Art for Sale Page 2

DETROIT (AP) — Singer, songwriter and record producer Harvey Fuqua, an early mentor of Marvin Gaye, has died. Fuqua was 80.

Ron Brewington of the Motown Alumni Association says Fuqua died of a heart attack Tuesday at a Detroit hospital.

The Louisville, Kentucky, native founded the R&B-doo-wop group the Moonglows, which signed with DJ Alan Freed. The group’s first single was the 1954 hit “Sincerely.”

Fuqua added Gaye and others in 1958 to a reconstituted group that he called Harvey and the Moonglows. It had the 1958 hit “Ten Commandments of Love.”

He started Tri-Phi and Harvey Records in 1961, recording the Spinners, Junior Walker & the All Stars, and Shorty Long.

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy later hired Fuqua to develop recording talent.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.

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At its sixth biannual specialist sale, Swann sets four new artist records

By Viv Lawes | Web only
Published online 9 Mar 10 (market)

Hot on the heels of resurgent sales of impressionist, modern and contemporary works in London, auction records for African-American artists continued to stack up as Swann held its sixth dedicated biannual sale on 23 February in New York.

Sales were patchy but healthy enough: of 162 works offered, 118 sold (73% by lot) at a premium-inclusive total of $1.24m, just under the $1.3-1.9m total estimate. The top seller was auction virgin Malvin Gray Johnson’s best-known and celebrated oil painting Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, 1928-29, for which a collector paid $228,000 (estimate $200,000-$250,000). Four new artist records followed as institutions, collectors and dealers competed for the best works—this included a record for Sargent Claude Johnson’s tan painted terracotta figure Untitled (Standing Woman), 1933-35, which went to an unnamed institution for $52,800.

Swann’s inaugural sale of African-American art took place in February 2007, growing from specialist-in-charge Nigel Freeman’s observation of the frisson caused by African-American artists’ works on paper during regular prints and drawings sales.

“Three years ago, there was no auction market for African-American artists that even came close to their fair market value, with the exception of works by Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden and Henry Ossawa Tanner”, said Mr. Freeman. “Now we have set auction records for many more important artists and have introduced over 100 African-American artists to auction”.

Swann’s market for printed and manuscript African-Americana is significantly more mature. Specialist annual sales were launched 16 years ago by Wyatt Houston Day. The latest took place on 25 February, two days after the African-American fine art sale—with matching sales statistics of 73% sold by lot (287 of 390).

Institutional interest was spurred by an African-American art history archive built over five decades by artist-writer James Amos Porter, author of the groundbreaking Modern Negro Art, 1943. Packed with correspondence, photographs, catalogues and other data, four major institutions examined it before the sale. One anonymous institution secured it for $50,400 (estimate $30,000-$40,000), described by Wyatt Day as “a very good but still modest price [considering] the richness of the prime research material”. The result was second only to the departmental record of $57,600, set last February for five hours of original 16mm film of black life in the 1920s, shot by Reverend Solomon Sir Jones.

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With all the aspects of a highly collectible and rare offering, collectors and enthusiasts anticipate high demand for this First Lady Edition. Artfully detailed, the figurine captures the essence of Michelle Obama…elegant, sophisticated yet disarmingly down-to-earth, traits she is certain to pass on to her own lovely daughters.

Ripon, CA (BlackNews.com) — Limited to only 3000 pieces worldwide, Thomas Blackshear’s figurine of Mrs. Obama is an heirloom quality work of art that can be passed down for generations. Mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, girlfriends and co-workers, who appreciate value and true character, will want to own this significant piece of modern history. However, considering the popularity and limited production of Blackshear’s soon-to-be-released First Lady Edition, it is expected that this figurine won’t be available long. Orders should be placed now at Collector Hub to guarantee delivery of First Lady Edition of Michelle Obama.

In the likeness of her official White House portrait, Thomas Blackshear’s interpretation of the First Lady is sure to impress. A lovely complement to the President Barack Obama figurine; Michelle wears a classic sleeveless dress resembling the one designed for her by Michael Kors. As in the official photograph of Mrs. Obama taken in the Blue Room of the White House by Joyce N. Bognosian, the First Lady Edition figurine bares her delicately sculpted arms to show off her signature style.

