Black Heritage Art Expo is 12

Over 5000 patrons visited the 12th Annual Black Heritage Art Show last weekend at the Baltimore Convention Center to sample the works of over 100 artists from across the country and beyond. This premiere occasion, the largest celebratory event held in the Mid-Atlantic region during Black History Month, afforded art lovers of all nationalities the opportunity to celebrate African American culture collectively through the use of visual and performing Arts.

Also present at the three-day event that kicked off Friday, February 2, 2007 were some 25 notable personalities including self-taught visual artist Leroy Campbell who designed the show's poster, and seminal all-African-American television sitcom 'Good Times' actress Bernadette 'Thelma' Stanis who used the occasion to promote her new books 'Situations 101' on relationships, and 'For Men Only', her romantic and sensual book of poetry.

Other performers were reggae artiste Angelo Carter, soul jazz singer Avery Sunshine, internationally acclaimed author and playwright Tiffany Alexander who read from her 'Braided in My Hair' book, and blues singer R. C. Holmes.

"This was to showcase local artists and artists from all over who depict our culture through the arts", explained Belinda Merritt, Public Relations Director of the Baltimore-based Visual Arts Marketing Corporation which organized the show.

"Through promoting the work of African American artists, we provide a chance for the community to come together and celebrate as well as support our fund-raising component, proceeds of which go to the African American Visual Arts Association Scholarship Fund to benefit students who wish to pursue careers in the arts", Merritt added.

The Black Heritage Art Show started in Baltimore twelve years ago as a small community program to promote the work of local black artists. Apart from visual art, the show features live entertainment in gospel, jazz and R&B music, spoken-word poets and life-empowering seminars.