Why he's in the news: The African American Coalition of Reading joined with Outsider Folk Art Gallery to create an exhibit that was one of Pennsylvania's largest tributes to black artists. Originally on view in February and March in a Penn Street gallery, "Believe, Achieve, Succeed" was so popular, it was extended through the end of May. Terrell has also worked on 13 murals around Reading.Personal: Terrell, 61, grew up in Reading and lives in the Glenside neighborhood with his 13-year-old son, Rupa. His wife, Maria, passed away 13 years ago.
Education: Terrell attended Reading High School and is a self-taught artist.
Career: Terrell has worked around the world as an artist and interior designer. He created props for a theater near Tel Aviv, Israel, and spent two years designing the decor for the Oasis nightclub in Reading. As art director and curator for ACOR for the past five years, Terrell finds art for the gallery, organizes exhibits and coordinates collaborations with local schools and groups.
How he got involved with the arts: As a child, Terrell was part of a group of students from Reading schools who were asked to paint windows on Penn Street stores from October through the holidays. He was hooked. "You can take something drab and change it to something that's beautiful," he said.
History of ACOR: The group of artists started in 2000 as coordinator of Black History Month programs with the Reading Public Museum. The group became more active, putting up exhibits at different galleries to educate the public through the arts. ACOR moved into the GoggleWorks when the center opened in 2005. "As African-American artists, we feel that we can inform the people about our culture through the arts," Terrell said
Why focus on the arts? "Art is something that's appreciated by people in all walks of life. Art is therapeutic and relaxing, especially for children."
Most rewarding part of the job: "The most rewarding part of what I do is to be a liaison between the artist and the community. Art is a medium where you can make pleasant things happen."
You might be surprised to know: Since Terrell left Reading at age 19, here are the places he's called home: Topanga Canyon, Calif.; Oregon; Norway; Spain; Portugal; Senegal; Gambia; Italy; Israel; India and then back to Reading 13 years ago.
- By Erin Negley
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