By William KernsA-J Entertainment Editor
Sponsored by the Roots Historical Arts Council, an exhibit called “Black Creativity on the Plains” will debut as part of today’s 77th monthly First Friday Art Trail from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the city’s Garden & Arts Center, 4215 University Ave.
A short program of music and poetry will take place at 7 p.m.
The exhibit will remain on display through Feb. 28.
Art works by more than 30 African-American artists who either live in Lubbock, or are former Lubbock residents, are included in the show.
Participants include three Smithsonian artists — Eddie Dixon, Tony Gleaton and James Watkins — as well as such celebrated artists as Willis Bagley, Denise Bean, Jeralyn Carter, Vivian Cooke, Betty Jenkins, Rolando Shaw and Destiny Strong.
Eric Strong, Roots Council director, said, “There never has been an exhibit with as many works of art by this many African-American artists in the history of our city.
Others who provided drawings, paintings, sculpture, ceramics or photographs for “Black Creativity on the Plains” include Don Armstead, Totsie Bass, Jeralyn Carter-Sayed, Esther Delaquis, Karen Edwards, Ti’Asia Estelle, Beverly Henry, Clinton Hobdy, Daniel Jackson, Natalie Johnson, Leonard Maiden, Rashaka Mamuso, Robert O’Neal, Jontell Perry, Olufela Raymond, Neil Sinclair, Clayton Tatum Jr, Mariah Thomas, James Tucker, Katha Upton, Shannon Walton, Lavoyne Worthy and Steve Worthy.
Once again, trolleys will run through the area of the Cultural District that touches on the Depot Entertainment District. Visitors have the option of using their own cars or riding a trolley, but be aware that trolleys will not leave the District and visit the Garden & Arts Center.
The five trolleys leave at 6:15 p.m. from Art on Texas Avenue, the Buddy Holly Center, the Legacy, the Tornado Gallery and the Underwood Center.
Over the course of the evening, all five trolleys will pay visits to nine sites: Alderson Mercedes, Art on Texas Avenue, the Buddy Holly Center, Glassyalley Art Studio & Gallery, the Legacy, McPherson Cellars, the Tornado Gallery, the Underwood Center and the Studio Flats at the Underwood Center.
