News

Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact Person: Evelyn Patricia Terry, terryevelyn@hotmail.com, 414.264.6766

Exciting Next Generation “Meet and Welcome” Art Exhibition!

A meaningful connection was established with Kevin Boatright, Anwar Floyd-Pruitt, and Mikal Floyd-Pruitt after Evelyn Patricia Terry, founder of the Terry McCormick Gallery of Contemporary Fine and Folk Art, crossed their paths at various venues during Milwaukee's last Gallery Night. The resulting exhibition “IMITATING LIFE: Synthesizing Saneness,” featuring their artwork, will open on Saturday, December 10. The young artists passionately discussed gaining visibility and building patron bases, two subjects that are dear to Terry’s soul. She said, “Artists desire to thrive and patrons assist in achieving that goal.”

Also represented, with artwork, are the regular gallery artists, Eamon Quinn Bridges, Shana R. Goetsch (watercolors), George Ray McCormick, Sr. (folk art), Ras `Ammar Nsoroma (pastel portraits and paintings), Jacqueline A. Richards, Ktinsley, and Evelyn Patricia Terry. IMITATING LIFE: Synthesizing Saneness opens with a reception from 12 Noon - 5 pm, Saturday, December 10, 2522 North 18th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53206. For questions, interviews, or appointments at other times, contact terryevelyn@hotmail.com.

Additional Information

Thrilled to welcome them, as comrades, to the art scene, Terry noted that this collaboration represents a reacquainting. A professional artist, herself, she previously met them when they were youngsters. Just in the fifth grade, Anwar, persuaded his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Pruitt, to buy one of Terry’s large watermelon pastels, after she gave a slide presentation at his elementary school. Mikal was a toddler then, but now articulates so many of Terry’s thoughts that she was moved to say, “I am enthralled by our conversations – I understand because I have been there.”


Kevin Boatright

While a talented art student at Lincoln Center Middle School of the Arts, Kevin worked on a cafeteria mural in Terry’s workshop. She was Artist-In-Residence from 1985 through this year. Also, Kevin is the half-brother to a son of George Ray McCormick, Sr.; who passed in 2009. Folk artist, McCormick, Terry’s eleven-year close friend and companion, inspired the creation of the Terry McCormick Gallery after his transition. Awestruck by the synchronicity, Terry sees strong foundations for promising art careers for the trio.

Kevin attended the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. In 2005 he won Best of Show in the Riverwest Artist Association’s Art Walk. His technique involves combining caulk with traditional acrylic paint to create a bizarre surface texture. His themes capture and portray the existence of interior dark emotional realities.


Mikal Floyd-Pruitt with painting

Both Anwar and Mikal graduated from Harvard University. Mikal majored in Filmmaking and took a few art courses. His paintings and original prints present visual stories loosely reflective of his themes as a hip-hop performer and lyricist. Anwar, with a degree in Psychology, functions like a consummate obsessed, self-taught visionary. His subject matter is artmaking and he incessantly creates conceptual folk art composed of "stuff" from recycled found objects.


Anwar Floyd-Pruitt with mixed media assemblage

PRESS RELEASE

March 31, 2011

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: STUDIO CLEAR OUT SALE

PAINTINGS BY LAURA EASEY-JONES, EVELYN PATRICIA TERRY AND RAS ‘AMMAR NSORAMA

Affordable prices for original fine art.

Laura Easey-Jones, painter, sculptor, curator, educator and muralist, is offering paintings from her archives. Some works have never been offered for sale before. Other artists represented in the sale are Evelyn Patricia Terry and Ras ‘Ammar Nsorama. Ammar can do your pastel portrait during the day of the sale and Evelyn continues to offer pieces that are marked down to $100 and many that are 1/2 off.

Oil paintings, acrylic, watercolors, drawings, monoprints and other pastel work will all be on sale one day only - Friday, June 10th at Lincoln Center for the Arts, from 12 noon until 9 pm, Room 118.

For more information, contact:

Laura Easey-Jones
Laura(at)easeyjones.com

Evelyn Patricia Terry's mixed media monoprint, Magic is Dreaming Tall Dreams, is being shown at Cuvée Champagne/Celebrations in a solo exhibition.


For Immediate Release
Date: January 10, 2011
Contact: Evelyn Patricia Terry, 414.264.6766 (home), 414.212.3464 (studio), or 323.599.8884 (cell)



On Friday, January 21, and Saturday, January 22, widely collected visual artist Evelyn Patricia Terry will participate in the first of four annual Gallery Night and Day events for 2011. Terry is showing at two places, Cuvée Champagne/Celebrations, a lounge and alternative gallery venue at 177 N. Broadway, 3rd Floor (above Artasia) and Peltz Gallery at 1119 East Knapp Street.

