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February Issue
2010
Artists' Guild
of Spartanburg in Spartanburg, SC, Features Works by Thomas Parham
The Artists' Guild of
Spartanburg in Spartanburg, SC, will present the exhibit, Thomas
Parham Retrospective, highlighting works by the Spartanburg
artist who touched many lives during his 56 years, on view in
the Guild Gallery at the Chapman Cultural Center from Feb. 1 -
27, 2010.
When Parham decided in 1988, at the age of 40, to pursue art fulltime,
something that he had resisted after graduating from Allen University
in 1971 with a degree in art, he left behind a more conventional
career path to embark on one that he said he felt called to.
That career included not only creating his own art, which he did in abundance, but also working with young artists in the fledgling Colors program that provides opportunities for young people to create and experience art.
Parham left impressions that promise to resonate beyond the lives he touched personally as an artist and educator. As assistant director, then director, of Colors, a program for inner-city youth, Parham became a friend, role model, mentor and advocate for the more than 200 children each year that participated in the only program of its kind in South Carolina.
But the legacy apparent in this exhibit is that of the accomplished artists whose passion for positive social impact led to art spanning various subjects - nature, history, religion. His primary media were acrylics, oils and watercolor, though he also created sculptures as well.
Parham described his own work as eclectic, pointing to the joy that he took in creating both landscapes and the human form. His best works are both spiritual and scenic in nature. Parham became nationally known for his landscapes and works depicting the Southern lifestyle.
Laura Pinkley, Executive Director of the Artists' Guild of Spartanburg states, "The Guild is honored to present the work of Thomas Parham in its Guild Gallery at the Chapman Cultural Center. Mr. Parham's dedication and commitment to the arts in Spartanburg County were demonstrated both in his own artwork and in his work with the Colors program. It is particularly appropriate for the Guild to exhibit his work during the month of February, given his passion for teaching art to African-American youth."
For further information
check our SC Institutional Gallery listings or call Laura Pinkley
at 864/764-9568.
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