Upcoming Exhibits
Opening Reception April 27, 2024
4-6pm
Suffolk Art Gallery
118 Bosley Ave.
Suffolk, VA 23434
This exhibition brings together a
dynamic group of Black contemporary artists from Hampton Roads: Tim Giles,
Ray Johnson, Dathan Kane, Clayton Singleton, and Ken Wright. Through their
diverse practices, each artist explores themes of identity, race, culture, and
community, drawing inspiration from their own unique experiences.
4-6pm
Suffolk Art Gallery
118 Bosley Ave.
Suffolk, VA 23434
This exhibition brings together a
dynamic group of Black contemporary artists from Hampton Roads: Tim Giles,
Ray Johnson, Dathan Kane, Clayton Singleton, and Ken Wright. Through their
diverse practices, each artist explores themes of identity, race, culture, and
community, drawing inspiration from their own unique experiences.
Tim Giles
Giles was born in Suffolk, VA, and is a retired Diplomatic Officer for the United States, Department of State. He has traveled extensively, having visited over 100 countries and held 2 – 3-year assignments in such places as Ukraine, Ghana, Abidjan, Haiti, Nigeria, and Israel. Giles began painting with paint-by-numbers sets, bought by saving S&H Green Stamps from a local supermarket. “My mother knew I was interested in art and it kept me out of mischief,” says Giles. “Art changed my world.” Being accepted to a Virginia Regional Art competition, he had the opportunity to
see artists and their work, the education was incredible. “I think what I enjoyed most was the exchange with the artists, talking about their work.” Giles has been in many art shows, both juried and open. He has exhibited in cities such as Chicago,
Philly, New York, and Baltimore. His work has been featured in galleries in these cities. He has incorporated other mediums but his favorite is watercolor because of the detail he is able to capture.“My art tells stories about life’s experiences.”
Giles was born in Suffolk, VA, and is a retired Diplomatic Officer for the United States, Department of State. He has traveled extensively, having visited over 100 countries and held 2 – 3-year assignments in such places as Ukraine, Ghana, Abidjan, Haiti, Nigeria, and Israel. Giles began painting with paint-by-numbers sets, bought by saving S&H Green Stamps from a local supermarket. “My mother knew I was interested in art and it kept me out of mischief,” says Giles. “Art changed my world.” Being accepted to a Virginia Regional Art competition, he had the opportunity to
see artists and their work, the education was incredible. “I think what I enjoyed most was the exchange with the artists, talking about their work.” Giles has been in many art shows, both juried and open. He has exhibited in cities such as Chicago,
Philly, New York, and Baltimore. His work has been featured in galleries in these cities. He has incorporated other mediums but his favorite is watercolor because of the detail he is able to capture.“My art tells stories about life’s experiences.”
Ray Johnson
Johnson is a contemporary art painter based in Hampton Roads, VA. His art primarily uses figures to provide a representation of black beauty, strength, and perseverance. Johnson has participated in many solo and group exhibitions locally and regionally including at the Barry Art Museum (Norfolk) and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (VA Beach). As an artist, Johnson aspires to create art that is meaningful and emotional. “I try to capture the power
in what it means to be “blacK”. I want all people to be able to connect and relate to my work. But I particularly hope that people of color gain pride through the positive representation of the black men and women that I create. In my work, I like to use men and women of color to express the topics of love, struggle, and togetherness. With acrylic and oil, my paintings of random nameless figures are full of emotion that come to life on canvas.”
Johnson is a contemporary art painter based in Hampton Roads, VA. His art primarily uses figures to provide a representation of black beauty, strength, and perseverance. Johnson has participated in many solo and group exhibitions locally and regionally including at the Barry Art Museum (Norfolk) and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (VA Beach). As an artist, Johnson aspires to create art that is meaningful and emotional. “I try to capture the power
in what it means to be “blacK”. I want all people to be able to connect and relate to my work. But I particularly hope that people of color gain pride through the positive representation of the black men and women that I create. In my work, I like to use men and women of color to express the topics of love, struggle, and togetherness. With acrylic and oil, my paintings of random nameless figures are full of emotion that come to life on canvas.”
