Paint By Numbers Event Drawing African Americans Closer to Art

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Written by DaVaun Sanders; Photos by Mimi Ahmed Photography

A lively spirit is flourishing in Greater Phoenix's African American community, and was fully evident at Paint By Numbers, an innovative art show that took place at Devil's Martini in Scottsdale on December 5.

Organized by Erica Rosette and Andre Hollingsworth, Paint By Numbers offered an interactive experience where artists not only showcased their own work, but offered participants the chance to employ their own creativity upon a large mural. Rosette's and Hollingsworth’s passion for their work infused the event with warm, readily apparent enthusiasm. Rosette energetically shared her inspiration for her acrylics, which boasted a vibrant selection of colors, and provided fresh depth to the subjects her canvas explored. Hollingsworth's pieces displayed sensuous charcoals and earthtones, offering original renderings of iconic imagery such as Sade's instantly recognizable portrait. Another piece of his artwork challenged the viewer with an aggressive declaration, 'Hip Hop is Dead: 2009' emblazoned on a simply painted green mixtape.

Rosette explains how our past inspired the duo's vision.

“Our art is reminiscent of the Black Arts Movement, where Black people are coming together and using our talent to spread messages ... whether it be about somebody doing well in the community, or handling an issue in the community that we need to come together as a group to deal with.”

After taking in the individual work, people inevitably approach the highlight of the event itself. The group canvas is unassuming at first, blank with pre-drawn art penciled in by the two artists.

“We're doing something different,” Hollingsworth says. “No one's doing anything like this in town.”

The true magic of this event unfolded as people choose a color that corresponds with a numbered section on the group canvas.

Brushstrokes soon multiplied regardless of whether the attendee proved artist or curious; bold or timid. A freeform line of ebony and ivory keys took shape, swirling across the middle. Above the keys, desert mountains began to sprout cacti, joined by an emerging line of skyscrapers resplendent in Suns' purple and orange. Bold red notes, a dapper-suited sax player, and dancing silhouettes also materialized, while more musical instruments and motifs asserted themselves throughout the budding masterpiece.

The group of people who clustered before the canvas may not be considered artists, but their collective effort was no less mesmerizing. The palette of ages incorporates gray hair to black, auburn, and blonde. The hues of skin tones was equally diverse. Such a gathering on a Saturday evening in downtown Scottsdale demonstrates the beauty of art, and the passion of these two inspired creators.

“At museums, you've got to be extra quiet, and can't get too close to the art pieces. We wanted this to be more of a social networking, fun event where people can feel involved and actually meet the artists,” Rosette says. “They learn how we did our pieces by doing it themselves.”

While the Phoenix metro area boasts a considerable number of artistic souls, Hollingsworth concedes that African Americans are not always highly visible.

“The artists are hard to find. I've been to the First Fridays [Artwalk in downtown Phoenix] and we'll see one or two. We like having events like this because it can bring us together.”

Indeed the participants walk the space in the manner of people who have chanced upon an undiscovered treasure.

Brittany Rayford is an Arizona State University graduate who purchased a print of Hollingsworth's, and also contributed to the group canvas.

“It's nice to have something different to do,” Rayford said as she watched her friend meticulously paint a red treble clef. “I think more people would come if they knew—the ASU students too.”

Paint By Numbers will continue to grow if this initial showcase is any indicator. The two artists envision live music and spoken word in their future shows, where painters can interpret the performers. “Art can go with anything,” Rosette says. The first ever mural for this event, nearing completion and brushed by so many different people, is quite easily proving her right.

For artists interested in future collaborations, Andre Hollingsworth and Erica Rosette are both reachable through Facebook. If you are an artist or art enthusiast, please use the Comments section below to tell our readers about Valley shows and artists you have enjoyed!

Comments

[Brittany Rayford]

GREAT article!!!

[Erica Rosette]

Thank you DaVaun and Mimi for coming out to the show your words and photograps have really captured what interactive art shows are all about for our community!