EVERETT SPRUILL FOUNDATION for the ARTS

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Established to honor all aspects of African American Art, History and Culture

 

 

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When Everett Spruill envisioned an institution to honor all aspects of African American art, history and culture, he also wanted to honor and preserve the legacy of Arthur Rayford.  Mr. Rayfords faith and courage are a testament to the many accomplishments made by African Americans today and throughout history.  Just as Spruill continues to be an inspiration to many, the Spruill Foundation for the Arts endeavors to honor Arthur Rayford's legacy by carrying on his name with festivals, grants and seminars.

 

As always, the Spruill Foundation functions to educate people about the wide variety of artistic, historical and cultural influences African Americans have on American culture.  These influences are possible, in part, through the efforts of Everett Spruill and Arthur Rayford.

 

Born in Birmingham, Ala., Everett Spruill's exposure to museums and classical music at an early age would prove to have a great influence on Spruill's artistic development. A self-taught artist, Spruill graduated in 1976 from Berea College in Kentucky where he studied business management. Spruill is most known for his early collages and works on paper, including his "Old School Jazz and Blues Series," which features colorful mixed-media collages of the fathers and legends of jazz, America's unique art form.

 

For more than 20 years, Spruill has collected and created works of art. The artist is considered one of central Florida's biggest influences on African-American art. He designed and created art for two of Walt Disney World's Black Heritage Celebrations and currently conducts art workshops for central Florida youth. Artist Statement: "As a self-taught artist, my style and techniques are the result of extensive experimentation. I always focus on the importance of drawing, composition and balance, coupled with my own sense of color and design. "Most of my creations begin with my own photographs and/or several thumbnail sketches. I try to create a dialogue with the viewers of my work by using my own mixed media visual language with bold colors and rich surface textures. My images are also enhanced with patterns and handwritten social commentary to further communicate with the viewer. My goal is to create images that are ethereal, thought-provoking and spiritual…"

 

 

 

 

 

The Everett Spruill Foundation for the Arts Incorporated is an independent nonprofit corporation, registered in the State of Florida, and is recognized by the IRS as a tax exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.