Dathan Kane
Kane is a contemporary abstract painter and muralist based in Hampton Roads, VA. His work focuses on the constant duality of life’s choices using bold, organic, black and white shapes to explore this complexity and gain a sense of balance. His work is included in many collections, locally, in Virginia, and internationally. He has participated in numerous exhibitions and mural events including at the Chrysler Museum Gallery, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Sichuan Contemporary Institute in China, More Than Art mural project, RVA Street Mural Festival, Three Notchd “Leave Your Mark!” mural festival and
others. Dathan was a recent participant in the Newport News Street Museum Mural Festival as well as the 6 th annual Vibe District Mural Festival” in Virginia Beach.
Kane is a contemporary abstract painter and muralist based in Hampton Roads, VA. His work focuses on the constant duality of life’s choices using bold, organic, black and white shapes to explore this complexity and gain a sense of balance. His work is included in many collections, locally, in Virginia, and internationally. He has participated in numerous exhibitions and mural events including at the Chrysler Museum Gallery, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Sichuan Contemporary Institute in China, More Than Art mural project, RVA Street Mural Festival, Three Notchd “Leave Your Mark!” mural festival and
others. Dathan was a recent participant in the Newport News Street Museum Mural Festival as well as the 6 th annual Vibe District Mural Festival” in Virginia Beach.
Clayton Singleton
“You sense what people call passion” when you are around Clayton Singleton.” This Virginia resident’s blend of verbal and visual art inspires, motivates, and educates. Singleton has won numerous awards, and produced several solo and group shows in the Hampton Roads region. He has exhibited in numerous museums and galleries including the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Chrysler Museumof Art.
“My artwork focuses on the human will to create our own stories and outcomes; education, aspirations,courage, perseverance, and beauty are essential in this journey,” says Singleton. “Layering and juxtaposition are central to my treatment of photos, symbols, designs, and texts. I create a belonging layer, then a quilting layer, followed by a flourishing & authentic layer”. “The result is a compilation of unintended art events created by the addition, subtraction, leaving, and retrieving necessary to define an individual self”.
“You sense what people call passion” when you are around Clayton Singleton.” This Virginia resident’s blend of verbal and visual art inspires, motivates, and educates. Singleton has won numerous awards, and produced several solo and group shows in the Hampton Roads region. He has exhibited in numerous museums and galleries including the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Chrysler Museumof Art.
“My artwork focuses on the human will to create our own stories and outcomes; education, aspirations,courage, perseverance, and beauty are essential in this journey,” says Singleton. “Layering and juxtaposition are central to my treatment of photos, symbols, designs, and texts. I create a belonging layer, then a quilting layer, followed by a flourishing & authentic layer”. “The result is a compilation of unintended art events created by the addition, subtraction, leaving, and retrieving necessary to define an individual self”.
Ken Wright
Ken Wright is a nationally noted contemporary abstract painter. A native of Richmond, he graduated from Norfolk State University and worked as a Graphic Artist for the Virginia-Pilot Newspaper, in Norfolk, VA for 39 years. Wright has had a successful art career and his work has won over 300 awards and honors. Ken has artwork in local, national, and international collections including in Indonesia,Germany, and France. His work has been collected by two U.S. Presidents, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, along with stage, television, and screen stars. About his work, Ken says, “Don’t just take the first impression of my work, but, study the piece for a while and take a journey through the movement.”
Ken has served on many boards and commissions including as an Arts Commissioner for the State of Virginia, and the Portsmouth Children’s Museum.In addition to his artwork, Wright is one of the founders and current president of the Buffalo Riders of
Hampton Roads, an African-American equestrian club that keeps alive the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers.
