Tonight I'll be singing at The B Spot-- Art collector and master framer, Barry Lester's new gallery on Capitol Hill. (It was formerly called "Attitude Exact", and was located on 8th Street/Barracks Row, not too far from the new location, on Pennsylvania Avenue.)
About 14 years ago, my "Vision" brother, writer, pianist, composer, Grammy winner, and Art enthusiast, Raymond Reeder, phoned me and said, "Hey. I'm at the gallery. Get your stuff from under the bed, and meet me here".
I didn't know what or where the gallery was.
What I did learn when I arrived, was that many of the paintings I'd done, while in my classroom at P.R. Harris Educational Center (some paintings I'd given away to anyone who said, "I like that"), were somehow, making their way to Attitude Exact Gallery. Raymond had several pieces on the walls of his home, and was the gallery's biggest cheerleader.
My work was being enclosed in spectacular, intricate frames, and when I would see them again, I hardly recognized them, if not for the fact that my own signature was there. The frames were works of art, in and of themselves. It seemed that EVERYONE knew about the gallery, and the artistry of Barry Lester, except me!
When we met, Barry looked at the work I'd brought, and told me he recognized my style, because he had handled so many of my paintings and drawings before. He also recognized, immediately, that I had very little business sense, and knew nothing about placing monetary value on my work. He promised to archive my work, and keep it safe. That he has done, from then, until now.
When we met, Barry looked at the work I'd brought, and told me he recognized my style, because he had handled so many of my paintings and drawings before. He also recognized, immediately, that I had very little business sense, and knew nothing about placing monetary value on my work. He promised to archive my work, and keep it safe. That he has done, from then, until now.
Even when I needed framing for my students' work, for competitions and exhibitions, he wouldn't take my money.
I always admired his philosophy, that art and artists should be a part of the community, like they were during the Harlem Renaissance.
Attitude Exact was always a lovely place to visit. Just being surrounded by such wonderful art, was so inspiring. Like its predecessor, The B Spot doesn't disappoint.
On the walls of the new gallery are, among other contemporary artists, the works of one of my former elementary school Art students, Shaunte Gates.
On the walls of the new gallery are, among other contemporary artists, the works of one of my former elementary school Art students, Shaunte Gates.
I get misty every time I see his work. It makes some of the not-so-good days as a teacher, worth every minute.
Tonight is really special to me. It's bringing together two things I love-- Art and Music.
Tonight is really special to me. It's bringing together two things I love-- Art and Music.
I'm excited to just sing songs I like, in the company of people I admire and appreciate, and people who appreciate art, in a space I find refreshing and lovely.
The smoothies and flavored teas are divine, too.
#UTYC produced by Raymond Reeder
#unchangeable #WithYou and #BeOpen written by Raymond Reeder
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