Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Mosely exhibit features UMES alumnus’ art
“Coming Home,” an exhibit of oil paintings by Berlin artist and UMES alum (Class of 75) Patrick Henry, opens Feb. 7 at the Mosely Gallery in the Thomas/Briggs Arts and Technology Center. The opening features a lecture at 4 p.m. followed by a reception and book signing.
The show is a retrospective of Henry’s growth as an artist from building visual language through his training at UMES to “photo-realistic” depictions of Eastern Shore culture, said interim director Cori Beardsley. “His art has come full circle to a spiritual expression of faith, family and the beauty of the land.”
“Just the wonder and awe of life and how God has arranged things the way they are fascinates and inspires me,” Henry said.
“When I was fresh from UMES, I was so passionate about the creative process that I had to paint. I had to be an artist in spite of all odds,” Henry said. “My journey was about fulfilling two goals in life-to get respect for my art from my peers and to have my work shown in a museum.” He has accomplished both.
His work has been featured in the Main Street Gallery in Annapolis and the Reginald R. Lewis Museum in Baltimore. Henry has also been honored as the 2005 “Delmarva’s Best Local Artist” by The Daily Times and the 2011 “Lower Eastern Shore Finest Artist” by Maryland Life Magazine.
Henry said that is the message he wants to relay to students during the lecture-to be goal oriented. “My instructors, Mr. (Jimmie) Mosely and Mr. (Ernest) Satchell, reinforced a work ethic that my parents instilled and I embraced their teaching philosophy.”
Henry visited the graduating senior show at UMES at the close of the fall semester. He was intrigued by the different works and perspectives he saw. “I want to show (students) that if you embrace your passion and work hard at it, your dreams can come true.” He also wants to let them know that it’s not easy.
“The bigger picture is that we all want to have a purpose in life,” he said. “I’ve lived long enough that I can tell my story.”
Henry will be on hand during the reception to sell and sign his latest book, “Still Images of the Eastern Shore: Collected. Verse.” The book features his paintings paired with poetry by Karen Prengaman, the co-author. The exhibit will be on display through March 1. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 410-651-7770 for more information. Visit Henry’s website at www.henryfinearts.org.
Photo: “Snowy Stroll” by Patrick Henry
