It’s November so internet rules state I must post a gratitude list.
But this blog isn’t about me, it’s about all the amazing artists in and around Fayetteville.
So I asked them who they were grateful for.
The love train was phenomenal.
Arts Event Manager and writer Ashanti Bennett (and one of my personal gratitudes) called out painter Jen Hancock, who choose two other painters: “This year, I am grateful for all of the BLM inspired artists and artwork, but Carlos Tolentino’s George Floyd portrait particularly stands out for me. It was a beautifully and powerfully portrayed artwork reminding me that there is a whole nation of people within our nation who have felt unable to breathe for centuries and we all need to do better, and be better humans. I am also infinitely grateful for another of the local heroes of our artist world, Mary Ward, whom we tragically lost a week ago. Not only did she create art that burst at the seams with bright and loving joy, but she bestowed her passion and love of art on to my children who were blessed enough to call her their art teacher. She is already truly missed.”
Minda Rella tagged Val Humphrey, who said, “I’d like to shoutout Beth Davis. I pick her because, not only is her artwork visually stunning and complex, but she also happens to be remarkably kind and humble. I love her vivid use of color and intricate line work. Her art is very different from mine, and yet it inspires me so much.”
Doug Burton and Michael Daughtry caught their own loop. Michael said about Doug “Thank you for supporting original artists and creating excellent original music!” And then Doug responded about Michael: “Throughout the year he’s kept us all entertained via “Get The Drift” webcasts, even while we can’t make it out to traditional venues. Michael supports local music & musicians like very few others, and we are lucky to have him as part of our community.”
Singer TishMone and Author Shane Wilson both tagged singer-songwriter Lisette. She shared “Grateful for my cellist / partner in crime Justin Mackey, for helping me record and produce my acoustic EP. Grateful for The Arts Council for supporting the arts during a year where everything had to go virtual.”
“Talent, passion for his craft, entrepreneurship, leadership, generosity in lifting others, and willingness to invest his time, talent, and energy into the community. Plus, a genuinely good guy.” Of course Sam Dubose is talking about El’Ja Bowens. He then spread the love around more: “For me, there are too damn many lol. But, let’s go with Neil Donnell Ray, Law Bullock, Yolanda A. Barnes, Ed Owens, and Ashanti Bennett. All dedicate themselves to their craft, community, and above all else they are willing to look past themselves to help the greater good.”
Shane also tagged painter Damien Mathis, who returned the love and then some: “Shane, he met me at a point in life where I didn’t understand a lot about how people view my art. As an author, he solidified a different viewpoint. Carter has gave me every opportunity without asking for anything in return…honest in his tomorrows. Metoya Scott has been very informative in what’s going on in the community and has a professional persona about the art world.”
And almost everyone mentioned Neil Ray. As musician Shaun McNamee put it: “Can’t have this list without mentioning the great Dr Neil Donnell Ray. There wouldn’t be a local scene without him!” Neil replied, “It is so good to be honored by your peers! My respect and adoration of these artists and so many others is the true testimony of the talent we have in this area! I am grateful to all of them! They have helped me become better! Or at least get in the game!”
Keep the love going! Shoutout in the comments a local artist you’re grateful for this year!
Color of Fayetteville 