Artist Receptions to be Held on February 20 and 25

Columbia State Community College will host the art of local artist James Spearman in honor of Black History Month during February. The exhibit, which features a variety of vibrant and colorful oil and acrylic paintings as well as some sketches, is currently available for viewing through February 28.

"I consider myself a realist. I like to paint a variety of subjects: figurative, portraits, landscapes, animals, etc. They all have a great appeal to me," said Spearman. "You will not find any political statements made in my art-I prefer to focus on the positive and the beauty of life instead."

Spearman's work has been featured in numerous exhibits. He was featured as a solo exhibit at the Maury County Arts Guild and was commissioned in 2003 to paint the "Soul of Rock" by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio co-sponsored by Ford Motor Company and The Arts League of Michigan. His work was selected as the signature piece for the touring exhibit "Rock My Soul." Pieces of Spearman's work were also featured as a part of the Maury County Arts Guild exhibit at Columbia State during the summer of 2009. The "Soul of Rock" is currently on display along with progressive sketches in Pryor Galley.

Spearman is currently the galley director and curator for the Maury County Arts Guild. He teaches art classes with the YMCA ArtEmbrace after school classes and The Reconnect Program.

There will be artist receptions held on Saturday, February 20 and Thursday, February 25 in the Pryor Art Gallery from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. "Receptions are good opportunities to ask the artist questions and find out what inspires them," said Lucy Kuykendall, curator and director of Columbia State's Pryor Art Gallery. "The reception on February 25 will be held prior to the 'Toe Roaster' performance series show in the Cherry Theater. Guest can come early that night and get an extra treat." Pieces of Spearman's work will be priced for sale.

The Pryor Art Gallery is located in the Waymon L. Hickman building on Columbia State's Columbia Campus and open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., and on Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The gallery is also open on weekends during special events. Both the exhibit and the receptions are free and open to the public.