| A collection of original oil and graphite
paintings, framed and unframed limited edition and hand signed pieces from world renowned
artist Paul Collins highlight the Akron Urban League’s May 7, 2006 Art Exhibition and
Sale. Proceeds will benefit the Urban League’s $5 million capital campaign and help
create a new center for its workforce development, education, recreational, social and
child care services. Paul Collins, from Grand Rapids, Michigan is distinguished for his
collections portraying people, their cultures and how both enrich our world. His 11
completed series of paintings have exhibited worldwide in more than 75 one-man shows;
various museums, universities and public institutions around the world have collections of
his work on display, including the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
The Urban League is also proud to announce that Collins will be unveiling a special
4’ x 6’ original oil painting depicting moments and faces of the civil rights
movement. The painting includes a portrait of civil rights activist and founding leader of
the National Urban League, Whitney Young. The Urban League is hoping one of its patrons or
supporters will purchase and donate the work as a signature piece of art for the new
building to be located at Vernon Odom Boulevard and Rhodes Avenue.
Collins has, throughout his life, used his art to support philanthropic causes and
bring world attention and resources to numerous causes of social justice. ( www.collinsart.com). He currently is working on a $10 million fundraiser to benefit
the children of four African countries with Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, Bono, Cher and
others.
Urban League Executive Director Bernett L. Williams said the organization is excited to
show his work, saying, "Paul Collins work has been recognized and utilized by heads
of state throughout the world, including two U.S. Presidents. He is considered by many one
of the top painters in America. We are thrilled to have him here for the Urban
League."
The Paul Collins Exhibition and Art Sale Benefit for the Akron Urban League is Sunday,
May 7, 2006 from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens on North Portage Path in
Akron. There is an admission fee of $50 that will cover food and refreshments and benefit
the Akron Urban League. The event is sponsored, in part, by the law firm of Slater, Zurz
& Gilbert, The University of Akron (Academic Achievement Programs, Akron Area Tech
Prep, Office of the President, Office of the Vice President and Provost, Summit College).
Other sponsors include: Universal Nursing Services,
Inc., Internal Medicine of Akron, Inc., Akron General Medical Center, Kent State
University, Sign-A-Rama, CommonGood Consulting, Inc., Stewart &
Calhoun Funeral Home, Seasons of Ohio, Dave Towell Cadilac Saab, Astral Industries, Inc.,
Medical Mutual of Ohio, Omnova and the City of Akron.
Two of Mr. Collins' pieces of artwork are on display at the Harris-Stanton Gallery,
2301 W. Market Street, Akron, OH 44313 from Friday, April 21 through Saturday, May 6. The
first piece is entitled "Moses" and is from the Voices of Israel series. It is
an original graphite drawing on illustration board. The second piece is entitled
"Rift Valley" and is from his Kenyan series. It is a limited giclee reproduction
on canvas.
For more information, contact the Akron Urban League at 330-434-6996.
Collins Fact Sheet (45k pdf)
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