Visual Artists

Charles Bibbs: Visual Presentation

The Music Maker

"My most important goal is to make profound aesthetic statements that are ethnically rooted, and at the same time arouse spiritual emotions within us."

Charles Bibbs is an accomplished Fine Art Artist, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist. Born in San Pedro, California, and raised in Harbor City, California, Charles first expressed himself artistically in elementary school. He credits his parents with recognizing and encouraging him to develop his talents. Charles pursued a business career, while at the same time privately cultivating his passion for art. In 1985 he decided to put corporate life behind him and pursue his artistic talent. He was able to combine his artwork with his entrepreneurial spirit by forming B Graphics and Fine Arts, a company to publish and distribute his artwork. The company has grown into one of the most successful publishers and distributors of ethnic artwork in the country; representing a number of established, as well as up and coming artists. Charles Bibbs has been recognized in media nationwide, and his unique style images are featured in the homes of many art collectors, all over the world.

Lady in Black

Charles Bibbs has always believed that we are the keepers of our culture, and as such, has spent much of his time working towards developing a cohesive, energized African American community. He is a committed activist on behalf of economic development and empowerment in the community, spending much of his free time conducting seminars and workshops with young people, and supporting organizations and educational institutions, alike, with his talent. In his quest to preserve and develop the visual arts, Charles Bibbs has founded Art 2000, a non-profit visual art association that informs and inspires artists and art patrons alike. Out of this association has grown Images Magazine, the first national publication dedicated to ethnic art, and Art on Tour, a traveling exhibit that features the works of other artists. Another one of Charles´ passions is jazz music; and by founding the Inland Empire Music and Arts Foundation, another non-profit organization. For 3 years, he has been able to bring an annual world-class jazz and art festival to Southern California, while providing much needed funding for a number of art and music youth programs.

Charles Bibbs' artwork manages to fuse African, African American and Native American cultural themes, to make powerful cross cultural statements. His work is thought provoking and capable of arousing strong emotions regardless of ethnic, gender and generational affiliation. Although he may have an idea or vision in mind when painting a particular piece, Charles prefers each individual who views his work to gain a personal vision from his artwork. Across the board, his renderings convey a deep sense of spirituality, majesty, dignity, strength and grace. It is sufficient to say, however his works are viewed, whatever individual emotions they may evoke, they remain characteristically and recognizably Bibbs.

www.charlesbibbs.net

Poncho Brown: Visual Presentation

Smooth Jazz

Larry "Poncho" Brown is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He pursued his art education at the Maryland Institute College of Art, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1984. He started his first business at the age of 17 as a signwriter, and has been a full-time artist ever since. Much of his early sign work was featured on television commercials and movies including Barry Levinson's "Avalon."

His art, both fine and commercial, has been published nationally in Upscale, Ebony, Ebony Man, Essence, and Jet magazines. The young artist's work adorns the walls of the likes of Dick Gregory, Anita Baker, Bill Cosby, Susan Taylor, and Bernard Bronner to name a few. His most popular artwork, titled "Black is Black," and works from "Egyptian Queens" series have been featured on the former hit TV show "A Different World." "Sidesteppin" was featured on the HBO mini series "Laurie Avenue," and "One Love" has been featured on "In The House."

He is the youngest honorary member of Art 2000, a national multi-cultural visual arts association. Among his convictions is educating young artists. His is the founder of "The African American Youth Art Exhibition" which has been sponsored in Baltimore annually since 1990. He is also one of the founders of Artistic Legacy, which sponsors art workshops with students featuring artists nationwide. "My goal is to provide an outlet for young artists to express themselves, as well as enlighten them on the importance of art in culture."

Admirers often cite rhythm, movement, and unity as favorite elements in his work. He primarily works in acrylic, although he uses a variety of mediums and styles to express his interests in Afrocentric themes, Ancient Egyptology and dance. Poncho's unique style combines past and present art stylizations to create a sense of realism, mysticism, and beauty, which gives his art universal appeal.

www.larryponchobrown.com

Paul Goodnight: Visual Presentation

"Coltrane blows. We hear the plaintive sound - and more. Billy Holiday sings. We hear the melancholy wail - and more. Paul Goodnight paints. We see the animated figures - and more. Between the horn, and the man, there is confession. Between the voice and the woman, there is truth. Between the paints and the painter there are revelations. Revelations of his consummate skill as a draughtsman, of his sensuous colors and often revealing forms, or his ability to see between the figures, melding them into an environment of endless nuances where his own passions infuse the picture with human resonance.

Paul Goodnight's art - inspired by his travels to diverse parts of the black world, and energized by his willingness to live life fully - opens a world of women, men, and children who, though on paper and canvas, are familiar, intimate, and engaging. Paul Goodnight's art offers rich evidence of his artistic mastery, visual and compositional audacity, and love of ordinary black people. His art delights the eye and satisfies the spirit. In short - it lives."

- Edmund Barry Gaither, Director of the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists

www.eandsgallery.com/goodnight_page.htm

Adrienne Mills: Body/Face Painting (Continuous Painting)

Gilded Paisley

Adrienne Mills, noted proprietor of Figure Photos in Washington, DC, is back for a second year and will demonstrate her intricate body painting designs on a variety of models and willing Festival attendees. Models wear tube and tank tops that will also be painted along with the body.

To paint her models, she will use acrylics and theatrical makeup. Tools that will be used to create the signature designs will include brushes and stamps. Mills, in her own words, offers tips to interested body painting artists, "Airbrush is quicker and great for longer lasting body paint. It will not come off with things anyone touches. Theatrical makeup is a little better than regular makeup, but it doesn’t stay as much as acrylics."

Mills further explains, "As for airbrush templates, I use just about anything that has an interesting edge. I have used a utility knife to cut shapes from Styrofoam plates. I have also worked with torn and folded paper, cardboard cutouts, plastic food storage lids and containers. I have also used net stockings and rulers and I will use just about anything I can hold in place with one hand while airbrushing with the other." She adds, "Two or three colors and designs will create a great signature piece of work. One does not need to have experience or have an elaborate amount of money."

After each demonstration, models will mingle and take pictures with Festival attendees.

www.figurephotos.com