Visual Artist, Novelist and Poet Barbara Chase-Riboud

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February I'm sharing with you three women artists who have made significant contributions to the art world:

• sculptor and printmaker Elizabeth Catlett
• painter Alma Woodsey Thomas
• artist, novelist and painter Barbara Chase-Riboud

This week I'm excited to introduce you to:

Visual Artist, Novelist and Poet Barbara Chase-Riboud

Barbara Chase-Riboud with Malcolm X Stele (USAToday)

Barbara Chase (b. 1939) was born in Philadelphia and at age 8 began attending the Fleisher Art Memorial School. In 1957 Chase-Riboud received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Temple University in 1957, studied at the American Academy in Rome, and received her Master's Degree in Design and Architecture from Yale University in 1960. Since 1961 Chase-Riboud has lived abroad in Paris, and spends extensive time traveling.

Starting out as a sculptor and painter, Chase-Riboud published her first novel Sally Hemings in 1979, and her novels and poetry have sold millions of copies and inspired a TV mini-series, plays and major films. Despite living all her adult life abroad, including marrying twice and raising two sons in France, most of Chase-Riboud's works focus on life in the United States.

Barbara Chase-Riboud The Malcolm X Steles

I don't write as a white or black woman; neither do I write about "white" or "black" characters. I write about human beings and the human condition, which is universal.

~ Barbara Chase-Riboud, 2010, Historical Novels 

Barbara Chase-Riboud's works include:

• Le Lit drawing series,1966
• 13 Malcolm X sculptures, begun in 1969
• Book of poetry From Memphis & Peking,1974
• Novel Sally Hemings, 1979
• Book of poetry Portrait of a Nude Woman as Cleopatra, 1987
• Novel Echo of Lions, 1989
• Roman Egyptien, poetry written in French, 1994
• Monument Drawings, 1996-97
• Sojourner Truth Monument, 1999

Barbara Chase-Riboud exhibits and honors include:

• solo exhibition was at the Galleria L'Obelisco at the Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds in Italy, 1957
• John Hay Whitney Fellowship, 1957
• Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize for the best novel written by an American woman Sally Hemings, 1979
• Carl Sandburg Prize for Poetry 1988
• knighted by the French Government and received the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, 1996 
• commissioned by the United States General Services Administration for the memorial Africa Rising, at the African Burial Ground National Monument NYC, 1979
• won an important copyright decision, Granville Burgess vs. Chase-Riboud, 1991
• honorary Doctorate of Letters from Muhlenberg College, 1993
• James Van Der Zee Award for lifetime achievement, 1995
• honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Connecticut, 1996
• American Library Association Black Caucus Award for fiction for her novel Hottentot Venus, 2005
• Women's Caucus for Art Lifetime Achievement Award, 2007
• Philadelphia Museum of Art presented Barbara Chase-Riboud: The Malcolm X Steles, 2013

Sojourner Truth by Barbara Chase-Riboud

For more works by Barbara Chase-Riboud

visit my Pinterest Board African American Female Artists

à la prochaine,

Shirley

Alma Woodsey Thomas: Celebrating Women Artists During Black History Month

As a female African American artist who has lived and traveled around the world, I'm inspired by the many artists I have met on my journey. During Black History Month, I want to share with you three women artists who have made contributions to the art world.  I have met, admired and followed many black female artists on my travels, and am excited to share with you 3 African American female artists who represent the many black visual artists I've encountered.

Throughout February I will be sharing with you the artistry of three female African American artists:

• sculptor and printmaker Elizabeth Catlett
  
• painter Alma Woodsey Thomas
• artist, novelist and painter Barbara Chase-Riboud

This week I'm honored to share the works of:

Painter Alma Woodsey Thomas

Alma Woodsey Thomas in her studio, 1968.
Photo: Ida Jarvis, Archives of American Art,
Smithsonian Institute 

Expressionist painter, educator and art advocate Alma Woodsey Thomas (1891-1978) was born in Georgia but grew up and spent most of her life in Washington, DC. Alma Thomas spent 35 years as an educator, primarily teaching art and promoting appreciation of the arts, and at age 60 retired from teaching to devote her next 20 years to painting.

