“Radical Welcome”
My submission to “Cover Story”, The Roanoker Magazine’s 50th Anniversary art exhibition.
This piece was a joy to create and depicts (a few) of the things I love about Roanoke, from the people to the natural world around us. This work is deeply personal, with each panel representing something that either I have a connection with, admiration for or am simply inspired by.
Thank you so much to The Roanoker and art director Ana Morales for bringing all the amazing pieces together for this show. And a special thank you to judges Maggie Perrin-Key, Bryce Cobbs and Becky Carr.
I was honored to received the “Most Innovative Work” award for my piece.
The top left panel represents Sunni Purviance and her innovative Roanoke Plawkers group making our neighborhoods cleaner while building bonds between neighbors. The top right panel is a depiction of the great bike riding available in our city, and a interpretation of Roanoke Arts and Culture Coordinator, Doug Jackson.
The middle left panel represents local artist Jon Murrill's work, this is specifically my version of his "Lady Appalachia" series. The middle right panel is a native coneflower with a bumble bee flying around, representing Roanoke as a "Bee City'' and my involvement in the Star City Garden Club.
The bottom left panel represents the Daisy Art Parade created by one of my heroes and friend, Brian Counihan. The figures in the parade are references to The Latinas Network, The Roanoke Arts Commission, I heart SE Neighborhood Organization and artist Molly Kernan. The bottom right panel is a Cardinal and depicts my love of bird photography which I share with my wife, Renee Spaar. Even the sun with its outwardly extending rays has meaning and pays homage to the work I created on the ArtspaceROA project.
