Cenla artist’s 1st exhibit happening Feb. 15 at the Kent House
ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - The Kent House in Alexandria is hosting multiple events to celebrate and remember local Black stories during Black History Month.
One of those events is showcasing the art of Mary Vinson, whose art is inspired by the works of Clementine Hunter.
At just five years old, Vinson started her art journey with a stick, drawing in the sand. She said that from there, her love for art grew.
“I learned how to do it as a child at age five,” said Vinson. “I started drawing with a stick in the sand. And then everybody went to look at it and they said, ‘Well, this child is drawing really good.’ So, later on in my life, I started drawing on paper, when I could afford it. And then, everybody was saying, ‘This art is really good.’ So, then I decided to put my art into books.”
Vinson said her art journey would not have been possible without the constant encouragement from everyone around her.
“It just kind of slipped in on me,” she said. “So many people would just, ‘Oh girl, you need to do something with that, that’s nice.’”
Saturday, February 15, is the first showing of Vinson’s artwork at the Kent House in Alexandria, starting at 1 p.m. The showing is free, and you will even have the chance to meet Vinson herself.
“Mary’s work is just absolutely phenomenal,” said Michael Wynne, a historian at the Kent House. “Many attribute it to the style of Clementine Hunter, the artwork that we all love.”
Vinson said she is looking forward to encouraging other artists to put their work out there.
“I want to encourage the people who come to see me that all they gotta do is just start putting theirs on exhibit,” she said. “If they see I do it, they’ll do it too.”
“This is a great opportunity to see some unique, wonderful African American artwork,” said Wynne. “This is going to be quite an event!”
Vinson said she is excited to see everyone and encourages all artists to “just show up!”
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