Event celebrated contributions of famed artist LeRoy Neiman
HARLEM, NY- The Council of Advisors of The LeRoy Neiman Art Center recently hosted its 2nd annual fundraiser, "Art Splash, Larger Than Life" that honored Muhammad Ali, Councilwoman Inez E. Dickens, Business Leader Walter J. Edwards and Restaurateur Londel Davis.
The evening featured an awards ceremony, exhibition, buffet dinner, cocktails and a silent auction that celebrated the legacy of famed artist LeRoy Neiman and his vision to provide arts education to young children of Harlem.
While sipping wine, attendees viewed an extraordinary exhibition of works by celebrated artists including Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, Janet Byrne, Otto Neals, Ramona Candy, Donovan Nelson, Al Johnson, Pau DEO, Curtis James, Tafa, Sir Shadow and the Center's benefactor, LeRoy Neiman that included his famed portrait of his friend the great Muhammad Ali.
Following warm welcomes by Howard Teich, Chair, Council of Advisors for The LeRoy Neiman Art Center and Marline Martin, the Center's director along with touching remarks by two of the Center's students Emma Blankenship and Fatoumatta Jallow, the awards took place.
The legendary athlete and activist Muhammad Ali was honored with the organization's LeRoy Neiman Humanitarian Award. Unable to attend the event himself, Mr. Ali's daughter Miya Ali accepted the award on her father's behalf. NYC Councilwoman Inez E. Wilkins received the Community Service Award presented by fellow Council Member Robert Jackson. The Image Award was presented to Walter J. Edwards, CEO, Full Spectrum of NY and Chair, Harlem Business Alliance, Inc. by Lloyd A. Williams, President, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. The Business Award went to pioneering Harlem restaurateur Londel Davis, owner of Londel's Supper Club and was presented by Curtis L. Archer, President, Harlem Community Development Corporation.
Dinner sponsors included Billie's Black, Dinosaur Bar B-Que, Foridita, Island Spice & Southern Cuisine, Lido Harlem, Quality Cakes, Tonnie's Minis, Yatenga French Bistro & Bar and Norma Jean Darden's acclaimed Spoonbread.
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Councilman Robert Jackson, Honoree Councilwoman Inez E. Dickens, Marline Martin and Howard Teich
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Honoree Londel Davis; Leslie Wyche and Donel Davis
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Scott Tucker, Howard Teich, Tracey Brooke Rowell and Lloyd A. Williams
Special kudos to artist and designer Scott Tucker, a Council of Advisors member, and special events whiz Tracey Brooke Rowell who conceived the fundraiser as a way to bring the community into the vibrant life of The Center.
About The LeRoy Neiman Art Center
Located at 2785 Frederick Douglass Boulevard near 148th Street in central Harlem, The LeRoy Neiman Art Center was launched by a generous gift from the renowned painter LeRoy Neiman and on-going support from The LeRoy Neiman Foundation, corporations, individuals and other organizations.
The Center includes a 2,000 square foot gallery space and rear workshop area where quality arts experiences in daytime, after-school and Saturday programs for all ages are offered. In addition, The Center is proud to host a 29' wall dedicated exclusively to the art of LeRoy Neiman. The Center welcomes schools and tour groups, and provides youth and the community with creative classes and exposure to the arts.
Top photo: Miya Ali (left) accepts award for her father, Muhammad Ali.
Image may be NSFW.
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