Thomas earned her undergraduate degree at Howard University as the first woman to graduate from their fine arts department, and her MFA at Columbia Teachers College in 1934. 20 years later Thomas returned to school to study art at the American University.

Alma Thomas became the first African American woman artist to solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC in 1972 at age 80. According to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Thomas became an important role model for women, African Americans, and older artists. 

Alma Woodsey Thomas' Watusi (Hard Edge) is on display in the Obama White House.

Do you have any idea what its like to be caged in a 78 year-old body and to have the mind and energy of a 25 year-old? If I could only turn the clock back 60 years I'd show them. I'll show them anyway.

~ Alma Woodsey Thomas, 1970, A History of African-American Artists 

Alma Woodsey Thomas' works include:

The Elipse by Alma Woodsey Thomas
cover art for Maya Angelou
Letter to My Daughter

• Skylight
• Watusi (Hard Edge)
• Scarlet Sage Dancing a Whirling Dervish
• Springtime in Washington
• The Singing Head
• Air View of a Spring Nursery
• Breeze Rustling Through Fall Flowers

Alma Woodsey Thomas exhibits and honors include:

• Gallery of Art, Howard University, 1966
• Whitney Museum of Art, 1972
• A Life in Art: Alma Thomas, 1891 - 1978, Smithsonian American Art Institute, 1981
• A Proud Continuum: Eight Decades of Art at Howard University, 2005 
• Vice President and helped establish Barnett-Aden Gallery, Washington, DC, 1943
• Honor Roll of Distinguished Women by National Association of Colored Women 1962
• Two Thousand Women of Achievement Award, 1972
• Alma Thomas Day in Washington, DC, September 9, 1972
• Invited to White House by President Jimmy Carter in 1977

For more photos of works by Alma Woodsey Thomas

visit my Pinterest Board African American Female Artists

Next week, I look forward to sharing with you the artistry of Barbara Chase-Riboud.

à la prochaine,

Shirley

3 Female African American Artists You'll Want to Discover

In honor of Black History Month, I want to share with you three women artists who have made

Mother and Child by Elizabeth Catlett
courtesy of www.elizabethcatlett.org

contributions to the art scene. As a female African American artists who has lived and traveled around the world, I'm inspired by the many people I have met on my travels, and am excited to share with you three African American female artists who represent the many black visual artists I have met.

During February I will be sharing with you the artistry of three female African American artists:

• sculptor and printmaker Elizabeth Catlett
• painter Alma Woodsey Thomas
• artist, novelist and painter Barbara Chase-Riboud

This week I'm honored to share the works of:

Sculptor and Printmaker Elizabeth Catlett

Elizabeth Catlett, artist
courtesy of www.elizabethcatlett.org

Born in Washington D.C. Elizabeth Catlett is best remembered for the political sculptures and prints she created during the 60s and 70s. Catlett earned her MFA at the University of Iowa, where her mentor artist Grant Wood influenced her to to focus on African American subjects, especially black women.

After a brief art teaching career and move to Harlem, she married her second husband, Mexican artist Francisco Mora; and permanently moved to Mexico where she raised her children. She taught and became head of the sculpture department at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, as well as worked with other artists to use their art to encourage social change.

Her political outspokenness about the plights of African Americans - including picketing, protesting and arrests - and becoming a Mexican citizen resulted in being banned from returning to the US for 10 years.

Are we here to communicate? Are we here for cultural interchange? Then let us not be narrow. Let us not be small or selfish. Let us aspire to be as great in our communication as the forefathers of our people who's struggles made our being here possible.