Ken Wright is a nationally noted contemporary abstract painter. A native of Richmond, he graduated from Norfolk State University and worked as a Graphic Artist for the Virginia-Pilot Newspaper, in Norfolk, VA for 39 years. Wright has had a successful art career and his work has won over 300 awards and honors. Ken has artwork in local, national, and international collections including in Indonesia,Germany, and France. His work has been collected by two U.S. Presidents, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, along with stage, television, and screen stars. About his work, Ken says, “Don’t just take the first impression of my work, but, study the piece for a while and take a journey through the movement.”
Ken has served on many boards and commissions including as an Arts Commissioner for the State of Virginia, and the Portsmouth Children’s Museum.In addition to his artwork, Wright is one of the founders and current president of the Buffalo Riders of
Hampton Roads, an African-American equestrian club that keeps alive the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers.
Suffolk Art League's Open Members' Show
The Suffolk Art League will hold their Annual Open Members’ Show at the Suffolk Art Gallery, 118 Bosley Ave. June 18 – July 19, 2024. This exhibit gives all current Suffolk Art League members, working in any medium, an opportunity to exhibit their work. Current members may submit up to two artworks and non-members may join at the time they deliver their artwork.
Artwork must be original, have been completed within the past two years, and not exhibited at the Suffolk Art Gallery. Two-dimensional works must be ready for hanging, that is framed with a wire on the back. Finished gallery wrap is also acceptable. Pedestals will be provided for three-dimensional works. Artists should contact the Suffolk Art League office if artwork has unusual installation requirements.
Artists should bring their work to the Suffolk Art Gallery on Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or Tuesday, June 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Artwork will be displayed on a first come basis until all space is filled.
Membership in the Suffolk Art League is open to all, regardless of ethnicity, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability, interested in supporting the mission of the League. SAL is committed to diversity and inclusion.
A complete Open Members’ Show prospectus, with requirements and Entry Form, is available here. For more information about the exhibit, email suffolkartleague@verizon.net or call 757-925-0448 Tuesday – Thursday 8:30 – 5:00.
Artwork must be original, have been completed within the past two years, and not exhibited at the Suffolk Art Gallery. Two-dimensional works must be ready for hanging, that is framed with a wire on the back. Finished gallery wrap is also acceptable. Pedestals will be provided for three-dimensional works. Artists should contact the Suffolk Art League office if artwork has unusual installation requirements.
Artists should bring their work to the Suffolk Art Gallery on Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or Tuesday, June 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Artwork will be displayed on a first come basis until all space is filled.
Membership in the Suffolk Art League is open to all, regardless of ethnicity, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability, interested in supporting the mission of the League. SAL is committed to diversity and inclusion.
A complete Open Members’ Show prospectus, with requirements and Entry Form, is available here. For more information about the exhibit, email suffolkartleague@verizon.net or call 757-925-0448 Tuesday – Thursday 8:30 – 5:00.
Events
Bridge & Games Luncheon
May 6
10 am- 2 pm
Tickets: $25 person/$100 table of 4
Includes: Luncheon, beverages, and snacks. Tables, playing cards, and tallies are provided.
Bring your own Board Games.
Reservations must be made by April 26. Send name, daytime telephone number and check to
Suffolk Art League, P.O. Box 1086, Suffolk, VA 23439. To use credit card, call the
Art League office at 757-925-0448 or visit www.suffolkartleague.com./exhibits-events.html
Benefits children's summer education programs held at the Suffolk Art Gallery.
May 6
10 am- 2 pm
Tickets: $25 person/$100 table of 4
Includes: Luncheon, beverages, and snacks. Tables, playing cards, and tallies are provided.
Bring your own Board Games.
Reservations must be made by April 26. Send name, daytime telephone number and check to
Suffolk Art League, P.O. Box 1086, Suffolk, VA 23439. To use credit card, call the
Art League office at 757-925-0448 or visit www.suffolkartleague.com./exhibits-events.html
Benefits children's summer education programs held at the Suffolk Art Gallery.