Press Release: That's a Pretty Picture
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: VISUAL ARTS
RELEASE DATE: November 24, 2006
CONTACT: Valetta Anderson
PHONE: (404) 371-8826
EMAIL: templecurator@yahoo.com & dcarts@mindspring.com.
ARTIST: Lois Curtis
WHAT: "That's a Pretty Picture"
WHEN: Friday, December 1, 2006, through Thursday, January 18, 2007
WHERE: Temple Gallery, 108 E Ponce de Leon 2nd Floor, Decatur GA 30030
DATES: Opening Reception, Friday, December 1st 6:00pm-9:00pm
Decatur Tour of Homes Saturday, December 2nd 3:00pm-9:00pm
Artist's Talk/Closing Reception, Thursday, January 18th, 6:00pm-9:00pm
STATEMENT: Dekalb Council for the arts welcomes back Lois Curtis for the second year in a row. This year's exhibit entitled, "That's a Pretty Picture", reflects the artist's growth both artistically and personally since she began her professional career. It will be a night you'll never forget.
A native of Atlanta, Ms. Curtis spent most of her adolescent and adult life as a resident in various state-run institutions for people with disabilities. After her repeated requests to be allowed to reside in the community were denied, Ms. Curtis sued the state of Georgia. In 1999, her case came before the U.S. Supreme Court. Victorious, the landmark Olmstead Decision declared that "unnecessary institutionalization amounts to segregation and is a violation of individual civil rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act." Ms. Curtis's case became the national mandate to free tens of thousands of people with disabilities from unnecessary and unjust institutionalization.
Today, Ms. Curtis receives community-based supports and enjoys life outside of the institution. The recognition that she has received for her incredible talent, in conjunction with her passion, have motivated her to make art and advocacy her life's work. With pastels and acrylics, Ms. Curtis's expression is at once bold and emotionally straightforward. Her remarkable insight into people and her joy for life is a powerful reminder that we all have dreams, and contributions to make.
The Temple Gallery, a nonprofit gallery committed to bringing innovative art and artists to the community is sponsored by the DeKalb Council for the Arts (DCA). The gallery is located on the corner of E. Ponce de Leon and Clairemont Avenues. Elevator access is located at the Clairemont entrance. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm (closed for observance of Holidays). For exhibit information contact the Dekalb Council for the Arts at 404.371.8826 or visit www.dcarts.org. Interesting in showing your work? Contact Valetta Anderson at templecurator@yahoo.com. All events are free and open to the public.