LeMoyne Arts Honors Black History Month With ‘Passionate Journey’ Exhibit

LeMoyne Arts starts 2023 with an exciting mixed-media exhibit. ‘Passionate Journey,’ featuring Eluster Richardson and 17 supporting artists, had its opening reception on Thursday, January 19th with over 300 attending.  Old friends and family came together to enjoy inspiring sculptures, paintings and photography.

Eluster Richardson, the featured artist, is a Tallahassee native, and a local favorite. He was ‘Best in Show’ winner at LeMoyne’s 2022 Chain of Parks Art Festival. Richardson’s new work includes several bronze statues and oil canvases, inspiring exploration of Tallahassee’s Local and regional history.

“They pull you in. I’ve been to some of these places, and I love the way Eluster captures the motions of the animals and the trees,” said one attendee as he looked at ‘Wood Storks on Bottom Road’, one of Richardson’s many oil canvas pieces on display.

A line of art patrons formed to get into the LeMoyne gallery as art enthusiast and leaders in the Tallahassee community poured in. The halls and galleries were packed. Laughter and conversation swirled with the music presented by singer/songwriter Madison Avery as visitors greeted the artists and each other.

Stan Johnson, one of the artists in the exhibit, commented that he loved the reception, and he was proud of what he was able to create. Another exhibiting artist, Rolex J. Saint Preux, loved seeing the community support their local artists. “It’s not every day that you can experience this in Tallahassee. Especially for art.” 

As a special treat to honor the African American experience, the Ayoka Afrikan Drum & Dance Troupe put on a show, thrilling the audience.

“Did something change these past few years?” said one attendee as she was leaving. She was smiled as she told the LeMoyne staff what a great job they did.

A cheerful couple who are planning their wedding at LeMoyne this spring were wowed to see how far the garden renovation, which is a part of LeMoyne’s Art for Always master plan, has come along.

The ‘Passionate Journey’ exhibit will be on display for a month, ending on Saturday, February 25th. LeMoyne Arts invites the community to bring their family and support Tallahassee’s local and regional artist.

Upcoming Events:

Muffins & Mimosas Reception, February 4th, 2023, 11:00 am – Noon

About LeMoyne Arts

Since 1963, LeMoyne Arts has been true to its founding principles: promote the work of local artists and preserve Florida’s art heritage. Through regularly changing exhibitions, LeMoyne offers inclusive and varied programs that appeal to a large constituency. LeMoyne fosters active collaborations with artists and partners with a wide range of institutions including local public and private schools, the Council on Culture and Arts, the FSU Museum of Fine Arts, the FAMU Foster Tanner Gallery, local businesses, and nonprofits. Learn more about LeMoyne Arts at lemoyne.org.