5th Annual Beauty Of Blackness Fine Art Show to Take Place at Fort Collins’ Opera Galleria

The Beauty Of Blackness Fine Art Show, a distinctive indoor fine art exhibition, is set to return to Northern Colorado from Sept. 5-8, 2024, offering collectors and art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to acquire original works by Black and African American artists as well as artists who proudly possess “the one drop.” This year’s show promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Black America’s creativity, culture and artistic excellence.

The exhibition will be located in the historic Opera Galleria building in Old Town Fort Collins, a vibrant area known for its rich cultural amenities. The Opera Galleria is just a short distance from dozens of restaurants, amenities and businesses, including Old Town Square, Lee Martinez Park, the Poudre River, theaters, music venues, art galleries and more.

A special artist reception will take place on Sept. 6 during Fort Collins’ First Friday Artist Walk, allowing attendees to meet and purchase from the featured artists and experience the works in an intimate setting.

Taking place at this iconic venue, The Beauty Of Blackness Fine Art Show is more than just an exhibition; it is a platform dedicated to showcasing the talents of Black American artists to a wider audience. With a curated selection of one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for homes and offices, the show offers a rare chance to experience and acquire original artwork that reflects the rich heritage and diverse expressions of Black and African American culture.

“What sets us apart from other art exhibitions is our exclusive focus on original artwork,” says founder Louise Cutler. “We are committed to not only providing a space for these amazing creators to showcase their talents but also making their work accessible for appreciation and acquisition by a broader audience.”

In addition to the physical exhibition, The Beauty Of Blackness Fine Art Show offers a seamless online purchasing experience, allowing art lovers from across the country to explore and purchase pieces year-round. This reflects the show’s mission to teach, evoke and arouse the aesthetic senses by inviting the world into the incredible beauty of Black and African American creativity.

Featured Artist: Deborah Shedrick

Deborah Shedrick

This year, the show features the works of Deborah Shedrick, an artist whose paintings are defined by a free style that is uniquely her own. Shedrick’s passion for art shines through her work, capturing the nuance of a moment with a vibrant celebration of color and energy. Her artwork strikes a harmonious chord from a universal perspective and is part of collections throughout the United States and abroad.

Essentially a self-taught artist, Deborah Shedrick has been painting professionally since 1986. Over the years, she has sharpened her skills through workshops and tutelage under prominent artists, leading to a successful career in which her artwork has been featured in hotels, on book covers and in television shows nationwide.

In addition to exhibiting her art, Deborah Shedrick will be presenting her Torn and Transformed workshop at the Museum of Art Fort Collins. This workshop is an exploration of creativity and resilience, where participants will learn how to transform torn pieces of paper into powerful works of art. Shedrick’s workshop promises to be an inspiring experience, offering insights into her creative process and the deeper meanings behind her work.

Other Exciting Events

The Beauty Of Blackness Fine Art Show is packed with activities you won’t want to miss. Stop by on Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. for the Artist Fashion Show, where you’ll see stunning designs from talented artists who bring their creativity to life through fashion. This event is sure to be a highlight of the show, combining visual art with the dynamism of fashion.

On Sunday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m., don’t miss a fun workshop with Elena Reiffin, a hands-on session that promises to be both engaging and enjoyable. Whether you’re an artist yourself or simply someone who appreciates creativity, this workshop is a perfect way to dive deeper into the world of art.

Special Presentation: Louise Cutler

Louise Cutler

Louise Cutler, founder and curator of The Beauty Of Blackness Fine Art Show, will speak on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m. In her presentation, Louise will share insights about her journey in the art world, the inspiration behind the show and her latest creative endeavor, her new book, “The Ant and The Curious Little Boy.” This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of the driving forces behind the show and gain a deeper understanding of her artistic vision.

“Our mission is to share the wonders of a rich heritage, illustrating what it truly means to be Black or African American,” Cutler says. “We want to deliver the highest level of talent through original fine art, and we’re excited to invite the community to join us.”

The Beauty Of Blackness Fine Art Show encourages all art enthusiasts, collectors and supporters of Black culture to visit the exhibition, attend Shedrick’s workshop, enjoy the fashion show, participate in Elena’s workshop and hear from Louise Cutler during her special presentation. Explore the online gallery as well to experience the beauty and depth of Black American art year-round.