MLK50 Artwork Set For Unveiling In South Main Arts District

Anyone familiar with the work of Nigerian-born, Memphis based artist Ephraim Urevbu, will be interested to see the recent work he created in tribute to the city-wide MLK50 commemoration. In the spirit of forging a new path, and recognition of the tremendous legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who sought to bring a nation together rooted in justice and peace, Art Village Gallery in partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum's MLK50 commemoration, will host an unveiling reception of an original painting titled E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One) created by Mr. Urevbu, to be held at Art Village gallery, 410 S Main Street, Friday, March 16, 2018 at 6:30 pm.

"Bringing people together is part of why Dr. King came to Memphis and sacrificed his life. Dr. King's speech and vision, was an inspiration for this painting, said the artist.

"The American flag is prominently featured as an umbrella to which people of all nations, races, creeds, and dreams, unite to build a nation so very powerful. It encourages us to carry that spirit of what Dr. King's message was. In a visual way, I tried to capture the meaning "out of many, one". The vibrant array of colors is a depiction of the diversity of nationalities of all who reside here and the myriad of cultures and religions that make up what America is today. If we celebrate that, focus on what makes us so strong, then we rise as a nation; then we fulfill Dr. King's dream. That dream becomes so real and that is what this painting is all about.

To commemorate this occasion, Art Village Gallery has produced a limited number of lithographs and giclee prints for sale at the unveiling. The artist will be in attendance for signing. The gallery is also generously donating 100 prints of the artwork to the National Civil Rights Museum. This is a special collector's item that won't be available for long so be sure to attend the unveiling March 16 at 6:30 pm or the visit the museum on or after March 17 to purchase one.

All events surrounding Art Village Gallery's MLK50 events are graciously supported by its presenting sponsor, Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. and supporting sponsor, The Marston Group, PLC.

Art Village Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery located in the historic South Main Arts District in Memphis, TN and has the primary purpose of supporting and promoting the work of emerging International Artists. Founded in 1991 by Ephraim Urevbu and currently led by Sheila Urevbu, the gallery has established a reputation for designing and showcasing culturally significant exhibitions and experiences that inspire an appreciation for diversity and culture.

Ephraim Urevbu is a Nigerian-born, Memphis based artist, curator, and art advisor. He is founder of Art Village Gallery and the South Main Arts District along with the monthly Trolley Art Tour. Urevbu was honored with the first ever Vision Award given by the Memphis Center City Commission.

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