Autumn de Forest Opens Exhibition at LeRoy Neiman Art Center
Autumn de Forest demonstrating a painting technique at the Butler Institute of American Art (Photo courtesy of Carole Sorrell)
Art prodigy Autumn de Forest is heading to Harlem to show residents the joys and accomplishments that can develop from art.
The LeRoy Neiman Art Center presents “Autumn de Forest: Selected Works” from December 3, 2016 to January 31, 2017. The center will host two special master classes for families on December 3 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. where Autumn will demonstrate painting techniques. Registration is required and space is limited.
Autumn has painted since she was 5 years old, and since then has witnessed her art being collected around the world. Now 15, Autumn has supported a multitude of charitable and humanitarian efforts, and inspires young minds around the country through the Turnaround Arts program. For her efforts, she received an award from the Vatican.
Autumn de Forest receiving her award from the Vatican for painting and art. (Photo by Doug de Forest)
Autumn is taking her passion for art and arts education to the LeRoy Neiman Art Center, a community-based arts center in New York that serves young people and families in need. Renowned artist LeRoy Neiman established the center with Arts Horizons with the gift of a generous grant.
The center’s mission is to strengthen the community through the arts by providing arts experiences and supporting skills that encourage life-long learning and development. Marline A. Martin, executive director and curator at the LeRoy Neiman Art Center, said Autumn serves as an excellent example of the opportunity to embrace the arts at a young age leading to extraordinary things.
“She (Autumn) celebrates the power of the arts through her achievements,” Martin said. “The Center is delighted to have the distinct honor of being the first to present and exhibit her paintings to the New York City community.”
Art for All
Autumn de Forest (center) is all smiles with students as she teaches them to paint self portraits (Photo by Doug de Forest)
The art program follows on the heels of Autumn’s history-making solo exhibition at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. She became the youngest painter to have a solo exhibition at the esteemed institute. She personally shared her artistic knowledge with visitors and led children through self-portrait workshops.
The Park West Foundation and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council are sponsoring the center’s art program. The center receives continual support from the LeRoy Neiman Foundation as well.
Gallery hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m.; Friday by appointment; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery will be closed December 23, 2016 through January 1, 2017.
To register for the master classes or for more information about the center, call (212) 862-2787. Be sure to view the Autumn de Forest artwork available at Park West Gallery.