~ Elizabeth Catlett, 1961, Washington D.C., address to

The Third Annual Meeting of the National Conference of Negro Artists 

Catlett's works include:

• Sharecropper

  

  Louis Armstron by Elizabeth Catlett
  courtesy of www.elizabethcatlett.org

• Malcolm X Speaks For Us
• Dancing Figure
• The Black Woman Speaks
• Target
• The Singing Head
• Statue of Louis Armstrong in Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans
• Ralph Ellison Memorial in West Harlem, NYC
• Children of Flowers in the National Mall, Washington DC
• Sculpture of Mahalia Jackson in New Orleans

In addition to her formal education, Elizabeth Catlett received the following honors:

• Women's Caucus for Art
• Elizabeth Catlett Week in Berkley, California
• Elizabeth Catlett Day in Cleveland, Ohio
• Honorary Doctorate from Pace University, NYC
• Lifetime Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award
• Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, PA
• Jazz piece Quiet Pride about her sculptures by musician Rufus Reid
• NCAA Image Awards 2009

For more photos of works by Elizabeth Catlett 

visit my Pinterest Board African American Female Artists

Next week, I look forward to sharing  you the artistry of  Alma Woodsey Thomas.

• Alma Woodsey Thomas
• Barbara Chase-Riboud

à la prochaine,

Shirley

Feel the Music Through Jazz Painting

Jazz posters communicate the rhythm and sounds of music through vibrant, bold and colorful art. Jazz artists are inspired by the lifestyle of musicians - clubs, late nights, smokey venues, and urban audiences. Their art reflects the music itself, and the artists and their lifestyle.

Renown jazz painters include:

Keith Mallett

How Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz
by Jonah Winter illustrated by Keith Mallett

"Creating art has always been a joyful experience in my life, and I feel blessed to be able to share that joy with others."

How Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz - a new children's book by Jonah Winter and illustrated by Keith Mallett will be released June 16, 2015 ~ keithmallett.com

R.J. Hohimer 

52nd st. by R.J. Hohimer

R.J. Hohimer conveys his love of jazz and blues as he takes you inside jazz clubs, blues bars and honky tonks of Chicago, Manhattan, Harlem, New Orleans and Memphis ~ jazzpainter.com















Bruni Sablan

Jazz Paintings by BRUNI

The Jazz Masters Series by BRUNI:
An explosive experience of color and soul...her wildly expressionistic brush captures the very depths of the spirit ~ brunijazzart.com

Visit my Pinterest jazz board for other artists you might enjoy.

My art is influenced by my travels; my life in America, France and Mexico; my friends and fellow artists; food and fashion; and my years of training in mixed media. I have a passion for bold, vibrant colors and shapes - and I have a passion for music. I admire and am inspired by jazz painters who capture the rhythms and sounds of jazz music and translate them to the canvas.

à la prochaine,

Shirley

Three Unexpected Places to See Original Art

Typically the first place people think of to see original works of art is a museum. Today, many communities, nonprofit organizations and businesses appreciate the value of public art and invest time and money in making art available to everyone.

Public art is art work that is displayed in public spaces, available to all at no charge.

Here are 3 places to view art for free that might surprise you:

1.  Airports

Philadelphia International
Art at the Airport

Many airports display art from local museums, community artists or private collections in the airport terminals. Most often, we rush through the airport either to make our flight or retrieve our bags and leave. As air travel layovers have increased, airports are forced to find ways to entertain a restless public with too much free time while waiting at the airport.

Airports with art on display include:

• Philadelphia International Airport
• Reagan National Airport 
• Atlanta Airport
• Vancouver International Airport
• Helsinki Airport

Next time you're rushing through the airport, slow down and and see what's on display!

2.  Community Colleges

Local community colleges are frequently trying to attract the public onto their campus, typically as part of a long-term strategy to build awareness to grow enrollment. Many community colleges feature art exhibits by students, community artists, or traveling art exhibits.

