Renee Crouser - Resident Artist
I am a self-taught artist inspired by human expression and heartfelt connection in everyday life. I describe myself more as a drawer than a painter. I draw with pastel, graphite, watercolor, color pencil and oil… (and ketchup and beach sand and mashed potatoes and table dust and…).
Art is not only my pleasure, it is my prayer. I love words, both written and spoken. I love their power and their beauty. Never able to find the right words, with my art, I can show you my soul.
Frank Morrision - Resident Artist
Born in Massachusetts then brought by his family to live in New Jersey at an early age, Frank Morrison was reared and spent his formative years there, an affable, precocious and inquisitive youngster whose curiosity about everything around him seemed limitless. Then, as an energetic pre-teen, he was interested and enthused by the youthful fads, interests and activities which marked his world: the neighborhood D.J's with their followers and fans at neighborhood parties, the colorful ‘tags’ of local characters which were splashed across fences, parks and buildings, and the loose-jointed "B" boys and break-dancers who enlivened week-end party scenes. In this setting his world was suddenly rife with possibilities and he became convinced that he, too, could DO this!
Notable collections of Morrison’s art are owned by former New York City School Chancellor Rudy Crew, New Orleans Senator Gregory Tarver, renown actor/philanthropist Bill Cosby who prides himself on nurturing the talents of emerging African American artists, and Dr. Lorraine Hale among others. His work has enhanced the settings of televisions shows "Malcolm and Eddie", "New York Undercover", "Cosby" and has been a featured artist on the Home Shopping Network.
Morrison has received commissions from the irrepressible radio/TV commentator Tom Joyner, the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, and executed serially mounted musical scenes for the compact discs "Impulsively Ellington: A Tribute to Duke Ellington. and Down-to-the-Bone’s "Crazy Vibes and Things". His artwork has been displayed in prestigious locales shows such as "The National Black Fine Arts Show" produced by Jocelyn Wainwright, at the Savacou Gallery in Manhattan, and was honored and given a one-man show at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture sponsored by ESSENCE ART and Toyota.
He earnestly declares that he is rendered speechless with pride when he finds his work displayed adjacent to and in conjunction with Romare Bearden originals.
His initiatives include publication of two illustrated children’s books "Zazzy Miz Mozetta" and "Harlem Morning". Which will be readied for publication in fall 2004.
Morrison’s work is inspired, not only by his rich and varied life experiences but, by his love and gratitude for his family--his wife Connie, three sons and a daughter and the omnipresent Hand of God. Each of his paintings bears his signature, of course, accompanied by the notation "TTG" representing and reminding all of his "Thanks To God" for the blessings of his gifts--his family and his talents.
Edward Freeland - Resident Artist
“It’s been said that artists who break new ground are among the world’s most notable in art history. In the case of artist phenom, Eddie Freeland, by breaking old glass he’s actually breaking new ground and positioning himself for worldwide recognition as a brilliant and innovative master of two genres in the art industry–sculpture and painting. A very rare achievement, indeed.”
Cristi Smith, Agent, fine art publisher, art industry columnist, gallery owner and former Fortune 100 retail marketing executive
An Artistic Triumvirate
An Eddie Freeland sculpted glass painting is easily identified by his use of recycled glass deftly and artfully sculpted atop a painting secured by resin. But Eddie’s glass abstraction of the art doesn’t stop there. His painterly skills emerge as he paints the glass with the dexterity of a natural-born talent, often taking license with color. His goal is to express the foundation art beyond the original image and making it an entirely original work of art with each of his sui generis techniques… painting, sculpture and painting.
An Eddie Freeland original foundation painting varies widely by subject, from landscapes, figures and portraits to skiers, flowers and stadiums, all painted by his own hand, each one an evolution of his talent as he pushes his own boundaries with each new painting. These original works have been collected by representative gallery patrons as well as commissions from longtime admirers who recognized his burgeoning artistic gift.
Collaborating with a World Master… the “In Concert” Series While musicians have been doing it for centuries, a collaboration is extremely rare in the visual arts. But when renowned, international artist, Ford Smith, encountered new-to-the-art-scene Eddie Freeland’s work, his respect and admiration was profound. Their ensuing friendship and mutual appreciation for each other’s talents and abilities led to this revolutionary alliance that would create a dimensional work of art that consummately reveals the primary genius in both artists.
Eddie was a fan of Ford Smith paintings for years, and often “saw” them in three dimensions. So shortly after the Smiths invited Eddie to exhibit in Ford’s namesake gallery (never before had Ford shared this gallery with another artist), Eddie approached Ford with the idea of allowing him to interpret his distinctive landscape paintings in sculpted glass. Ford was intrigued, so he consented and the artists got to work. Eddie consults with Ford on the development of each “In Concert” painting, staying true to this acclaimed artist’s intention, yet also making it an Eddie Freeland work of art, too.
The public reaction was immediate and enthusiastic beyond any expectations. The earliest viewers literally staggered in awe, marveling at the sight of these dynamic and vibrantly sculpted paintings that seemed to float from the walls, sparkling and grooving light within the geometric, reflective Ford Smith paintings.
Each “In Concert” collaboration is a multimedia original. Some using a Ford Smith archival giclee, limited edition or, in rare circumstances, some have a Ford Smith original painting as the foundation. Both artists hand sign each painting.
These sculpted glass “In Concert” with Ford Smith and Eddie Freeland paintings are making their national gallery debut this year in exclusive shows nationally. Ford has invited Eddie to accompany him on several key art reception and shows as he’s introduced to the public and the industry.
“One of the greatest thrills for any art collector is discovering an artist before they become famous, and now is that time in Eddie’s career. It’s easy to recognize that his star is on the rise. Soon Eddie Freeland will be headlining shows and inspiring dedicated collectors from around the world. He’s earned it” Artist Ford Smith
Dr. Zerric Clinton - Resident Artist
As an educator and artist, I have taught art in the secondary level for more than 20 years. Over my career, I have worked in the classroom to inspire students to become artists. In 2010, I received my PhD in Art Education from Florida State University. Prior to this, I received my BFA in Art Education and my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University. Currently, I teach art education at Dutchtown High School and have been an adjunct professor in the FSU Department of Art Education. I was humbled to be named the Georgia Art Educator of the Year in 2015 and I continue to serve the art association as the President-Elect.
My research is often reflected in my artwork, as it focuses on the way that visual culture influences adolescents. Primarily, I work in a mixed media format using a combination of paint, pen and ink to create abstract representations that feature textured areas of color.