kolongi- Kolongis' interest in art started at an early age. At eight years of age he was awarded first prize in a country wide Barbadian competition. Self taught without the benefit of traditional teachers, Kolongi has forged his own style for which he continues to receive international recognition. The diverse subject matter of Kolongi's work includes Family, Culture, Spirituality and the Black Experience.Kolongis' motto is “make wise use of your time”.
Toni Taylor Having had no formal training, Toni readily acknowledges the foundation of her gift as a blessing from God. Studying the works of other artists in addition to much trial and error ~ a continual process ~ helped to hone her skill to the level it is today.
THEN 2 NOW R&B BAND, founded by Larry Hicks
REQUEST FOR SPONSORS
2008 BAG Theme
The 2008 BAG theme ”Bridging the Economic Divide: Artist’s of Color and Mainstream American Culture” challenges us to explore and celebrate the ways in which artists of color can cooperate and solve common problems related to building wealth and financial security. We cordially welcome your contributions and friendship as we construct bridges for sharing Black culture through the promotion of fine art exhibition in Central Florida.
The BAG Program Committee is seeking sponsors to support our 2008 exhibition schedule. Your generous sponsorship would be highlighted in announcements to our members throughout the year. During receptions each sponsor will be provided opportunities to make presentations about their products and services. Your company logo will also be included on all promotional materials including print ads, posters and invitations. We also include your company in an article about BAG to be published in our newsletter and by local media outlets. All of the representatives of sponsors would be most welcome to attend so that we could thank you personally for your support.
Corporate Sponsors for the 2008 schedule of events are being recruited now. Sponsorship contributions of $2500 will provide significant visibility through public service ads and numerous displays during the entire month of each exhibition. Additional details will be provided to committed sponsors. I would be most appreciative of a telephone call to let me know of your interest.
My telephone number is 407-754-6133. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for considering this request.
Sincerely yours,
Everett Spruill
Founder, Black Artist’s Group of Orlando