A Classic Night
A Classic Red Carpet Moment: Prince George’s County Council Chair Todd Turner, Prince George’s County Public Schools Vocal and General Music Supervisor Judith Hawkins, CAAPA Executive Director Terri Allen, Prince George’s Suite Magazine & Media Associate Publisher Maria Lopez-Bernstein, Publisher/Editor Raoul Dennis and Senior Photographer Amir Stoudamire. PHOTO: HARRY FLEMING
CAAPA’s Melody Of Art Reception Celebrates Culture At Overdue Recognition Gallery
Photography By Catrilia Watson
The stars lined up perfectly in Bowie Sept. 10 and lit up the night from the Overdue Recognition Art Gallery (click here for photo gallery).
The light shone brightly throughout the gallery as classical notes played by the Coalition for African Americans in The Performing Arts Ensemble wafted across the space and out into the night air. Over 50 VIPs in the arts and culture community from across Maryland joined art lovers and community residents for what was planned to be a reception days ahead of the Congressional Black Caucus Weekend.
Hosted by CAAPA Executive Director Terri Allen with welcome remarks by Washington Post Arts Journalist Patrick D. McCoy, was more than a reception by any simple expectation. CAAPA’s annual pre-caucus event has been perfected since the organization began hosting the Melody Of Art gathering over 10 years ago in 2003. Performances of Brahms Trio in A minor, Op. 114, First Movement and Rhapsody in Blue (with a piano improv) by the ensemble blended nicely with the perfect Opera-tini cocktails and Recas Castle Riesling.
CAAPA’s primary mission to help promote opportunities for Black classical musicians and others in the performing arts is accomplished through several projects, courses, programs, performances and events. The non-profit organization operates on a local and regional level to promote and advocate in bringing “color to the classics.” [See Camp Disney, Camp Creativty, and Sopranos Slayed]
Featured artist and guest of honor Frank Frazier’s work has appeared in film and TV including Coming To America, Higher Learning, Good Behavior and Frank’s Place among others. The Harlem, NY born, Viet Nam veteran is a self-taught visual artist who has exhibited at galleries across the country.
Frazier completed a piece specifically for CAAPA. Sales of the work benefit black classical musicians and young artists.
Allen is ready for the season. "We are excited about the upcoming CAAPA season and look forward to serving the community, youth, senior citizens, families, adults, and Black classical musicians," she says. The charismatic executive director adds: “We are also always looking for volunteers and supporters,” she says in expectation of an electric Fall season.
Overdue Recognition provided an extraordinary backdrop to the occasion. The colorful and spacious venue exhibits bold and innovative works. Much of the art in the Bowie Town Center based gallery illuminates cultural and historic heroes from Frederick Douglass and Fannie Lou Hamer to Jimi Hendrix. Owned and operated by Jacqueline Thompson, Overdue Recognition is fast becoming a center of culture and community thought in addition to its role as an art vendor.
CAAPA extended Arts Advocacy Awards in three areas: education, media and political service. Award recipients were music educator Judith Hawkins, the Prince George’s Suite Magazine & Media team and Prince George’s County Council Chair Todd Turner.
