The East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center Gallery will present an exhibition by Mississippi artist, Michael Patrick Maness
August 15, 2011
East Arkansas Community College-Forrest City
Press Release-Photo Attached
The East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center Gallery will present an exhibition by Mississippi artist, Michael Patrick Maness, titled Everything but the Kitchen Sink. The show will run August 31st - September 30th. This Gallery exhibition will coincide with the art show by Arkansas glass artist, James Hayes.
Michael P. Maness is an eclectic Mid-South artist that sees art in everything. His vision evokes his peculiar view of the world. His work is bright, colorful and interesting, with an added dash of hope. From limited edition posters to album covers for Warner Brothers, and BNA records, for over 30 years he has been in the business of art, advertising, and marketing. Michael has contributed stories and illustrations to regional and national magazines and has also worked for many Fortune 500 companies. His love of Memphis and its music is evident in his paintings and posters- many feature Sun Studios, the Peabody, Isaac Hayes, Stax, Al Green and Willie Mitchell.
Since 1997 Michael has battled Lymphoma, bone marrow cancer and heart issues. He is currently undergoing therapy to keep his cancer in remission. Because of his cancer, Michael has discovered a new love, a new profession, and has rediscovered a long dormant talent for painting.
His brushes with death have given him a new attitude and perspective on life. He states “I see the world from a different angle than most people. Instead of a constantly changing world, a crowd doing the expected; I paint the individual and focus on the individual’s spirit to tell a story. I used to view the world in black and white,” he says. “Now because of the changes in my life, I see the world through a kaleidoscope. I see the hues that make-up a color. I choose a subject to paint based on the mood I can create with my pallet. I try to pick a story to paint, rather than a moment passing through time.”
The Orpheum in Memphis named him a ‘Memphis Hero’, along with five other notables; Dr. Benjamin Hooks, Dr. Scott Morris, Susan Sanford, Jack Tucker, and Charlie Vergos. Then a week later the International Blues Foundation gave him the coveted ‘Keeping the Blues Alive’ award.
Michael Patrick Maness lives in Southaven, Mississippi. He has had several one man shows throughout the South. At present Mr. Maness’s goal is arranging art shows to raise money for charities all across the world.
On September 10th at 7:00 p.m., EACC will host The Glen Campbell Goodbye Tour. Maness’ exhibition will be on view during the concert. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., there will be a special ‘Meet and Greet’ with painter Michael P. Maness, and Arkansas glass artist James Hayes prior to the concert. For more information call 870-633-4480 ext. 352 or email njones@eacc.edu.
Daily hours for the Fine Arts Center Gallery are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. or as scheduled for special group tours. There is no charge for admission. For more information call 870-633-4480 or visit our website at www.eacc.edu.
Photo: Maness' painting Blue Line Trolley