This is a story about resilience, courage, talent and a Black man born in the segregated Deep South whose tenacious spirit succeeded in an arena not of music or sports, but the visual arts. Truly an exceptional journey. And an exceptional man. Richard Haynes, a 77-year-old artist who stands out in a myriad of artistic expressions — photography, drawing, painting — is the epitome of grateful. Spiritual. And humble. A model of how it can be done. But per real life, it doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without learning some hard lessons. Haynes, who resides in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has an upcoming exhibition, “Learning to See,” at Brattleboro Museum & Art Center in Vermont. He’s a visual storyteller whose bright, daring images kindle a sense of connection that flies in the face of racial discrimination. His work has gained national recognition over the years and is … [Read more...] about LEARNING TO LOOK AGAIN

I began my day on June 14 by drinking a strong cup of coffee and watching a 1973 live performance of Steely Dan’s “My Old School.” That performance, featuring bright orange stage lights, sequin bandeaus and psychedelic ponchos, made me ask the question: Where did all the color go in the last 53-or-so years? Fortunately, that same day, my question was answered at the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, Massachusetts. The answer came in the form of a single, solitary, drop of India Ink in the bottom left corner of artist Jan Lhormer’s piece “Blessed.” That drop, bright orange and looking as wet as the day it dripped, woke me up from an early-summer daze. Now, does that single drop of color negate the steady beige-ification of the world since 1973? No. But it cheered me up! “Blessed” is part of Lhormer’s “Earth & Sky — Invisible Worlds” solo exhibition on view through August 16. The … [Read more...] about COLORING IN THE CRACKS AT THE ART COMPLEX

As Independence Day approaches, “America 250” seems to be everywhere, from event flyers in local coffee shops to patriotic displays lining grocery store aisles. Beyond the celebrations and marketing campaigns, museums and cultural institutions across the country are commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary through thought-provoking exhibitions. Among the most compelling is “Framing American Democracy” currently on view at the Wadsworth Atheneum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut. Rather than a single exhibition, “Framing American Democracy” unfolds as a series of interconnected installations throughout the museum. On the first floor, “Contemporary Artists Reflect” offers reflections of the United States on a national scale and remains on view through September 13. Also featured on the first floor is “Rebel, Revolt, Resist,” which examines the enduring legacy of people of African … [Read more...] about A NATION IN THE FRAME