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[Newsletter Logo: friends of the arts]

Spring No. 1 1987

Welcome to the very first edition of the Friends Of The Arts
newsletter! We found that there is a real need to keep
collectors and visual art enthusiasts informed of current
events pertaining to certain Afro-American artists. Many of
us are missing out on important information - shows and
exhibits, as well as the accomplishments of our artists.
While we will not attempt to cover everything happening, we
will periodically circulate this brief publication as an
artist update. Tell another "Friend"!

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In January, 1987 the local Washington Urban League
commissioned JOSEPH HOLSTON to create an original painting
on the theme of education of our youth. This painting
entitled "Short Stories" was completed, and unveiled at the
annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. dinner on March 25th 1987.
During the dinner and reception, Joseph exhibited a
selection of significant original oil paintings, such as
"Miz Emily" and "Boy in Red Cap". It was a wonderul
evening, and all works received high acclaim. ROBERT
PARKER, author of "Capitol Hill in Black and White", sat as
a model for the painting, and was on hand to greet the
guests. The commissioned painting has been donated to the
Superintendent of the DC Public School System, Mrs. Florette
McKenzie.
Special thanks to Betti S. Whaley, Pres. and the Washington
Urban League staff for their continued support of Joseph
Holston's work.

Art lovers enjoyed another pleasant evening attending the
wine and cheese opening of the HOLSTON show at GALLERY
PETALOUTH in Alexandria, VA. Conveniently located in
Landmark Mall, this marks the 2nd year of a successful
HOLSTON show at this little gallery. The reception got
underway by a visit from deejay MELVIN LINDSEY, whom the
artist was thrilled to meet! Show ends April 11th, but
Holston's work is available all year 'round.

A special exhibit entitled "Small Masterpieces" by JOSEPH
HOLSTON opened on April 6, 1987 to an enthusiastic crowd at
the George Meany Center for Labor Studies in Silver Spring.
This show features small to medium size works, and
introduces the new HOLSTON monoprints. This is the 3rd year
for a successful HOLSTON show at George Meany Center, which
features area artists on a regular basis. If yo did not
make it to the show opening, please do join in for a special
reception being hosted by DELTA SIGMA THETA Potomac Valley
Alumni Chapter. It will be held on April 26, 1987 at the
George Meany Center for Labor Studies from 2:00 - 6:00.
"Small Masterpieces" will be the last HOLSON exhibit in the
DC area until late fall 1987!
For further info./directions call: Leslie Pelzer 593-8409

DID YOU KNOW?
The print "Merry-Go-Round" by Joseph Holston is prominently
being featured each week on the television show "227" with
Marla Gibbs...

Plans are being finalized for a major exhibition of HOLSTON
work at the EVANS-TIBBS GALLER, Washington DC this October
1987. Details and dates will be announced.

The WASHINGTON URBAN LEAGUE will be hosting a recepetion to
meet the artist, Joseph Holston on April 21, 1987 at the
Sumner School, 17th and N Streets N. W. Custom framed
limited edition prints of the painting "Short Stories" will
be available for sale. Time is 4:00 - 8:00 pm.

[Handwritten note and signature, as follows: HELLO DR. DRISKELL! Leslie Pelzer]