Phoenix Center for the Arts to Dedicate New Gallery

Phoenix Center for the Arts will dedicate the Larry Wilson Gallery on Feb. 3, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Named in honor of former Phoenix Center for the Arts instructor Larry Wilson (1950 – 2013), the dedication events will coincide with “FORWARD: the Larry Wilson Memorial Exhibit,” and will feature guest speakers and refreshments.

Larry Wilson

Larry Wilson was a beloved artist, teacher, community activist and diligent advocate for artists of color in the Phoenix area. A third generation Phoenician and lifelong resident, Wilson was a founding member of Art Link and one of the founders of the First Friday art walk in Phoenix. He is fondly remembered for his generosity, passion and faith.

Growing up in Arizona, Wilson was always fascinated with beautiful sunsets and mountains. As an artist, his love of drawing is visible in his colorful pictures of the desert landscape. A member of the Consortium of Black Artists and founder of the ABC (Artists of the Black Community), Wilson enjoyed teaching art classes to senior citizens as well as children. He retired as director of the visual arts department at Phoenix Center for the Arts. In retirement, he continued teaching art and showing his work throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.

In his honor, the gallery will exhibit selections from his body of artwork alongside work by his colleagues who ensure that his progress moves forward in support of local artists and especially African American artists.

Commission on sales from the exhibit will support the Larry Wilson Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance for African American children and teens to participate in visual arts classes and the Teen Artist Guild at Phoenix Center for the Arts.

PHOTOS COURTESY PHOENIX CENTER FOR THE ARTS

FORWARD: the Larry Wilson Memorial Exhibit and Gallery Dedication

Fri., Feb. 3

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Phoenix Center for the Arts

info@phoenixcenterforthearts.org or 602-254-3100