Much like the highly sought after Presidential Edition of the Barack Obama figurine, collectors will be lining up to purchase the First Lady Edition Michelle Obama. Both pieces are part of Blackshear’s Ebony Visions(TM) Collection and pay honor to America’s first African-American Couple in the White House. Order both figurines today at Collector Hub and begin a personal legacy that can be handed down from mother to daughter or other members in the family tree.

America’s infatuation with its First Ladies is not at all a passing trend. President’s wives are an intricate part of this nation’s history. Serving their country silently, the presidential wives have remained loyal and supportive from the past to the present. First and foremost a mom and wife, Michelle Obama is an inspiring example of one who believes it is also her duty to serve her country.

“I believe that each of us – no matter what our age or background or walk of life – each of us has something to contribute to the life of this nation.” — Michelle Obama, Speech at the Democratic National Convention

Kicking off her campaign Let’s Move, Obama practices what she preaches by working with parents and community to help fight obesity in children. A motivating example of hope, commitment and determination, First Lady Michelle Obama is sure to be an unforgettable figure in American history and Blackshear’s First Lady Edition figurine is an excellent way to celebrate this remarkable woman.

About Thomas Blackshear:
Widely known for his dignified and uniquely powerful depictions of African-Americans, Thomas is one of the hottest contemporary collectible artists in the world. His imaginative portrayals are full of lifelike details that transcend stereotypes and resonate with universal truths. Thomas has helped bring the African-American experience to life in a way that’s never been conceived of before. A touring exhibit of his Black Heritage works premiered at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. He has been honored with the coveted International Collectible Artist award. He has also been featured on The 700 Club, Ebony/Jet Showcase, and in The Saturday Evening Post. Blackshear has created works for Disney, Coca-Cola, National Geographic, the United States Postal Service and Universal Studios; and these are just a few of his accolades.

About Collector Hub
Formerly known as Blackshear Online, Collector Hub, established in 2001 is the Internet’s preeminent gathering place for collectors of internationally acclaimed African American artist, Thomas Blackshear. Our goal is to continue to be the most comprehensive Thomas Blackshear community by providing the essential link collectors need to interact and share ideas and information, and conveniently and confidently purchase Thomas Blackshear products online. Visit our web site at www.CollectorHub.com or call us at (209) 599-8599. And don’t forget to bookmark our new web site.

All trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.

PRESS CONTACT:
Larraine Covington
info@CollectorHub.com
209-599-8599

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The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is the world’s largest institution dedicated to the African American experience. The Museum provides exhibitions and programs that explore the diversity of African American history and culture. The Museum houses over 30,000 artifacts and archival materials and is home to the Blanche Coggin Underground Railroad Collection, Harriet Tubman Museum Collection, Coleman A. Young Collection and the Sheffield Collection, a repository of documents of the labor movement in Detroit. The Museum features:

• Seven exhibition areas devoted to African Americans and their stories.
• The Core Exhibit: And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture. The interactive, multi-level exhibit opened to rave reviews in November 2004.
• A Glass Dome, 100 feet in diameter and 55-feet high. The architectural wonder is two feet wider than the State Capitol dome.
• The terrazzo tile creation, Genealogy, by Hubert Massey located in the Ford Freedom Rotunda floor.
• The Louise Lovett Wright Research Library.
• The General Motors Theater, a 317-seat facility for live performances, film screenings, lectures, presentations and more.
• A Museum Store that sells authentic African and African American art, books and merchandise.

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The African American Heritage Preservation Cultural Complex (AACC) originated in 1984,as a hobby, by Dr. and Mrs. E.B. Palmer, then opened in 1989 as the Black Heritage Park. The Palmers’ and George Barner incorporated AACC in 1994. The Palmers’ entered into a Lease Agreement in 1991 for $1.00 per year. The park occupies approximately 3 acres of the wooded land to the rear of the Palmer House at 119 Sunnybrook Road. The AACC was chartered and granted 501 (c)(3) tax status in October 1994. The AACC currently has 3Exhibit Houses located along a natural trail beside a creek, a Mini-Amphitheater, a Bird Sanctuary, Nature Preserve and a Picnic Area and Botanical Gardens. There is no admission fee, however, visitors and friends have donated small sums of money. Friends and organizations have also donated labor and artifacts.

