FULTON ART FAIR INC & BEDFORD STUYVESANT ARTIST ASSOCIATION
HOLD ART AUCTION: CELBRATING 50 & 5 YEAR ARTISTIC LEGACIES
By Keith L. Forest
Fulton Art Fair Inc and Bedford Stuyvesant Artists’ Association BeSAA celebrated their 50 and 5th anniversaries respectfully with an art auction at Central Brooklyn Multi Family Service Center honoring the legacy of artist, Otto Neals, a founding member of the Weusi Gallery and original participant of the Fulton Art Fair. Hosted by resident artists Dr. Olivia Cousins and BeSAA President, Fedrecia Harley, the event featured original art works from a variety of neighborhood civic and business leaders including Community Board 3 Chairwoman, Brenda Fryson. Tutored by BeSAA artist, Gerald Jones, Ms. Fryson, original painting entitled “La Familia,” an abstract afro-centric acrylic painting depicting three figures, was the first item to hit the block. Auctioneer, Tohma Faulkner, co-chair of CB3, wasted no time raising a sizable bid for the painting and others.

Mr. Jones other two students, Real Estate Executive, Waleed Cope and Brooklyn Public Library Macon Street Branch Executive, Paul van Linden Toll, also offered up their original masterpieces. However, it was New York Firefighter, Ella McNair, the first African American women in the city history to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, creation entitled that caused a bidding frenzy. The introspective acrylic painting entitled “Me” received the evening’s highest bid.

Other community participants offering up their creations for bidding included Our Time Press Co-Publisher Bernice Green’s impassionate black and white oil painting entitled “Bell Toll.” The abstract painting, inspired by and dedicated to the memory of Sean Bell, depicted the racial disharmony and unrest in communities of color was well received. YMCA Dordy Jordain, Bedford Stuyvesant YMCA newly installed Director, multi media collage depicting the cultural spirit and harmony of Bedford Stuyvesant also received rave reviews and high bids.

In honor of Bed Stuy’s artistic legacy, Weeksville Heritage donated one of their souvenir quilts. “Like the quilts our ancestors hand stitched which told their history and revealed secret directions for the Underground Railroad, this quilt honors that legacy,” stated auctioneer Tohma Faulkner. In addition to the auction items, BeSAA and Fulton Art Fair associates and members had on displayed a wealth of their creative works for purchasing.

In October BeSAA will once again team up with Community Board 3 for their 5th Annual Bed Stuy Alive! Artist Strut which honors Bed Stuy’s culturally rich and growing creative arts community. Various creations from BeSAA member artists and others will be on display form Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, at local art galleries and art spaces throughout the neighborhood. For more information, you can visit on line at www.besaa.org