New Prattville Arts exhibits explore foster care life
Now on exhibit at the Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery is the work of Daytona-based artist Onicas Gaddis, originally of Rockford, Alabama, and Atlanta photographer Lauren Wade.
"This exhibit is in conjunction with the 50year celebration of the Selma to Montgomery March," said Barbara Simpson, cultural arts and special events coordinator for the City of Prattville, citing the work of Gaddis. "It is not about the march, but it is a poignant exhibit about a young black artist's struggle as a young boy in the foster care system and his triumphant rise as an artist."
Wade's "D r i f t" collection documents the stories of former foster youth, capturing the emotion of the lives spent in foster care and the hope these young adults have for the future, Simpson said. Proceeds from the sale of these photographs go to Gift for a Child charitable organization.
Simpson said Gaddis's art work and writings take the viewer on an emotional ride through his experiences, thoughts and dreams. He allows color to lead him on a journey of creation and storytelling. He had the has painted with and has been nurtured as an artist by the late Sarah Carlisle Towery, internationally recognized artist from Alexander City.
Gaddis's unique style is bold and cries out with emotion, but he remains humble and soft spoken. The works in the exhibit are just a few to be included in his soon-to-be-released book, "Who Am I?"
Atlanta freelance photographer Lauren Wade received her BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design and is the granddaughter of Sarah Carlisle Towery. "D r i f t" has been exhibited in Georgia locations including the lobby of the Bank of America building in Atlanta. Wade specializes in travel and fine art photography with a social focus.
The exhibit is open through March 21 at the Prattville Creative Arts Center, 342 Chestnut Street in downtown Prattville. There will be a closing reception with artist Gaddis from 5-7 p.m. March 21 at the gallery. For more information about this and other exhibits and events at the Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery, call the Special Events Office at 595-0854 or visit the website at
.