A diverse group of artists will come together in support of each other during Hotter Than July's Fine Arts Reception from 6-8 p.m. on July 27 at the Wayne State University Integrative Biosciences Center on 6135 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. This will be the third year that Geno Harris, director of the Poor Man's Art Collective, will curate the event. PMAC was established in 2003 by Harris and fellow artist Mychal Noir as a way to help emerging artists of all backgrounds. "There will be so many great artists on hand that have some incredible art for viewing and purchase," he said, noting that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to LGBT Detroit. "I am so excited for everyone to get a chance to see the exceptional artwork these artists create."
Geno Harris
"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it." – Pablo Picasso, 1883-1973.
Being a self taught artist and choosing "Decoupage" as my form of expression, I did not have rules and/or techniques on how to create art for a guide, I jumped in and followed my instincts and formed my own ideas and rules which exemplify the very meaning of "creativity." Fighting for my life on dialysis, bouncing back from addiction to gambling, it was my art that gave me purpose. I come from a world that has always tried to tell me what I should and should not do, how I should act, to speak and even love. I felt I had no voice, but the imagery I create in my pieces are conduit for emotional release and creative growth.
Jan Brown
From her beginnings in Detroit, Michigan, Jan Brown has always showed an inclination to art. A first grade teacher once commented on her report card, "Shows artistic talent." Always sketching or doodling as a child, Brown fondly remembers her elementary art teacher, Ms. Holmberg, who taught the human figure through the use of a skeleton as a model. That teaching gave Brown a firm basis in the structure of the human form that continues in her work today. Brown was faced with finding an occupation that would support her and eventually chose teaching, though the subject and grade level changed every year. Then an off-the- cuff remark from a respected college professor steered her in the direction of art education. She went on to earn a BFA from Michigan State University with an emphasis in printmaking.
Reggie "Abstrkt" Singleton
Reggie "Abstrkt" Singleton began his artistic career in 1998. He attended Wayne State University, seeking a Bachelors of Fine Arts. He soon graduated into his own artistic state of mind. Through inner study, Singleton began to make ink drawings and wood sculptures that spoke of the human condition. His work has appeared in many shows throughout the state of Michigan. In 2008, he joined the Poor Man's Art Collective and is currently a member.
