An Artist's World

There are small and large studios and even studios of the kitchen table variety. But, regardless of the size of a  studio, it is the space where an artist’s thoughts are put to paper, where her imagination and the colors of paint are splashed across an empty canvas, where the bliss of creativity overcomes the awareness of time and where both torment and joy are given visual life. This is An Artists World!

Thank you for joining us for a virtual exhibit of the work, and studios, of six African-American artists.

An Artist's World - Part 1

Part One Flier

An Artist's World - Part 2

Part Two Flier

Elisheba Israel Mrozik
Elisheba Israel Mrozik is a Fine Artist and International Award Winning Tattooist. She graduated from Memphis College of Art in 2006 with a BFA in Computer Arts. After moving to Nashville, TN in 2007, she began to work full-time as a freelance artist in graphic design, anime and fine art. Elisheba was a part of Nashville Black Artists Renaissance, and has shown at Columbia State, The Ha Factory, Boheme Collectif, Corvidae Gallery and other venues. She was a New York Comic Con artist in 2010 and has created live murals at events with the Goo Goo Dolls in Buffalo, NY. Elisheba's work has also shown at the Frist Art Museum.
painting of African-American woman
Felix Maxwell
Felix Maxwell was born and raised in Cornersville by a single mother. He moved to Lewisburg, TN during his high school years and sold his first painting at the age of 18. Felix practiced painting every single day and attended trainings before starting his formal training at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where he received a degree in fine arts. Felix said that his love for art came from his mother, who always provided support and encouragement for him to succeed.
Felix Maxwell with his self-portrait
Jahni Moore

John Thomas Moore, “Jahni” is an African-American artist and art collector. As an artist he has gained acclaimed in the United States and Colombia, South America having done several works in the hometown of famous Latin artists Pedro Nel Gomez and Fernando Botero. The artist has won many awards for both creative and humanitarian accomplishments. He believes that creativity should be an integral part of any effective educational and healing process. Social commentary is a central theme of his artwork. On one side are intricately hauntingly detailed charcoal works on paper contrasted with vivid paintings in near living color. 
painting of three young girls looking up
James Spearman
James loves life and all of its wonders, man, animal, insects and nature. His subjects are mostly figurative and representational, where man and animal become portraits. Focusing on the positive strengths and beauty of life, he attempts to capture the inner and outer essence of each image and its relationship to its surrounding space. James developed a passionate interest in art after taking a basic art class in college. He graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a minor in Interior Architectural Design and Space Planning.
woman sitting
Michael J. McBride
Michael J. McBride earned his undergraduate degree in art from Tennessee State University and his graduate degree in painting from Illinois State University. Currently, he is an instructor of art at Tennessee State University and has been the lead artist on many community-based mural projects in Nashville, Tennessee. McBride was featured in Visions of My People, sixty years of African American art in Tennessee, an exhibit organized by the Tennessee State Museum. His current body of work titled “Too Black Too Fast” is a traveling exhibition of art about African-American jockeys and trainers.
Samuel Dunson

The arts have played a major role in Samuel Dunson’s life since his youth. He was born into a household where exposure to the arts was as important as academic study. Early in his academic and artistic pursuit, Samuel chose to concentrate on 3D works, but soon thereafter he moved towards painting and drawing. Upon receiving his BS in Studio Art, he searched and found representation for his paintings. From his exhibition record and portfolio, he gained admission into the Savannah College of Art and Design. After a successful two years, he received an MFA in painting. Samuel now exhibits his paintings in group and solo shows on a regular basis. 
painting of man outside

Contact

Gabriel Trius
Pryor Art Gallery Curator
931.540.2883