For Black History Month Coleman Library becomes engulfed with PV art and artists

An art exhibit is being held on the fourth floor of the John B. Coleman Library, and the works will be available for public viewing throughout Black History Month. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The art exhibit showcases the works of various teachers and staff on Prairie View A&M campus. The exhibit features a wide range of artists including Larry Cole, a professor of chemistry; Lee Henderson, a professor of biology; Ann Johnson, an instructor of merchandising and design, as well as human science; Tracey Moore, an instructor with School of Architecture and graphic designer, and community residents such as Pearl Martin.

Cole added a very large painting entitled "African Mask." Henderson submitted a photo collage that reflects all of his work in photography. Moore who submitted photographs to the exhibitsaid, "I tend to focus all of my energy on taking the perfect photograph. Everything around me becomes insignificant, including my personal and professional problems. I do not think about anything else except the photograph."

Johnson enlivened the exhibit with a portrait of Tupac Shakur that was painted with her feet, and a basketball goal that was studded with over a thousand multi-colored plastic gems: "Right now I'm obsessed with the 'Hoop Dreamin'' basketball series. It's a series of decorative goals that explore the issue of a "Hoop Dream." The majority of my current works are beaded basketball goals. I still enjoy painting, but my feet have been on vacation for a while," said Johnson.

Martin offered three pieces of her work to the exhibit. The first is a portrait of Tyson Beckford and two other paintings are entitled "Woman of African Ark" and "Survival."

In a recent interview with The Panther, Martin said, "These are my best pictures right now. I thought it was an honor to add to the gallery.