Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Art of Giving Back

The large exhibition space was already full of well-heeled New Yorkers when I arrived, just fifteen minutes after the opening of the Art of Giving Back event, for the UNCF, at the School of Visual Arts Gallery, on West 26th Street. Dressed in the looks of the moment, the crowd peered at an array of artworks that spanned time, taste and style. The list of contributing artists, curated by Natalie Jones, read like a Who's Who in the African American panoply of creative visual arts. Legends like Romare Bearden, Richard Mayhew, Lois Maillou Jones, Norman Lewis and Faith Ringold shared space with emergent Ramona Candy, Paul Goodnight, Leroy Henderson, Philemona Williamson and Glenn Tunstull.

The benefit's goal of raising money to support the multitude of national programs the United Negro College Fund has in place, assisting African American student achievement, was a worthy one pursued by many that night. The crowd was filled with some that I recognized and some who remained incognito. A number of my collectors were there lending me great support, well wishes and hope.

The inclusion in the exhibition represented a long held dream of being included within the ranks of such noted artists as listed above. I met a few of the mentioned artists as indicated in photos below. As my works filled a large wall in the main room they seemed complementary in this stellar lineup.











12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glenn, this is beautiful. The show was truly stellar and you captured all the energy, spirit and excitement in your writing!!!!

Thank you for the shout-out.

Ramona

Anonymous said...

GLENN-You look so handsome!

RICHARD ALAN ROSENFELD

Anonymous said...

Glenn
Wow, you are one of the Super Star Artist of tomorrow. Well it's about time June Kelly see you at work.

Peace and lots of Blessings.

Anonymous said...

This looks like it was a fab event. And I love SVA's gallery.

AA

Anonymous said...

Glenn, you take the best pictures.
Barbara

Anonymous said...

GT, sweet!! sorry I missed being there, hope you were happy with the outcome, and yes, giving back is of the utmost.
Love you,
Deb

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,

Thanks for sharing the info on the recent benefit. I meant to attend but it slipped my mind. I think that it is awesome that your work is being shown along with such master artists as Bearden and Mayhew among others. Congratulations. I recognize June Kelly in the photos. I hope that the auction sale did well. Take care.

John

tunstullstudio said...

Thanks for sharing this Glenn and for your continued commitment to worthy causes.
Harry

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,
Sorry, I couldn't make it, Warren wasn't feeling well. Looks like it's
was a nice affair. Don't give up on me.
Marie

Anonymous said...

Looks like it was a great show Glenn. Sorry I could not come. Out in Sun Valley right now. The weather is beautiful.
Hope to see you and Joe soon.
Vernon

Anonymous said...

Glenn, It looks like you are one of the Super Star Artists of Today! So glad we were there. You're work showed beautifully. ALl the best, Charlie

Anonymous said...

Hey Glenn! Congrats! Your work showed beautifully. And of course, as expected you always are so handsome!