The AACC is striving to be self-sustaining. Plans for the acquisition of additional land for the construction of a major museum complex are being developed. A permanent and mobile exhibit of, “Women of Note” is one of the museum’s new outstanding expansion projects. Plans for the display of a reproduction of the “Amistad” Slave Ship are being developed. The mutiny on the “Amistad” symbolizes the first Civil Rights Case in America and a pronounced example of how the judicial appellate system worked in America and North Carolina. A drama, telling the Amistad Story will be produced during July and August annually. The history of The Benjamin Spaulding Family (NC Mutual Life Insurance Co.) will be presented and preserved in a 4th exhibit house.

Groups which have visited the Complex have come from schools, churches, sororities, fraternities, community organizations and organized group tours. Individuals have come as a result of referrals by tourist center tours and individual testimony. With increased volunteers, staff, upgraded mobile and permanent exhibits, electronic lectures and brochures, the AACC will be able to provide more service to a broader and larger society.
Dr. Tonea Harris Stewart, Actress, was designated “National Spokesperson” for the AACC, while Christopher Coombs, Jr. (nine years old-Durham) was designated “National Youth Spokesperson” for the Amistad Project.

Non-Profit Founded in 1984, the Organization for African American Heritage Preservation Cultural Complex (AACC) is a Chartered organization by the state of North Carolina (October 13, 1994) and tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3), with a Foundation Classification of 509(a)(2). AACC operates with a lease agreement at 119 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh, NC (a site zoned “museum” by the Raleigh City Council in February 1995). The AACC Enjoys a $1.00 per year rental agreement with options to extend or to buy (thanks to Curators Dr. E. B. and Mrs. Juanita B. Palmer).

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture opened on June 25, 2005 and is named after Reginald F. Lewis (1942-1993). Born in Baltimore, Lewis was an entrepreneur and philanthropist who served as chair and chief executive officer of TLC Beatrice International, the largest U.S. company owned by an African American during his lifetime.

Across Country, Following His Footsteps From Slavery To Freedom

“The highest test of the civilization of any race is in its willingness to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. A race, like an individual, lifts itself up by lifting others up.” — Booker T. Washington

San Leandro, CA (BlackNews.com) — When President Obama was elected he asked Americans to help restore the country. Oakland, California native, Sarah O’Neal Rush, great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington, has not forgotten her pledge to do just that. Rush is the founder and executive director of Booker T. Washington Empowerment Network (BTWEN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. From July 30, 2010 – August 7, 2010 she will lead eight youth and three mentors on a Freedom Journey, a rite of passage, following the footsteps of her great-grandfather from slavery to freedom.

Rush comments, “To break generational cycles of destruction among young people across America, we must tell them who they are, and where they come from. I know from personal experience that there is power in their history that will move them forward – from self-destruction to self-love, and empower them to respect their lives, their culture, education, and their community.”

Last year Oakland, California started the year off as the focus of national attention with the tragic murder of a young African-American male, Oscar Grant, followed by the grievous murders of four Oakland Police Officers, and their killer, another young African-American male. The year ended with 124 homicides.

Stories like these cast a dark shadow over the city where Ms. Rush grew up. In response BTWEN plans to add a beacon of hope in inner cities across America, beginning in her hometown, through the Up from Freedom Project, a pilot program for youth 16 – 19-years-old, that meets weekly in East Oakland, California.

Up from Freedom Project connects the past to inspire the future. When participants come to the program, many will have self-imposed limits on their hopes and dreams, if they have hopes and dreams at all. As they progress through the program they will become empowered and prepared to approach the world from a new, healthier perspective. They will also be prepared to go on the Freedom Journey.

The journey begins on the plantation in Virginia, where Booker T. Washington was born a slave. From there they go to West Virginia where he worked in the coal mines as a boy after slavery ended. Then it’s on to Hampton University, where he received his education. From there the group goes to Washington, D.C. where he was the first black invited to dine in the White House. While in D.C. they are scheduled to meet with Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and have lunch with Congresswoman Diane Watson. A request has been made to meet President Obama. The last stop of course will be Tuskegee University, in Alabama, the school Booker T. Washington founded for former slaves and their descendants. Each stop along the Freedom Journey is a national historic site.

