The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative Presents: “Celebrations of Form and Grace”
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its powerful exploration of Black artistry with a dynamic exhibition, “Celebrations of Form and Grace,” showcasing paintings by Dominic Avant, March 10-30, at Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. An opening reception, with the artist, is Monday, March 10, 5-6:30 p.m., in the Selby Lobby.
Paul Toliver, SBAC’s artist consultant and curator, describes Avant as an artist who
“pushes the boundaries of contemporary art with his distinctive vision and limitless creativity.” He adds, “We’re honored to showcase his work as part of the Beyond Regional Boundaries initiative.”
Michele Redwine, SBAC’s executive director, explains that the exhibition is a key part of SBAC’s Art Innovation Zone, a yearlong program within the Beyond Regional Boundaries initiative. Supported by such regional venues as Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, Manatee Performing Arts Center, WSLR + Fogartyville, and the Van Wezel, the program fosters a creative space where the work of Black artists is exposed to wider audiences. She adds that these exhibitions benefit both the exhibition venues, artists and the greater Sarasota/Manatee communities.
For the past 17 years, fine art painter and Bradenton resident Dominic Avant has been a full-time professor at Ringling College of Art and Design. His unique fusion of impressionism and realism is grounded in his belief that “painting from life” is the heart and soul of his work. Avant’s oil paintings— often figurative or landscape—are defined by dramatic light, vivid color, and fluid brushwork, developed through hours of direct observation.
After earning a BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design, Avant was recruited by Walt Disney Feature Animation, where he contributed to numerous feature films. It was within this creative community that Avant discovered plein air painting, a practice he credits with jumpstarting his career as a painter. His plein air works range from smaller field studies to larger, multi-session pieces.
A recognized award winning figurative painter, Avant has garnered numerous honors, including top awards in the Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait competitions, Best of Show at the OPA Eastern Regionals, and recognition from organizations like Raymar Fine Art, The Artist magazine, and International Artist magazine. Visit DominicAvant.com.
“Sarasota Opera is very happy to collaborate with the Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative in showcasing great talent,”
says Richard Russell, general director of Sarasota Opera. “We are proud to be sharing the work of Dominic Avant with those who visit our historic Opera House.”
The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative is also showcasing two other concurrent exhibitions:
•“Evoking Conversations of Historical Events, Current Issues and Race,” a thought provoking exhibition by photographer Lily Eans, is on view through February 28, at WSLR + Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota.
•“Interpretations, Perceptions & Realities,” an exhibition featuring works by Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks, Dwight Rose, and Allen Pettigrew. This exhibit is on view through February 25 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton. An opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, February 13, from 3-5 p.m.
Upcoming Exhibitions Through February 25 “Interpretations, Perceptions & Realities”
Artists: Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks, Dwight Rose, and Allen Petti grew Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton
Through February 28 “Evoking Conversations of His torical Events, Current Issues and Race”
Artist: Lily Evans WSLR + Fogartyville, 525 Ku mquat Court, Sarasota
