First Friday, February 3rd, 2017
6:00pm-9:00pm
at the Phoenix Center for the Arts Gallery
FREE

Phoenix Center for the Arts invites the community to a very special dedication of their new gallery space. Named in honor of former Phoenix Center for the Arts instructor, Larry Wilson (1950-2013), the dedication event will coincide with “FORWARD: the Larry Wilson Memorial Exhibit,” and feature special guest speakers and refreshments. The reception takes place Friday, February 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Phoenix Center for the Arts downtown campus, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. The gallery show will reopen on Third Friday, February 17, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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, Larry was a founding member of Art Link, and one of the founders of the First Friday art walk in Phoenix. Larry is fondly remembered for his generosity, passion, and faith.
Growing up in Arizona, Larry was always fascinated with beautiful sunsets and mountains. As an artist, Larry’s love of drawing can be seen in his colorful pictures of the desert landscape. A member of the Consortium of Black Artists (COBA) and founder of the ABC (Artists of the Black Community) Larry enjoyed teaching art classes to senior citizens as well as children. He retired as the Director of the Visual Arts Department at Phoenix Center for the Arts. Never one to sit idle, in his ‘retirement’ Larry continued teaching art and showing his work throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
In Larry’s honor, Phoenix Center for the Arts presents “FORWARD: the Larry Wilson Memorial Exhibit.” The gallery will exhibit selections from Larry’s 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 this 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.
Contact: j.black(at)phoenixcenterforthearts.org