“I am excited about the trip and watching my history come alive. I have never even been on an airplane before.” Those are the words of 18-year-old Rhyan, one of the youth participants who recently transitioned out of foster care. As a requirement of the Up from Freedom Project, Rhyan is reading Booker T. Washington’s best-selling autobiography, Up from Slavery. “It’s making me very anxious to get to Tuskegee,” Rhyan said.

The group plans to kick off the Freedom Journey with its first annual walk-a-thon around Lake Merritt in Oakland, on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. For more information about the walk, or to learn more about the Up from Freedom Project, visit www.btwen.org. To help inner-city youth through BTWEN, interested ones may make a tax-deductible donation in any amount to BTWEN, and mail to P.O. Box 3311, San Leandro, CA 94578, or visit www.btwen.org, and click on the donation button.

PRESS CONTACT:

Anthony W. Rush, Public Relations

washingtonwisdom@btwen.org

source www.blacknews.com

(ARA) – The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is not only the launching pad for a number of new kitchen and bath products; it’s also the place where key trends are announced. At this year’s spring event in Chicago, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) held its annual design competition, at which 10 key trends were revealed. A major concept unveiled this year in bath design was “soft geometry” – using rounded, organic shapes in room structures and products to soften a bathroom’s style. Learn how you can use this top trend, as well as others, in your next remodeling project.

Soft geometry

“We started seeing the introduction of softened geometries over the last few years. It actually began with soft modern products, and has evolved from products to overall room architecture,” says Judy Riley, vice president of design at Moen. “Soft geometry can be seen in the edge of a counter, an arch over an entryway or in the lines of a light fixture or other bath product. It’s really about softening the angular features of a room, which are especially prevalent in bathrooms.”

To incorporate the soft geometry concept in your bath decor, Riley suggests beginning with products that are traditionally very linear – such as faucets, bath accessories and lighting. Moen has a new bath collection, which launched at KBIS and falls directly into the soft geometry trend. Blending clean lines and soft curves, the Method suite makes a modern statement with its minimalist styling, available in either a single- or two-handle faucet option. To complete the look, the Method collection also has a number of coordinating accessories – including towel bars, robe hooks, a pivoting paper holder and even a toilet tank lever – which feature the same soft geometry styling as the faucets.

Scaling of elements

Another trend introduced at the show is all about scale. Scale is an important consideration in the overall composition of a kitchen or bath. Shapes, textures (both actual and implied) and thoughtful placement of fixtures are all elements that can be used to create focal points, functionality and visual appeal, according to the NKBA.

The bathroom is the perfect room to test the “scaling of elements” trend, even if you’re not in the midst of a remodeling project. Experiment by placing traditional objects in non-traditional places. For example, instead of placing a single towel ring or bar next to the sink, create a visual display of three towel rings, placed at uneven heights, on the wall directly across from the sink. Not only will it allow you to inexpensively create a focal point in the room, but it also gives you a spot to display beautiful hand towels – and change them with the seasons, or as often as a new color or pattern strikes your fancy.

Color with energy

Gone are the days when neutral tones and muted shades ruled bathroom decor. Instead, NKBA reports that bold colors are creating a vibrant splash in room palettes for 2010, with rich blues, purples, greens and citric yellows making confident appearances. Try using bold colors that act not merely as a passive backdrop for the room, but bring life to the space through lighting, wall colors and wood tones.

Incorporating bold colors is simple to accomplish in a bathroom, since it is typically a smaller place where colors can really pop. Try accent colors first – with vibrant vases, candles and hand towels. If you have a bit more time on your hands, use paint and wallpaper to quickly add a brilliant splash of color to the room.

Art integration

Finally, another trend outlined by NKBA is “art integration” – the concept of personalizing your bath space as a reflection of your own personal style to create an immediate sense of intimacy and originality. According to NKBA, many of today’s designs start with one piece – perhaps a framed painting or an antique sculpture – which becomes a springboard for colors, fixtures, finishes and theme elements.

