An Arts Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.
Cary, NC — “Art is a mirror in which we see ourselves and where we have been,” said local Cary artist Dan Campbell in reference to the portrait he painted to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Perhaps it can even move us forward.”
Cary Artist Commemorates Dr. King
Dan Campbell, a 59-year-old contemporary artist, paints many subjects – from sailboats to cityscapes and from floral to figurative – all with an abstract, impressionist style. However, his favorite creations are when he paints a subject with deeper meaning that inspires people. “One of the beautiful things about art is that it draws you in, makes you think and, sometimes, really moves you. Although I’m more abstract than portrait artists, I felt moved to shine an artistic light on Martin Luther King and his dream,” said Campbell. “He was a visionary, but I believe he also felt a great pain for humanity.”
I wanted to paint the anguish that drove him.
“A Man with a Dream” acrylic painting on 1.5″ wrapped canvas frame, 48″ x 48″.
Campbell’s inspiration drove him to create “A Man with a Dream.” You’ll find the work hanging in the Village Art Circle gallery in downtown Cary, where Campbell is a member and exhibiting artist.
“It took great courage back in the days of segregation to stand up and say things like, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” remarked Campbell. “Although we have made great strides as a nation, we still have a deep need for compassion and equality for all people. Sometimes life gets busy, and we forget. Art can help us remember. Perhaps we can even hear the voice of a brave Baptist minister in a work of art.”
A Tribute to Dr. King
Campbell’s painting, “Man with a Dream,” can be seen throughout January and February at the Village Art Circle Gallery (200 S. Academy Street in Cary). The gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm.
The painting also will be on display on Final Fridays in January and February, when the gallery will have a special exhibition from 6 to 9 pm. The exhibition will be free to the public.
Artist Contact Information
Dan Campbell
Dancampbell99@gmail.com
919-538-3539
Story and photos contributed by Cary artist Dan Campbell.
CaryCitizen is sponsored in-part by Elegant Stitches in Waverly Place.
