Beck Center For The Arts is Proud to Host Up and Coming Artists

Lakewood, OH–Beck Center for the Arts is pleased to host Student Art Exhibition Spring 2019 featuring our visual art and Creative Arts Therapies adapted arts therapies students, along with inspiring visually-impaired up-and-coming artist Owen McCafferty, and master artist of the Columbus TRANSIT ARTS Youth Program Robert Duarte Brown; with a kick-off reception on Friday, April 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. This exhibition showcases the visual art created by artists of all ages, levels, and abilities. This art exhibition is free and open to the public. Attendees to this event will have the opportunity to meet many of the artists and discuss their work and inspirations.

Owen J. McCafferty’s work was chosen as one of 75 art pieces accepted for the VSA (Ohio Accessible Expressions 2016 Tour where the piece was exhibited and then later donated as a gift to NFB President Marc Riccobono at the 2018 National NFB Convention in Orlando. Owen has always had an interest in art as far back as his years in elementary school and the Ohio State School for the Blind. He has an associate’s degree in graphic arts from Cuyahoga Community College. He was recently awarded a certificate of participation for the American Printing House of the Blind Insight Art show 2014. Reflecting on his own work, Owen says: “I’ve always had the passion and desire to paint things from my heart. I have been encouraged and inspired to pursue my love of expression and painting and no matter the obstacles I come across I try to pursue them to the best of my abilities. My artwork is meant to inspire and encourage those who truly have a passion for art and appreciation of the artwork from the heart and soul.” His artwork has been on display at local art shows, galleries, libraries, and fund raisers. He’s donated paintings to the Cleveland Sight Center, NFB Cleveland Chapter, The Lions Club, American Printing House for the Blind, and Beck Center for the Arts. His work is on display in the Music & Dance Building.

Richard Duarte Brown, born in Atlantic City New Jersey. He saw his art as a potential to uplift and elevate man’s existence. Duarte began drawing at age 6, creating art from found objects such as rice, glue, shoe polish and cardboard, and he continues to work primarily in mixed media. His works have been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States and in Central Ohio at the Frank Hale Cultural Center at The Ohio State University, and the William Thomas Gallery. He is a participating artist in Interrupted Life: Incarcerated Mothers in the United States, a traveling public art exhibition support by the Ford Foundation. Duarte has dedicated his talents to helping young people through countless programs including CAPACITY, the Short Stop Youth Center, the King Arts Complex, and Ohio Alliance for Arts Education's Artists-in-Schools program, GCAC's Children of the Future, Ebony Boys, Art Safe and Very Special Arts Ohio. Duarte has also worked as a high school art instructor at the Arts and College Preparatory Academy in Columbus.
In the Creative Arts Building, Adapted Art students’ artwork can be found inspiring the students of all ages and abilities that have therapy sessions there.
Some pieces by the students, Owen, and Duarte may be available for purchase at Beck Center Customer Service in the Main Building.

The Gallery Group, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in Northeast Ohio, is a long-standing supporter of Beck Center by raising funds for student scholarships. This allows Beck Center to reach even deeper into the community to assist those who may not have the financial means to learn self-expression through the arts. Beck Center is honored to be a part of The Gallery Group’s 60th anniversary.

Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, just ten minutes west of downtown Cleveland. Free onsite parking is available. For more information visit beckcenter.org or call Beck Center Customer Service at 216.521.2540 x10.

Programming at Beck Center for the Arts is made possible through the generous support of the Ohio Arts Council. Beck Center gratefully acknowledges the generous funding provided by the citizens of Cuyahoga County through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Beck Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers professional theater productions on two stages, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies for individuals with special needs, free gallery exhibits year-round, and outreach education programming.