Photos By: Donna Gray Banks
Story By: Donna Gray Banks
The federal holiday was celebrated at many locations in the City of Daytona Beach. There were two City Sponsored events and two private events during the weekend. The private events were held at the Halifax Historical Museum, located on Beach Street and at the Hunt House located on Palmetto Street in Daytona Beach. Each event featured world renowned artist Mr. Al Black one of the last premier artists of the Highwaymen group who painted up and down the east coast of Florida to sell their paintings that could not be placed in galleries because of the many Jim Crow laws and other laws prohibiting Blacks from participating in artistic events. Al is one of the few artists alive and Daytona Beach hosted this gentleman in two different locations. His visit included painting and selling two original paintings painted on location at the Halifax Historical Museum. The Museum used this opportunity as a fundraiser. Over 45 people were in attendance.
One painting was sold as an auction the second was sold at the end of the day before the paint was dry. He had other original paintings for sale at the museum and several of them were sold also. Participants marveled at the speed in which he painted, and the outcome was breath taking. Mr. Black spoke very little about his history instead he focused on the art and artistry of the Highwaymen and the legacy that he was a part of. This presentation was from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Photo By: Duane C. Fernandez Sr. / Hardnotts Photography L.L.C.
At 6:30 p.m. Mr. Black presented at the Hunt House for a paint, sip and appetizers. Each participant was given the opportunity to paint along side the genius of Al Black. He instructed on mixing colors, brush strokes, and definition in the painting. He requested each person make the painting their own using his instruction. The paining portion was held outside in a beautiful evening setting. He concluded the evening declaring that he would be back in November to visit the City of Daytona Beach. His family accompanied him to both events, daughter Doris Black Mellion, great granddaughter, JaZarria Black, great grandson, JaQuavious Miles, great granddaughter Catrice Exum and fiancée Desiree Raymond.
Mr. Black is featured below with Mr. Kenneth Hunt, President of the Halifax Historical Museum and Owner/Operator of the Hunt House. Also featured are a few of the participants of the paint and sip. Not pictured were visitors from Tampa and Dr. Connie Mitchell. The evening came to an end with featured flutist Galen Abdur-Razzaaq and company. The appetizers were prepared by Blue Chip Catering, featuring Chef Charles Mallory.
Donna M. Gray-Banks, Founder/Director F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival, 2011-Present Ila’s Diamonds, LLC dba F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival Zoom In On A F.R.E.S.H. Conversation Zoom In On A F.R.E.S.H. Conversation After Dark www.freshbookfestivals.net 386-627-4353
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