The art community in Fayetteville is a vibrant one. It is not uncommon to fi nd high quality art and exhibits year round at different venues throughout the city, in fact the Friends of African & African-American Art is sponsoring Art of the Masters: A Survey of African American Images, 1980-2000 at the Arts Council. The exhibit opened on Jan. 22 and will hang until March 6.

The show is bigger than the art on display at 301 Hay St., though. There is a sister exhibit at the Rosenthal Gallery at Fayetteville State University.

“People can visit Rosenthal and read the panels to learn more about the artists and see reproductions of the works” said Mary Kinney, Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County marketing manager. “Then they can come here and see the exhibit to learn more — or vice versa. To get the full effect and full benefi t people should visit both places because it is all really one big exhibit.”

There are also events and activities scheduled through the month of February. Assistant Professor of Art at FSU, Dr. Rollinda Thomas, will give a lecture titled Style and Politics: the African American Masters. She’ll be speaking at Rosenthal Gallery Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. and again at the Arts Council at 6 p.m. on Feb. 11.

Thomas is excited about the opportunity to speak with the public about Art of the Masters. As an educator, she welcomes the opportunity to broaden the horizons of interested parties in the community.

“The lecture is intended to give an overview of the artistic styles of the artists,” said Thomas. “We’ll look at how the politics of the time period infl uenced their work. For instance, there is a beautiful ceramic piece that harkens back to Benin, Africa.

”While there is a wide range of art work in the exhibit that covers everything from modern art to more traditional and natural pieces, Thomas is seeking to open the eyes and minds of the audience to the exhibit as a whole.

“This is a wonderful opprtunity to have the chance to share information with the public and with students,” said Thomas. “It is a chance to discuss the exhibit. I am excited about opening people’s eyes and making art accessible.

”Although it is billed as a lecture, Thomas is seeking an exchange with the public. The stunning presentation of African American artists not only lends itself to visually appealing to the audience, there is also an opportunity at the lecture to offer opinions and questions.

“This is definitely meant to be interactive,” said Thomas.The lecture is family friendly.

For more information, please call the Arts Council at 323-1776.