Dean Mitchell
Award winning artist, Dean Mitchell, captures the spirit and essence of African-American life with 40 recent watercolors, depicting the people and places of his life in the south. The exhibit, Dean Mitchell: Space, People & Places, will be on display at the Canton Museum of Art from November 26, 2010 through March 6, 2011.
Dean Mitchell was born in Pittsburgh in 1957 and raised by his grandmother in the small town of Quincy, Florida. Raised in poverty, he demonstrated artistic skill which led to his formal training at the Columbus College of Art & Design (Ohio). Mitchell has won numerous awards and achieved recognition nationwide, with work that has been compared to such American masters as Andrew Wyeth and Winslow Homer. His vibrant images entice people into a world where emotion is subtly painted and life is lovingly expressed. Mitchell finds inspiration in his immediate community -- the time-worn faces of family members and the people and streets of his southern upbringing.
“My work is not about color; it’s about life. Once you get to know your subjects, you can develop a love that comes through in your work. In the end, you hope you can do something that will help people come together. Emotions are universal, no matter what color the skin.” – Dean Mitchell
Related Events:
The Dean Mitchell Opening Gala and Jazz Event on December 4, 2010, will celebrate the opening of the exhibit. The event will feature live music by Mia’s Morning & Eclectic, as well as the opportunity to meet Dean Mitchell. Tickets are available for $30 for Museum members and $60 for non-members -- (the non-member $60 ticket includes a one-year membership to the Canton Museum of Art). For details or tickets call 330-453-7666.
A PBS Documentary by Western Reserve Public Media, will showcase the work of award-winning artist Dean Mitchell with a half-hour program spotlighting his current exhibition at the Canton Museum of Art. “Dean Mitchell at the Canton Museum of Art,” explores Mitchell's journey from poverty to acclaim as he tells the story of how his memories and heritage give life and dignity to his work. The program also takes viewers to the opening
Gala Jazz Night Event, watching as the public gets a chance to meet Mitchell and see his extraordinary work. The program will debut on Sunday, December 19, at 8 pm; and repeat on Thursday, December 23, at 2 pm and Tuesday, December 28, at 9 pm. It will also air on Fusion on Monday, December 20, at 10 pm and Friday, December 24, at 8:30 pm.
Educational Outreach Activities are being planned to coincide with African-American History Month. Mitchell will return to Ohio February 22 – 24, for a series of visits to speak with high school students in Canton, Alliance and Massillon.
The Dean Mitchell Project is made possible through funding by:
L. Hoover Foundation
*
AultCare
Marie Hoover Memorial Gift
Judith E. Lancaster
*
The Timken Company
Affinity Medical Center
And media support by:
Western Reserve PBS
And through the efforts and support of the Dean Mitchell Project Committee:
Judith E. Lancaster, Chairperson
George W. Lemon, Co-Chairperson
Jacqueline Holmes
Nadine McIlwain-Massey
E. Brock Herring
Lynda Tuttle-Swintosky
Marva L. Dodson
Traci Dunn
Ron Young
Gerry Radcliffe
Katherine L. Baylock
Keith McGuire
Michael Lemon
Gloria Pope
Hortense Bobbit
"One doesn't merely look at a Dean Mitchell painting; one feels it and is drawn into it, and the impression lingers in the memory long afterward. That is the greatness of his art." -- M.J. Albacete, executive director, Canton Museum of Art
***
The Canton Museum of Art is located at 1001 Market Avenue North in the Cultural Center for the Arts, 1001 Market Avenue N, Canton, Ohio. 44702 Phone: 330-453-7666.
Admission: $6/adult, $4/senior/student, Museum members and children 12 and under are free. Museum Hours:
Monday – closed
Tuesday, Wednesday – 10 am – 8 pm
Thursday - Friday – 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday – 10 am – 3 pm
Sunday – 1 pm to 5 pm
