Festival is free and open to the public

The arts exhibition features the selected works of women of color throughout the metro Atlanta area.

The 2010 festival will exhibit the work of 3 artists – Aarica J. Blackett, D. Lammie-Hanson and Doriane Sewell.

• When: The Visual Exhibition will be on display from March 15th – March 31st 2010

• Where : Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture & History
  101 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303

Visual Artist Opening Reception
Date: Friday March 26th, 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Aarica J. Blackett

Aarica J. Blackett is a young, budding, new artist residing in Atlanta, GA. Although she has expressed her creativity in different art forms all her life, she started painting on canvas during her senior year in college. Described as vibrant and picturesque, her artwork focuses on African-American women in various stages of life. Her gallery, entitled Art Pieces of a Dream, includes more than 50 pieces, and each art piece is crafted using an acrylic medium, with some also including mixed media. In addition to canvas paintings, Aarica also paints on 100% silk ties and various clothing designs. She is also the author of the recently published book, No Longer Daddy’s Little Girl, a book that encourages young girls to strive towards being the best, regardless of their situation. College, with a Bachelor ’s degree in Economics and a minor in French. Artist Statement: “The art of creation is such a wonderful process to witness. Adding lines, colors, and emotions to a blank canvas produces endless possibilities for dreams to come alive.”

D. Lammie-Hanson

D. Lammie-Hanson Hanson is a self-taught artist who was born and raised in Harlem, New York. She began her life in the arts as a dancer at the tender age of 3 1/2 at the Ruth Williams Dance Studio in Harlem with ballet. She exhibited talent as a visual artist at the age of 5. Due to the fact that she was raised strictly Catholic, she drew her inspiration from figures in the Stations of the Cross from church and the stories they told. As she matured so did her art where her inspiration was derived from psychological and emotional side of womanhood and her culture. She relies on strong primary colors of blues and reds to convey brilliance or simplicity with black/white. Artist Statement: “My approach to most of the work I create is a cross between socio-psychology experiment and storytelling. Either way it is basic human interaction. All artwork has a story to tell. Everyone has a story to tell no matter what race, creed or color…”

Doriane Sewell

Doriane Sewell is a staple on the art scene, with over 10 years of specialized art forms. This renowned artist draws, paints, and sculpts. Doriane, an Atlanta native, has been immersed into the rich art culture that Atlanta has to offer, since the age of 14. With such an early appreciation for the arts, this became her immediate outlet and creative springboard to provide others with a sense of how she sees and embraces the world. Doriane’s art work has garnered her national recognition. She won first place prize in 2006 at the 20th Annual National Arts Program, City of Atlanta and her work has been commissioned by 2008 Olympic Gold Medal Champion and 2009 Gold Medal World Champion, Shelly Ann-Fraser. Doriane’s versatility in her art reflects style and blends her dynamic life experiences and accomplishments. Doriane has a Master’s in Public Health in Health Education from top-ranking, Emory University. She aspires to use art in her daily work.