After returning to Savannah, she painted "Masai Woman Singing," an exquisite oil painting depicting an African figure adorned with a colorful headdress and beaded tribal necklaces. In this intimate portrait, the woman's mouth is open in mid-song, her face defined by a deep contrast between light and shadow.
"I loved painting this woman," Concha said. "The Masai women sing in a high voice that seems almost to lift them off the ground."
Concha's portrait is part of the Second Annual Friends of African American Arts Exhibition, a group show opening today at the Beach Institute in Savannah. The exhibit, which runs through Oct. 24, showcases art in a variety of media created by member of Friends of African American Arts , a Telfair Museum of Art-related organization devoted to supporting African-American artists.
"Our mission is to recognize the work of African-American artists and to collect work by African-American artists," said Phil Starks, vice chairman of the organization and coordinator of the art exhibit. "We're devoted to bringing local and national African-American artists to the Telfair Museum of Art."
This year, the group show is open to original work by any member of the organization, not just African-American artists. As a result, the exhibit includes paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed media work by artists throughout the greater Savannah community, offering an eclectic selection.
"We wanted to go a different route this time and open it up to everyone," said Starks. "We are open and receptive to the entire community, but the focus is on African-American art and artists."
The exhibit includes 30 works of art by 20 artists. Highlights include vivid African-patterned portraits by Amiri Farris, experimental encaustic photographs by Carmela Aliffi detailed bronze sculpture by Judy Mooney and vivid watercolors by Napoleon Wilkerson.
Additional artists featured in the show include Margaret Brennan, Samatha Claar, Madeline Corey-Thomas , Carolyn Graham, Suzanne Jackson, Pernell Johnson, Edward Jones, Sally Kroehnke, Beth Logan, Rebecca Rice , Preston Russell, Ron Schaffer , David Smalls, Mary Lou Vandenburg and Phil Starks.
The opening reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 3-5 p.m. today
"Friends of African American Arts is doing a great job of furthering the museum's mission with regard to bringing art to the community," said Vaughnette Goode-Walker , the Telfair's director of cultural diversity and access. "This is an opportunity for FAAA members and area artists to display their work and gain local exposure against the backdrop of one of the city's most significant historic sites."
IF YOU GO
What: Second Friends of African American Arts Exhibition
When: Through Oct. 24; opening reception today, 3-5 p.m.
Where: Beach Institute, 502 E. Harris St.
Museum hours: noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Information: 912-234-8000
