By Delarita Ford
Mail | X: @AzNewsmedia

Colorful self expressions are on display for the “IMPRINT: African Americans in the Arts,” exhibit running through March 1, at Arts HQ Gallery in Surprise.

Arizona artists Shoreigh Williams, Alberto Devon, Giovannie Dixon, Zybrena Porter and Rae Wilson showcase multiple forms of media in two-and three-dimensional artwork.

Featured in the first West Valley Valley Arts Council exhibit of this year’s IMPRINT series, some artists shared their creative perspectives at an opening reception held Jan. 19 at the art’s venue, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza.

The nonprofit organization On Stage Now Entertainment provided a special guest musical performance by guitarist Kenyon France.

“We try to create with the board to bring music and arts together for a cause,” said Stephanie Seipel, On Stage Now Entertainment director and board president.

She stated the importance of artists having more opportunities to get paid in music and visual arts professions instead of working other jobs, sidelining their talents/passions to a hobby, and unable to support themselves in their preferred artistic fields of choice.

Special guest musical performance by guitarist Kenyon France.

Arts HQ Gallery Manager Daisy Brady, the curator and Surprise resident, welcomes the West Valley community to take advantage of the many programs offered at the gallery from Lunchtime Theater performances such as visits from the Phoenix Opera to the free exhibits.

Many patrons and guests often donate as little as $1 to support the diverse offerings including Creative Aging, Gallery 37 and IMPRINT, which focus on underserved and underrepresented communities in the arts.

“Residents don’t have to travel to Phoenix or Scottsdale to be exposed to fine art and culture,” stated Brady. “This exhibit is free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, supporters and community partners.”

During the opening reception, Brady introduced some of the artists whose work adorns the walls.

“Shoreigh is decked out in her artwork,” said Brady, noting Williams is part of the Building Successful Artist Program that helps visual artists.

“It’s about following your intuition, look at the piece like at the title, however it hits you, it is meant to be,” said Williams whose paintings were shown under the spotlight.

Her portraits ranged from $1,500 to $11,500. One of her self portraits took a month to complete, she added.

Looking forward to networking opportunities, Williams, a Phoenix resident, showcased her work with other artists from all over the Valley.

East Mesa resident Porter was among the featured artists who attended with her family.

“What I want them to see is the joys of self-expression, especially when it comes to Black women in America,” Porter said.

South Phoenix resident, Jenn Favors, attended the event with a group of people who came to support another featured artist, Wilson, who teaches seniors and children about art aside from exhibiting her pieces.

“I love it. I think it’s great and amazing for the artists,” Favors said.

A couple looks at artwork featured at the “IMPRINT: African Americans in the Arts,” exhibit running through March 1, at Arts HQ Gallery in Surprise.

The Arts HQ Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.
See: westvalleyarts.org

Delarita Ford
Lead Reporter | Surprise

dford@iniusa.org

Meet Delarita
Delarita Ford originally joined Independent Newspapers Incorporated, now Independent Newsmedia, Inc. USA in 1997, as a general assignment reporter for the Delaware State News daily paper after starting her journalism career in Maryland in 1994, where she honed her skills by writing obituaries, covering community news from births to deaths, education to legislation and more. As a reporter, she has had the opportunity to cover sitting and former U.S. presidential visits in Baltimore, Delaware, and Arizona.

Community: One of the few seasoned journalists who still enjoys covering community events, she can be found with a reporter’s pad taking notes, her phone taking pictures while capturing life’s moments to memorialize them in print for the local newspapers and for the active-adult community where she lives. She maintains a presence with the Black media and the National Association of Black Journalists to encourage peers, socialize, and mentor younger writers.

Education: Life learner who learns from life. Aside from the collegiate education received, she got the best training from on-the-job experience with former editors who went through copy with a red pen and demanded the best writing for hard news and feature stories. 

Random Fact: While a Delaware State News reporter, she could call then Sen. Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, usually late at night if a quote or input was needed for varying topics, including legislation and education.

Hobbies: Adopt rescue dogs and give them a nice home. Continuously read and critique news stories from various platforms.