Visit Columbia holds Black artist exhibit honoring Black History Month

Kerri Bartlett, The Daily Herald
·2 min read
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"Reaching To The Stars," a painting by James Spearman, is now displayed at the Columbia Visitor's Center.
"Reaching To The Stars," a painting by James Spearman, is now displayed at the Columbia Visitor's Center.

A new art exhibit recognizing Black History Month is now on display at the Columbia Welcome Center, featuring accomplished Columbia artist James Spearman.

The exhibit, featuring local artist James Spearman, will be on display at the welcome center, located at 713 N. Main Street, through February. It is free to view the exhibit and open to the public during operating hours: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Art can be purchased directly through the artist.Spearman received his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Wayne State University, specializing in Interior Architectural Design and Space Planning. He was commissioned by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio, in partnership with Ford Motor Company and The Arts League of Michigan, to paint “Soul of Rock “in 2004.

The image was selected as the signature piece for their brochure and traveling exhibit. He was commissioned by the Martin L. King Jr. Task Force, Southfield Michigan, in 2015 to sculpture and create a bronze metal bust of Dr. Martin L. King Jr., which is on permanent display in the main lobby of the Southfield Library in Southfield Michigan.

He has received commissions to paint many portraits and subjects of interest and has exhibited in several cities nationally. His work is owned by many collectors. He and his wife owned and managed “Del Gallery”, an art gallery in Lathrup Village, Michigan. His teaching experience includes more than 18 years teaching live art workshops for the Arts League of Michigan. After he and his wife moved to Columbia in 2007, he has taught live and virtual art workshops with the “Healing Arts Project, Inc.”Spearman says he considers himself a “realist” using a primary medium of oil on canvas. His preferred subject is figurative, but he enjoys painting portraits, landscapes, and animals with an emphasis on sensitivity, strength, and beauty in his images.You can find out more about James Spearman by visiting the exhibit or see samples of his work online at www.jamesspearmangallery.com<http://www.jamesspearmangallery.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Visit Columbia holds Black artist exhibit honoring Black History Month