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Turner would often caution us to relax, slow down didn’t have prints at that time, October Gallery used this
and “smell the roses.” We in turn counseled Turner promotional strategy to quickly bring up the learning
to “wake up and smell the cofee.” We had other curve for his art in a short period of time.
disagreements too, about the how to and when to of
Te educational component was essential. We learned
business, but each of us always realized that together we
that it had to be an intrinsic part of any art presentation.
made an unbeatable team.
It was the same nearly everywhere we traveled. When
Turner painted many diferent subject matters on all we visited the homes of those interested in art, these
types of materials and surfaces. His themes included, vignettes, as Turner called them, captured the spirit of
for example, a group of young boys sharing one ice the occasion.
cream cone; girls walking to church in their Sunday
I particularly enjoyed taking Turner with me for radio
best; a high-stepping marching band on the streets
interviews and seminar presentations. He had the gift
of Chester, Pennsylvania; a boy lying on his stomach
to speak about what was on his mind at the drop of a
shooting marbles; and an abstract musical theme.
hat. He was very intelligent and extremely articulate.
I remember visiting Turner at his home in Chester. Andrew could spell almost every word in the dictionary.
I noticed the vacant house next door. When asked When Turner painted on site at our gallery for weeks at
how long the house had been vacant, Turner replied, a time, we would often holler for him to spell a word.
“For years.” At that moment Turner walked next door, He would spell it and invariably weave in a word we Cello Lessons
pulled a ceiling tile from the drop ceiling of the vacant were less familiar with. Tis was part of our ongoing by Andrew Turner.
house and indicated he would paint a jazz scene on that education from Turner.
tile later that afternoon.
Painting on old tables and chairs, old mattresses,
window shades, found wood, or paneling was
not out of the question for Turner. All sorts of
discarded wooden objects became workable surfaces
for him. Any defect, faw or damaged part of the
Everybody Say Amen by Andrew Turner.
surface was used to his advantage. A split in a piece
of wood might become the seam on a ladies dress.
A hole might become the button on a jacket.
In Philadelphia alone many collectors of African-
American art have a piece of Andrew Turner art. His
work can be seen in public spaces as well. We actually
gave some of our patrons Andrew Turner originals as
gifts. Some we sold with deep discounts. Tis was
done to promote his art and to advance the educational
process for patrons by ofering an easy frsthand
experience. Te patrons who were recipients now Thurgood by Andrew Turner.
Backhand by Andrew Turner. know the value of what they received. Since Turner Bufalo Soldiers
by Andrew Turner.
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