“My Fireflies”

The exuberant paintings of Nigerian Ambassador of the Arts Ibiyinka Olufemi Alao will be on display in the Duke Gallery at the Community Arts Center, next door to Pendle Hill at 414 Plush Mill Road, from June 15 through July 20. Of this exhibit, “My Fireflies,” the artist writes:

“It is about Love and Happiness rising. Some people are blessed with the gift to express their love through art. They paint the stars, sing the sunsets, write the rain. Some other people are in your life and they simply are as reliable as the Sunrise. Everything they have comes through the way they look at you. They are there shining in order for you to see things in life. Their love is silent but in it is truth, a passion way stronger than all the arts can ever put together. It is this silent, reliable and rising Love that made me into the artist I am today. I hope to share this Love through my exhibit.” — Ibiyinka Alao

Nigerian Ambassador of the Arts Ibiyinka Olufemi Alao

In conjunction with his exhibit, Ibi will present a spirituality and the arts talk at the Community Arts Center on Monday, July 8, 2019, including his experiences with:

• Arts in diplomacy;
• Art as a river to water human hearts so that we may grow to know peace;
• The importance of art in religious faiths generally and in his own Christian faith and life as an individual;
• Art and the revival of indigenous cultures; and
• Art as the most effective element in the education of children.

Travel directions to Pendle Hill (and the Community Arts Center). Click to view the flyer.