Frequently art exhibits at community colleges are accompanied by educational activities including: 

• artist talks 
• receptions and meet and greets
• special lectures and events

3.  Public Libraries

NYPL Art Exhibits are Held at 92 locations

Many public libraries offer art exhibits, and special programs to introduce the exhibit to the community. Public libraries that have built a strong reputation for the art exhibits include

• New York Public Library
• Denver Public Library
• Chicago Public Library
• Boston Public Library
• Los Angeles Public Library

tip: Many public libraries lend art, just as they lend books or DVDs. You can display a new artwork on your wall every month!

Art exhibits are offered free at many public venues all over the world - and probably in your community! Visit an exhibit today - and I encourage you to take a child, and introduce him or her to a lifetime appreciation of art.

a la prochaine,

Shirley

An Artist's New Year's Resolutions

Artist Shirley Monestier in her garden:
work in progress "Hand of God"

2014 has been an incredibly busy and productive year with travel, visitors, some thankfully minor surgeries and the growth of my art business. During this past year I focused on the business aspect of being an artist: marketing and selling my art. I was honored and delighted by the reviews, sales and exhibitions of my artworks.

It's incredibly frustrating when I want only to be in my studio creating art, yet knowing that to share my art I have to devote time to selling my art.

To share my art, during 2014 I:

• launched an Etsy store with select artworks; my Etsy store is still a work in progress 
• added new artworks to my website Shirley Monestier's Spirit of Art Gallery 
• exhibited in Mexico at Colors on Canvas in Puerto Vallarta
• had a preview exhibit of my Orchids of Vietnam series at D'Art Gallery in Washington D.C.
• was the featured artist in Maison de la Culture Noire Americaine in Paris
• interviewed two amazing female artists for my newsletter:
• Sharon McConnell-Dickerson
• Marie Johnson-Calloway
• shared interesting quotes, news and tips, and stories about art and artists with my social media network

Thank you to all of my dear friends and online friends around the globe who have supported my art in 2014; I'm delighted to have sold so many paintings this year and had so many supportive emails, posts, and comments from you.

In 2015 I resolve to:

1. expand my Etsy store with more original artwork, giclees, and art gifts
2. interview more amazing and inspiring artists and share them with you on my newsletter
3. share my artist's eye and inspirations with all of you via my online art gallery, on Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest, Google Plus and Twitter
4. paint, PAINT and PAINT 

    Happy New Year    Bonne Annee    Feliz Ano Nuevo

Wishing you a happy, healthy 2015

Shirley

Give Art: Unique and Original Paintings by Shirley Monestier

       For the art lover or a new collector,               gift an original painting by             international artist Shirley Monestier

artist Shirley Monestier in her studio in Bordeaux, France

Original art is a special and meaningful holiday gift. Original artworks are a one-of-a-kind gift that represents your relationship with someone special on your gift list.

I invite you to take a leisurely stroll through my art gallery. The artwork I have created has been inspired by years of training in mixed media; my passion for colors, shapes and forms; international travels and living in France; spiritual journeys and special creative moments; and all of my experiences that have contributed to who I am.

I create artwork that is inspired by years of training; my passion for bold, vibrant colors, shapes, and forms; world travels and my personal spiritual journey. A lifetime of travel - throughout the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe - and my experiences living abroad has made a great impact on my life, enhancing me as a creative and visual artist. My spirit yearns to create: artwork, a beautifully designed room, great cuisine, stylized tablescapes, a well-planned party or an inspirational new adventure. Creativity is my gift that I share with you.

AT SUNSET by Shirley Monestier

My spirit desires to paint artwork that reflects my creativity, deep spirituality, and my passion for vivid colors. I have always been inspired by bright, bold colors. I cannot imagine a colorless world. In my artwork I use colors and images to bring you in closer, to inspire and give you a sense of happiness and well-being. I want to pleasure your eye and awaken your soul.

FEATHERED FRIENDS by Shirley Monestier

Self-expression of my spirit through creative art has always been a part of my life and is truly a spiritual journey.

I DREAM OF DREAMS by Shirley Monestier

CONTACT ME if you would like to purchase an original and affordable artwork; commissions will be considered upon request.

Wishing you a very happy holiday season,

Shirley