Carver High School Class of 1974 was presented a print from World Renowned Artist Frank Kelley, Jr. during the planning process of their 40th Class Reunion. Members of the class were eagerly seeking opportunities to support their theme, “Fulfilling Our Legacy: Remembering the Past…Embracing the Present…Anticipating the Future”. The print “Links of Knowledge” was donated to raise funds for scholarships for the students at Carver.
Frank Kelley, Jr., Professional Artist: resides in West Monroe, LA.; born in Jackson County, Louisiana. Kelley is known for painting in a wide range of styles from abstraction to realism to impressionism. Most notably he depicts landscapes and figures from the jazz world. Frank Kelley, Jr. received a B.A. degree from Grambling State University in Fine Arts and a Minor in Business Administration. “I am an artist with humble beginnings. My paintings of rural, celebrated jazz and southern life are reflected through my work. My paintings are viewed through the eyes of a storyteller and for others who have or feel a need to express themselves in the form of visualization. I paint old and new, today and yesterday, sorrow and happiness, struggle, hope, and togetherness and love. I have been painting for several years and traveling around the globe. One reason I love art is because it identifies part of who we are. My style is contemporary filled with creative imagination. A song, a vision, elderly man or woman, a trip, or even a historic landmark depicts some of my creative styles. Art gives me a sense of escape; but also a sense of belonging. I paint only what I can feel and imagine. This is truly a gift from God. “I thank Him every day for my life.”
Interpretation: It is so amazing how we miss out on so many incredible experiences that are right before our eyes. I think of a broader connection as the world continues to transform into a smaller space. The covering of the head and neck has 22 carved links that are attached to each other. I wanted the viewer of recognize more than exterior features; I wanted the viewer to look deeper into the brain that truly connects us all. The texture that exists represents the world around us. The carved lines represents the many sections of the world, the orange represents the sunlight that beams down upon us, green represents natural green grass and yellow represents the power of God that shines upon us all. Take a moment of your time and observe your friends, family and acquaintances to look inside and up close…you just might be surprised what you might discover that has been there the entire time.
Frank Kelley, Jr. paintings interpret real stories motivated by true-life situations. He produces 20 to 25 pieces each year, and his work has been exhibited across the nation.
The Class of 1974 in conjunction with the Carver High School National Alumni Association has graciously accepted the gift and is in process of selling $1 raffle tickets. The raffle will be held April 1, 2015 at Carver High School. For additional information please contact Barbara Thomas Goudy, CHS National Alumni President @ 205.960.2895, Dale Thurmon, Class of 1974 Alumni President @ 205.601.4021 or Sharon Beal-Fowler, 40th Reunion Chairperson @ 205.529.5692.
