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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       

May 22, 2014

Contact: Erin Seals, Marketing Coordinator

City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs

(912) 651-6417 | [email protected]

Cultural Arts Gallery Presents
“Agents of Change” by Kenneth Martin  

(SAVANNAH, GA.) Portrait artist Kenneth Martin presents “Agents of Change” a collection of oil paintings of African American historical figures at the City of Savannah Cultural Arts Gallery from June 6 – 27.

            This body of oil works includes images of African American persons who had a significant impact on America during the 1700s and 1800s. While many works portray specific people such as Savannah Rev. Andrew Marshall from First African American Baptist Church other portraits represent persons lesser known who had the passion, spirit and essence of the American Dream. 

Martin is largely self-taught as a painter. He began his journey as an artist after a debilitating car accident some 40 years ago. A welder by trade, Martin took up painting as therapy during recovery from the accident, taking classes with a realist portrait painter in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He received additional instruction some years later in classes at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit. Martin also earned a Bachelor’s degree in social work from, Ferris State University in Grand Rapids, MI.

Martin has exhibited his work at many venues including the Bagley Gallery in Detroit and at Red Piano Too Gallery on St. Helena Island, South Carolina.

Martin’s love for art has been the staple of his career.  “I tried sincerely to do social work, but my real love was art”, stated Martin. “As an artist, I am committed to stimulating an appreciation for fine art that connects with the human relationships and experiences that depict the love of family, work ethics and life’s values.”

An artist reception is set for June 6, from 6-9 p.m. in conjunction with Art March.  Cultural Arts Gallery is located at 9 W. Henry St.  Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Free off-street parking is available. For more information, visit www.savannahga.gov/arts.

All events are free and open to the public. Programs are supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives support from its partner agency the National Endowment for the Arts.

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The City of Savannah is committed to provide leadership in fostering programs that educate and expose citizens to a rich and diverse range of cultural expressions, to support artistic programs that celebrate creativity, create educational opportunities, encourage economic growth and enhance Savannah’s reputation as a cultural destination. For more information, visit www.savannahga.gov/arts. 

VISUAL / CUTLINE: Kenneth Martin, Rev. Andrew Marshall - First African American Baptist Church, oil, 18" x 24".