In Living Color: Hues Through the Eyes and Soul of Akron Ohio
As someone who was born and raised in Akron, Ive always felt the need to highlight my hometown in a positive way. Akron is a pretty small town but is packed with some mighty people. From the hair dressers, musicians and chefs, down to those who keep our streets clean or just passers by who fill our streets every day who may have a story that has yet to be told. And with this series I intend to capture those stories through art.
Akron has a strong history of entrepreneurship that I feel does not get highlighted enough. So I wanted to take this opportunity to create a series that shines light on the many faces and places Akron has to offer that the world rarely sees.
Phase 1: Collecting Images
The first phase has been complete as I have already received over 30 volunteers who are all entrepreneurs in the City. (Email derinfletcherart@yahoo.com if you would like to volunteer yourself or someone you know from Akron to be included in the series)
Selected images/people will be finalized February 10th. This will also give me time to meet up with those chosen who I may need to take additional photos of and also hit the street with my camera to capture passers by with their consent. Volunteers will be notified and receive Release Forms to sign by February 11th. I will also be setting up interview times with each volunteer so that they are able to tell me their stories and I can fully get to know more about them and capture their true essence in each painting.
Phase 2: Start Creating by February 15th
Imagine the talented Gordon Parks or the amazing Jamel Shabazz’s work but instead of photography, as a monochromatic painting. They are my inspiration. 
This phase is where the importance of my donors truly shines. Through my previous work I’ve always created on a smaller scale. Afraid to step outside of anything larger than 18x24 inches. But this series deserves newness on all levels. Starting with me. I will be stepping out of my comfort zone and creating these paintings on large canvases between 6 and 10 feet in width and length. A majority of which will be custom sized. A large portion of the funds will help cover supplies such as ; canvases, oil paint, brushes and 2 large easels that can hold canvases of that size easily. My goal is to create Atleast 20 large paintings. Most of which will contain multiple people on one canvas.
Phase 3: The Art Show
Once Paintings are complete, I will rent out a venue large enough to showcase each one. During a two day reception. The first day being a Friday where all volunteers are honored and celebrated with their friends and family in attendance and those who have donated have exclusive access to the Friday reception as well. And Saturday, which is open to everyone. My desired date to showcase is by then end of the summer. Preferably August 25th & 26th. End of September at the latest based on venues availability. The other part of the funds donated will go towards this event.
To My Donors: What you receive?
Each donor will receive a limited edition signed giclee print of one of the paintings. You will also have access to the Private reception honoring the volunteers. You each will have exclusive access to virtual sessions and paint demos showing my progress as well as first access to purchasing paintings before they are publicly put on sale.
And Those who made donations over $500 will be put into a raffle for a chance to win one of the originals. Winner will be announced at the Saturday reception.
Thank You All In Advance! So excited to have you with me on this journey!
Check Out My Work:
