Black Love is a masterpiece at the Harlem Fine Arts Show

The Harlem Fine Arts Show made its way back to Chicago this year with an opening night full of art fans and entrepreneurs alike. I met so many creatives and dreamers that it inspired me to continue to pursue creative, beautiful and lovely things. Thanks to Country Financial, my sister and I were able to attend the Opening Night Gala and witness live art in the making.

There we met and talked with local artist Martha A. Wade, who was working on a new painting on wood. The Chicago native’s pieces are bright and imaginative.

The piece that she was working on at the event showed a young boy in Chicago’s Financial District with a colorful bird on his shoulder, as part of her latest art series “Childhood Dreams and Conquered Fears.” “The message speaks to the strength of children, who can be fearless.”

Wade’s investment in the arts to help empower people doesn’t go unreciprocated. Country Financial is not only a sponsor for the 2016 Harlem Fine Arts Show in Chicago, but is dedicated to supporting and empowering local communities.

When we invest in the arts, whether we’re engaging students in a project, investing in a school program, or buying an aspiring artist’s work, we are investing in the community for the better, and that’s love.

It was beautiful to see so many artists capture Black Love in different mediums. Here are some of the pieces I was able to capture and the amazing artists who created them:

This was piece called “That Fire Connection” of my favorites in the show and by artist Martha A. Wade. You can see the passion between the couple in the painting. Black Love is beautiful!

This portrait of a newly engaged couple in Paris is so beautiful!
Thanks to the artist and carpenter Jay Roberts for sharing the story behind the work.

This art piece called “Lovers Lane” by Phyllis Stephens shows a couple on a journey or
bae-cation in a romantic getaway.

“Union Seated” is a poignant “vision in clay” sculpture by Detroit based artist Austen Brantley. I was introduced to him and his work by fellow artist and familiar face Shawn Warren. We go back, like high school prom and then some back, lol! It was great catching up with him and his endeavors in creative and fine arts.

 Artist Shawn Warren at #HFASChi supporting friend Austen Brantley

I missed the title for this piece by Sebron Grant but the blending of the masculine and feminine notes creates a beautiful ballad for the eyes. It’s music and fro love affixed the variety of magnificent melanin.

“In to You” by Andrew Nichols is another eye-catching and lovely piece of an intimate couple.
The connection, the embrace and the tones expressed create a sensual yet vulnerable artwork.

This is the B.L.I.S.S. #goals painting right here. A couple balanced and firmly positioned on the Holy Bible. A foundation that keeps the man strong as he protects and lifts up his queen who has his back.
This is another artwork by Andrew Nichols entitled “Relax I Got You”.

It was a pleasure meeting many of these artists and others at the Harlem Fine Arts Show. Be sure to support your local artists! Country Financial is committed to helping people understand the art of financial literacy. To learn more on how to invest in your dreams and financial plan, visit countryfinancial.com.