Terry's one-person exhibition and reception on Friday night at Cuvée features mood-based abstract pastels and mixed media pieces, with a selection of additional miscellaneous artworks for reduced prices ($100 or less) from 5 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. The sale items are being offered Friday night only although the present solo-exhibition with many larger pastels continues.

Peltz Gallery is displaying Terry's race-based figurative work in a group exhibition, "Visions, Voices, Viewpoints and Victories of African American Artists," featuring more than 25 artists, curated by Della Wells. Friday, January 21, is the date of the opening reception from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Terry will be present, at Peltz Gallery, on Saturday, Gallery Day, for the French Breakfast from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Both exhibitions welcome new visitors along with seasoned patrons. Encouraging informative dialogue, artists will attend. They are willing to answer questions on both dates. Highly respected, Peltz Gallery represents artists with national reputations as well as regional and has been showing Terry's work since its inception in the early 1990s. They have gradually added many emerging regional artists over the past several years.

Presented by the Historic Third Ward Association, Gallery Night and Day's largest concentration of participating galleries is in the Third Ward. Even though this popular event is new to many residents, the 23-year-old quarterly Gallery Night and Day event has expanded to include many neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee, because of its growing popularity. For more information visit http://www.historicthirdward.org/events/gallerynight.php. Terry will answer inquiries at 414.212.3464, her Lincoln Center of the Arts studio. Peltz Gallery can be contacted at 414.223.4278.

Terry has been a professional artist since 1970. Passionate about her career and passing on knowledge, she can be retained as a lecturer, writer, curator, and workshop presenter for children and adults through her email: terryevelyn@hotmail.com. Contracted with UW - Press, she is completing work on Permission to Paint, Please! - a manuscript that features the artwork and bios of over 200 African-American artists connected to Wisconsin from 1850 to 2000. Terry is a monthly contributor to the Portal Wisconsin blog. Go to http://portalwisconsin.wordpress.com/ and search for "Evelyn Patricia Terry" or visit Terry's website at evelynpatriciaterry.com for images of her artwork.



Contact information:

Kris Gorski, Proprietor
Cuvée Champagne/Celebrations
177 N. Broadway, 3rd Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone 414-225-9800
Fax 414-225-9810
www.cuveemke.com

Peltz Gallery
1119 E. Knapp Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414.223.4278
email: peltzgallery@sbcglobal.net

Terry McCormick Gallery Opening This Saturday 12/5/09

You are cordially invited to attend the Terry McCormick Gallery Opening Reception. The new gallery, located on the lower level of my home, opens this Saturday from noon til 5pm and will feature art work by the late George Ray McCormick, Sr., Ras Ammar Nsoroma, myself, and recently added, Shana R. Goetsch.

Please view the attached invitation for gallery and reception details, but feel free to contact me at 414.264.6766 or terryevelyn@hotmail.com directly for other inquiries.

Please join me in celebrating this exciting, creative venture.

Evelyn Patricia Terry
PO Box 06375
Milwaukee, WI 53206-0375
W: www.evelynpatriciaterry.com

"Beat colds and flu with at least 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily.
Eat lots of raw green vegetables every day for optimum health - broccoli, cucumbers, celery and spinach are good for starters. Adding at least one to four liquid cups of fresh juice from these green vegetables with garlic and ginger is even better."

CLICK TO OPEN: Terry McCormick Gallery Opening Flyer

I recently did an interview with 88Nine about the exhibition. If you didn't catch it, you can listen to it at the JSonline Art City Blog.

There are pictures of the exhibition and the interview at the Riverwest Artist Association blog.

Art Exhibition Celebrates Deceased Wisconsin African-American Artists

Milwaukee, WI, August 20, 2009 – The 14 artists featured in “The Permission to Paint, Please! Tribute Exhibition” died at various points in their careers, without ever being fully recognized for their contributions to the greater legacy of world art. This exhibition seeks to further assist in situating them historically.

Artists featured in the exhibition are William Christian, Reverend Josephus Farmer, Calvin Greer, Edgar Jeter, George Leazer, Rudy McClain, Richard Mynor, Reverend Frank Morries, Bill Mosby, Jacqueline A. Richards, Simon Sparrow, Patrick Turner, Gerald Wallace and Medahochi Kofi Zannu. All lived, for a significant portion of their lives, in Milwaukee, with the exception of Sparrow who lived in Madison, Wisconsin and Mynor, who lived in Grand Marsh. Most are self-taught, although Richards and Turner received degrees from The University of Wisconsin in visual arts.

“The Permission to Paint, Please! Tribute Exhibition" is closing at The Jazz Gallery located at 926 East Center Street on Saturday, August 22. Regular gallery hours on Saturday are 12 – 4. Ironically, George Ray McCormick, Sr. passed away on July 30, 2009 during the run of this exhibition. Therefore a special tribute to him is planned to view his assorted welded and carved artwork, along with his last series of carved relief, woodburned “rooster” paintings from 4 until 8 pm.

