Renowned African-American artist Thomas McKinney will share his art at FRESH GROUND Coffee House on Oct. 25, along with a performance by Rupert Wates. McKinney's work has been featured on the walls of the "Cosby Show" house and much more:
Art is a passion that has many forms of expression. I try to portray natural expressions, not only in my portraits showing what musicians hear and feel with deft clarity but also portrayals of neighborhood people, especially the elderly and animals. My early inspirations were Barclay Hendrix, Joseph Holsten, Cal Massey, Phil Sumter, Andrew Wyeth, and Norman Rockwell. I still have the letter I received from Rockwell in 1971 saying that Rockwell had seen my work at an exhibit and enjoyed it. That was such a honor. I have been featured in many publications throughout the country and have made numerous television appearances. In addition, my work has appeared on numerous TV shows, such as The Bill Cosby Show, Desmond, Bustin Loose, Frank's Place, City of Angels and on TNT in a James Earl Jones movie.”
McKinney’s works have appeared in Europe as he exhibited for the Armed Forces in West Germany, at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, The University of Virginia, Wharton School, Georgetown University, Museum of African American Art [LA] and many other venues. His work was also chosen for the 1989 Aetna Insurance Company calendar for Black History and for the Migrant Referral Project Conference poster."
