BLACK HISTORY MONTH ART SHOW OPENS TODAY IN CHARLESTON

CHARLESTON -- An art show celebrating regional African-American culture and talent begins today at the Claire Drinkwater Newnam Library in Charleston.

Mississippi County Black History Month Art Show will be open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. today, and will remain on display through the end of the month.

Paintings, sculptures and other visual art media will be displayed during the exhibition.

"We're trying to bring out the talent of the black community and to let the public see some of the work in the community that has not been exposed," said George DeMyers Sr., organizer of the event.

DeMyers, a retired art teacher, is one of 10 artists displaying work during the exhibition. Most of the artists are Mississippi County residents, and others are former residents who are incarcerated.

DeMyers said the inclusion of incarcerated artists in the exhibition was important to the overall concept of the art show. The event will provide important exposure to an under-represented group, as well as motivate people to make decisions that allow them to use their talent more effectively, he said.

"There are positive things that, even though these people are incarcerated, can occur," he said. "Once they attain their freedom, they can use their talent in a more positive way."

DeMyers also hopes to inspire youth and motivate older members of the community to become better role models. He is working to build the event into an ongoing minority arts program.

"I'd like to see a rehabilitative-type program for those that have been caught up in the criminal forces to give them some idea of other avenues they can travel," DeMyers said. "We're trying to motivate members of the community to use their talents, hopefully not only in visual arts, but in other areas such as theater, music and dance as well."