“Friends of MAC” organized a fundraiser on August 18th for the restoration of eight large Jules Andre Smith
paintings at St. Lawrence AME Church in Eatonville. These beautiful paintings were donated to the
church in the 1930s by Mr. Smith, founder of the Maitland Art Center, and are of great historical significance
to the town of Eatonville, the oldest incorporated black
municipality in America, as well as the Maitland Art Center. Once restored, a show will be
held at Maitland Art Center (tentatively planned for 2013) showcasing
this work, and the restoration process, and presenting a historical summary of
the relationship Mr. Smith had with the citizens of Eatonville.
Here are a few pictures from the event. (Thank you, Al Carroll, for the nice photographs!)
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| Ms. Christine Blackwell was a generous sponsor for the restoration of one of the Andre Smith paintings. She received a beautiful framed artwork of all eight paintings with a commemorative plaque. |
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| The event was held at the Germaine Marvel Building at Maitland Art Center. |
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| Jerry Bell, Friends of MAC, was the organizer and emcee of the event. | |
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| Bonnie McNamara, fine art restorer, gives a talk on the planned restoration process. |
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| Bill Orr, with Pastor Williams, spoke about some of the history at Maitland Art Center. |
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| Kevin McNamara, noted Irish artist, drawing portraits at the event. | | | |
The fundraiser was a great success and our goal of
collecting enough money to start the restoration process on two
paintings was met. The remaining six paintings will be restored with
the on-going help of the community.
If you'd like to contribute to the remaining effort to restore the six paintings, please contact the St. Lawrence AME church,
Hortense Jones, 407-619-4652 or joneshorty29@aol.com. “The St. Lawrence Andre Smith Restoration
Fund” is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Sponsorships for the last six painting restorations are $1,500 each and all sponsors will receive a collectible, framed artwork of all eight paintings along with a commemorative plaque.
Thank you to all the generous artists, businesses, organizations and individuals who made this event such a success.
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| Thank you letter from Past Williams, St. Lawrence AME Church, Eatonville |
