Chicago born artist Kevin Williams returns for viewing of his commission “The One” at Alpha Kappa Alpha International Headquarters
(CHICAGO) — The work of Chicago born artist Kevin A. Williams was showcased during the Ribbon Cutting and Open House for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s remodeled Ivy Center at 5656 S. Stoney Island on Friday, May 4. The Atlanta based Williams was commissioned to create a work depicting the founding legacy and continued life of the AKA Sorority as part of a massive remodeling of their sorority’s international headquarters.
Williams’ painting “The One” is a celebration of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, one of the original “20 Pearls” that founded the sorority in 1908 on the campus of Howard University. It will have a permanent home in the remodeled Ivy Center, and reprints of the work will be available for sale as well, according to International President Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson.
Williams was selected by Alpha Kappa Alpha to produce the work after submitting a sketch of his suggested design. He is a celebrated figurative storyteller whose paintings are among the most widely circulated urban fine art in the world.
On Friday evening, Pigment, Int’l, the multi-cultural arts collective hosted Williams for an Artist’s Talk at Connect Gallery in Hyde Park, that covered his life and career from his start at age 15 on Chicago’s Historic East 87th Street Black Business District, drawing and painting images for clothing boutiques and hair salons. At 19, he became a cosmetology illustrator for Soft Sheen hair products which eventually led to a commission from Alberto Culver USA, to create “Standing Appointment” which depicts four women under hair dryers, for their Motions hair care line. It is regarded as the most popular art image in the history of the hair care industry. Williams was commissioned by comedian Bernie Mac to create over 20 original pieces, one of which was a gift to Oprah Winfrey and now hangs in the lobby of Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
During the Artist’s Talk he discussed honing your craft which also includes cultivating the business side of creating art. At the end of his talk Williams was awarded the “Chicago South Side Artist Achievement Award” celebrating his legacy in the arts by some of the Chicago artists and gallerist he has mentored.