The Jazz Gallery is the home of the Riverwest Artists Association—a diverse collection of individuals who share the common belief that everyone should have the opportunity and support for expressing, experiencing, and sharing their ideas, visions, and talents. In its 30th year with a membership of approximately 90, RAA seeks to improve the community by collaborating strengths, exploring differences, and challenging members to grow as individuals and as a community, through the arts. A conscious attempt to be a cultural bridge and force for good between the various ethnic and socially diverse groups that form their community guides the board as they select themes and exhibitions.

"Loosing" George is going to be a tremendous day-by-day adjustment. Losing him, for me, is really like loosing him from my body, soul, and life the way one removes loose clothing. It is still very hard for me to believe, because it was so unexpected. I only expected him to live to 100, because that is what he told me. Of course, I believed him.

For the past year George and I attended the Center for Spiritual Living at 790 North Van Buren almost every Sunday. His intense interest in flight lead him to fly kites, create dramatic welded angel images, birds and roosters, and make whimsical welded bugs from found objects - "anything with wings" - for the last several years. At our special memorial service for George on Sunday, August 16, our minister, Revered Melanie Burns, spoke about transitions using “water bugs to dragonflies” as the subject. It was a beautiful message about change and moving forward. Resident musicians pianist John and percussionist, Jim, masterfully backed up other resident vocalists who sang. Ann beautifully delivered Butterfly; Shirley lovingly sang one of George’s favorite songs Amazing Grace, which he had been learning to play on his guitars; guitarist Patrick sensitively performed a solo What a Wonderful World and Bob gave his best Broadway rendition of On Eagles' Wings.

People shared stories as did I. Jose recalled how he first met and then reconnected with George years later, which lead to the production of his Remembering George Ray McCormick, Sr video. Elizabeth wrote a special poem. Fonde lovingly spoke on George’s long term conversations with him. Frances shared how George helped her out of a crunch. Eric and Bob recited poetry, and Heddy shared the special props that George recently made for her theatrical production. She also had three of her young actors recite a historical piece adapted to situate George with other great African Americans. Darlene spoke about her special relationship in which he often referred to her as his daughter as she was invited to go to several events that we had on our itinerary. His daughter, Deanna, thoughtfully attested to the bond that she had with her father. We all were given instruments to play along with the song, "I release and I let go - I let the Spirit move my life..." I chose it, because it is very hard for me to let George “be gone.” I don’t think I have ever been closer to anyone other than my two children in my lifetime.

A reception followed. The timely video created by Jose about George was shown. Some of George's artwork was available to contemplate and acquire, graced with picture boards of George with his many collectors and his diverse creations. Artwork was purchased, many pieces by first time art collectors. I know George would have loved that.

George's daughter Deanna, his sister Debbie and I are working to pull the art together and continue to find great homes for his collection. I am thankful. There are many things that I did not know about George and many more things that his children did not know, such as the diversity of his work and how many people his life had creatively impacted. I believe he would be pleased.

I am very appreciative of the obituary in The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel written by Amy Rabideau Silvers.

Also, George's passing was recognized by several elected public officials -- Governor Jim Doyle; Senator Russ Feingold; Congresswoman Gwen Moore; Mayor Tom Barrett; Common Council President Willie Hines and Alderperson Milele Coggs; State Senators Lena Taylor and Spencer Coggs; State Representatives Annette "Polly" Williams, Jason Fields, Tamara Grisgby and Barbara Toles; Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker; and Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway and County Supervisor Theo Lipscomb.

That is my update -- I am doing well. I have fortified my body with lots of raw salads and freshly made vegetable juices to maintain my health.

I feel that although he did break up with me all the time (and of course we came back together all the time) – this strange turn of events could feel like that, but no, this is not like the other separations. It is just the possibility is no longer available of seeing him in this existence – which takes a little getting used to. I won’t accidentally see him across the room at an art exhibition or at The Outpost or Beans and Barley and wonder what to say.

So many people have sent their well wishes and love. I feel that I have learned a valuable lesson in life. It is very important to reach out to others. I am open to speaking about the events that lead to his final hours, although there are only lessens or food for thought - we all must transition - one way or another.

He was extremely sensitive to so many nuances in life and one never knew what would perturb him - hypertension is nothing to neglect - ever. Finding peace with God’s creation (which is out of our hands) is a must. It requires constant diligent attention -- especially with diet, meditation and releasing all perceived lacks, injustices, failures and neglects. Although this is easier said than done, it must be done to be alive productively and to be at peace.

George was kind, generous and loving - great qualities to have experienced in a mate. I was blessed to have chosen him to love – I can thank the creator of all things for that superb experience.

For other links with information about George, you can click here and here.

And I was recently reminded that there's an audio interview with him in connection to his solo exhibition at the Charles Allis Art Museum in 2008. (After clicking the link, scroll to the bottom of the page to find the clip with George.)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE





Milwaukee, WI, July 7, 2009 – The 13 artists featured in “The Permission to Paint, Please! Tribute Exhibition” died at various points in their careers, without ever being fully recognized for their contributions to the greater legacy of world art. This exhibition seeks to assist in giving them their place in history.

It is not unusual for artists to create in obscurity, gaining more visibility posthumously. Many artistic creations are not widely known until they are recorded, documented, put into a cultural context, and disseminated to the world. That is the job of cultural sleuths, and it is one of the roles of Permission to Paint, Please!, a book researched and edited by Evelyn Patricia Terry.

Beginning in 1997, Terry, a professional artist, writer, mentor, lecturer and workshop presenter, has doggedly pursued the publication of Permission to Paint, Please! “I am excited by the commitment of fellow artists who create for the sake of creating regardless of how famous they are–or aren’t,” Terry explained. “I am dedicated to getting their work out to the public.” This exhibition helps her to do just that.

The exhibition was inspired by the recent deaths of Patrick Turner in December 2008 and Calvin Greer in December 2007. Milwaukee’s Jazz Gallery invited Terry to curate an exhibition featuring the work of predominantly Milwaukee-based African-American artists who have passed away. Terry said, “It launches my return to active pursuit of the production and distribution of Permission to Paint, Please!, to be published by UW Press in Madison. The featured artists, along with over 200 others, are written about in this book.”

Additional artists featured in the exhibition are William Christian, Reverend Josephus Farmer, George Leazer, Rudy McClain, Richard Minor, Reverend Frank Morries, Bill Mosby, Jacqueline A. Richards, Simon Sparrow, Gerald Wallace and Medahochi Kofi Zannu.

“The Permission to Paint, Please! Tribute Exhibition” is opening at The Jazz Gallery on Gallery Night and Day, Friday, July 24, 5 - 9 pm and Saturday, July 25, 12 - 5 pm.

The Jazz Gallery is the home of the Riverwest Artist Association—a diverse collection of individuals who share the common belief that everyone should have the opportunity and support for expressing, experiencing, and sharing their ideas, visions, and talents. RAA seeks to improve the community by collaborating strengths, exploring differences, and challenging members to grow as individuals and as a community, through the arts.

In its 30th year with a membership of approximately 90, RAA’s goal is to foster reflective, innovative, and proactive art to enrich and stimulate the community. A conscious attempt to be a cultural bridge and force for good between the various ethnic and socially diverse groups that form their community guides the board as they select themes and exhibitions.



Contact:

Evelyn Patricia Terry
414.562.8787
terryevelyn@hotmail.com

Or

Mark Lawson, Riverwest Board of Directors and Treasurer
414.374.4722
mlawson@miad.edu

I want to share with you an honor that I am receiving for my art career. Next week on Friday 13, 2009, I will be honored along with 29 other women at an event "30 Exceptional Years, 30 Phenomenal Women," sponsored by the Black Women's Network. The event is $50. If anyone wants to attend please let me know. The date is important because in my artwork I do 13 things or groups of thirteen - that is sweet serendipity.

Also I like to share all of the great stuff that I read that empowers me. The following is something that I know happens even if you are not sure (from my experiences):

Remember that what a person is speaking and thinking brings the person even more of the same. If it is negative words and thoughts, you most likely will not want more of it returning back to you. The seeds you plant come back - but bigger. They are like a rolling snowball that gathers more as it goes along, becoming bigger than one can have even imagined - please consider controlling your thoughts and your words. It helps us all to work better as an extended and bonus family empowering our children to navigate the world. Express gratitude always (a tall order, but worth the energy).

I love sharing uplifts. I know that the universe will reciprocate and share with me all of the information that I need to spiral forward. The following is what I read yesterday from "The Science of Getting Rich," from Walter Wattles (I enjoy its short chapters and it is only 147 pages). Check this:

"Every act is in itself successful or a failure. Every act in itself is either effective or inefficient. Every inefficient act is a failure, and if you spend your life in doing inefficient acts, your whole life will be a failure.

The more things you do, the worse for you, if all your acts are inefficient ones. On the other hand, every efficient act is a success in itself, and if every act of your life is an efficient one, your whole life MUST be a success.

The cause of failure is doing too many things in an inefficient manner, and not doing enough things in an efficient manner.... Every act is made strong and efficient by holding your vision while you are doing it, and putting the whole power of your FAITH and PURPOSE into it.

It is at this point that the people fail who separate mental power from personal action... but if ALL Power goes into every act, no matter how commonplace, every act will be a success in itself; and as in the nature of things every success opens the way to other successes, your progress toward what you want, the progress of what you want toward you, will be increasingly rapid..."