“We’ve seen this concept quite a bit, as well – it’s a macrotrend we call ‘fingerprinting,'” says Rebecca Kolls, senior director and consumer strategist of home and garden at Iconoculture, a global consumer research and advisory company. “It’s all about self-expression and being empowered to make your own personal statement in your home decor. That might mean anything from shopping garage sales and on Craigslist to attending in-store design classes or working with virtual interior designers.”

And using art-inspired items doesn’t have to be expensive. Today, more and more homeowners are turning to artisans on websites like etsy.com, where you can select hand-made items that often have more character and style than similar store-bought items. From glassware and art to paintings and photographs, etsy has something for virtually every taste.

For more information about the Method collection from Moen, call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636) or visit moen.com. Additional information on the 2010 NKBA trends can be found at NKBA.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – After the “I dos” are exchanged and the reception is over, couples find out that the realities of cohabitation do not always make for smooth sailing, especially when it comes to blending different tastes and styles. While newlyweds find themselves saying “I do” at the altar, that phrase frequently turns into “I don’t” when the couple begins combining two unique decorating styles into a single household.

“It’s never easy to incorporate two divergent ideas of design and comfort into one home,” says Christopher Prebel, senior product manager at Pratt & Lambert Paints. “The man likes modern. His new wife likes flea-market chic. If you pick only one style, it’s not going to feel like a ‘married’ home. The question, then, is, ‘How can you blend both and be satisfied?'”

This might take some time, but no one says you have to decorate an entire house overnight.

First, de-clutter. Both of you have baggage that you could stand to dump, donate or list on eBay. Sit down together and negotiate what stays and what goes, and then stick to your plan.

Next, spend time looking at decorating publications and websites and watching decorating shows on TV to decide what sort of style you both like. Talk about what you see, what you love and what you don’t. The husband might hate feminine, floral prints. And, the wife might cringe at preppy plaid. But maybe they both prefer slip-covered sofas and daring wall colors. And once you find that common ground, you can start formulating your decorating strategy.

Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to start personalizing any living space, and it all comes down to color. Color possibilities are endless, so chances are you’ll be able to find something you both like.

Visit your local paint dealer and collect color chips or actual inexpensive paint samples that you can put on the wall to compare options. Most paint companies have helped simplify the color selection process. Pratt & Lambert Paints, for example, has a color display that features pop-out color chips that let you evaluate color by overlaying chips against existing furniture and design elements. Additionally, various color cards provide you with suggested color combinations to give you further inspiration.

If you’re the kind of couple who likes to remain en vogue with your decor choices, consider researching the latest color trends. A variety of design industry groups develop color forecasts each year, and paint manufacturers prepare palettes to echo these predictions. Hot directions for 2010 include:

Nurture – Colors inspired by sustainability, balance and making an impact on the greater world. Try gray on your walls and accent with shades of palm green, nutmeg, browns and yellows.

Symbol – Colors in this palette seek inspiration from architectural and historical symbolism – rich, complex and even moody hues, such as tobacco, bay leaf green, maroon and warm reds.

Sense – Hues in this palette not only please the eye but also stimulate the other senses by echoing tactile wonders with colors like that of an artichoke.

Sojourn – Inspired by the sights of global travel, the colors in this palette combine an eclectic mix of cultural references, blending camels and honeyed lights with rich, artistic reds, slate blues and plums.

Color is the biggest hurdle in any decorating decision – and once you cross that challenge off your list as something you’ve accomplished together, the rest should fall easily into place. Some other helpful tips to keep in mind while you’re creating the perfect first home include the following:

* Mix it up, don’t match it perfectly. It’s fine to be eclectic. A home that is perfectly “matchy-matchy” lacks character. Your home is about you, and it should carry a bit of both of your personalities vs. looking like you copied a picture in a magazine.

* Cleverly blend items from the past with new things in every room. You both had a life before you got married – let your history reflect into your present. Yes, it might involve compromise, but that’s what relationships are about, isn’t it?

* Buy big items, such as furniture, window treatments, flooring upgrades and appliances, together. Shopping as a team gives added cohesiveness to the overall look and allows you both to have a say in major purchases.

Marriage is “for better or for worse.” A little creativity and compromise will ensure that at least your decor is for “the better.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent