"The Best There Ever Was-Hollywood to Harlem B.L.A.C.K.S.:Hattie McDaniel-Marilyn Monroe-Liz Taylor-Michael Jackson with Original Autographs, Notes and Historical Documents September 23, 2011

Poet’s Den Art Gallery Complex-East Harlem Presents, announces its September 23, 2011 Opening Night Art Cocktail Reception for John Van Means' Exhibition: "The Best There Ever Was Hollywood to Harlem and Beyond: B.L.A.C.K.S. Hattie McDaniel-Liz Taylor-Andy Warhol-Michael Jackson)” with Original Autographs, Notes and Historical Documents. This American Premiere Opening Night Art Reception which will begin at 6:00 PM and include cocktails, appetizers, live entertainment by recording artist TOMOKO As The Asian Empress of Soul and Tara Nova, jazz cabaret vocalist and a brief interview with the artist particularly pertinent to his "artograph" works that contain original celebrity autographs, among them: Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe, Sidney Poitier, Lou Gossett, Jr. (Following Opening Night, the Exhibition can be viewed, by appointment, for the next thirty days.) Raphael Benavides, Curator of the Gallery which is part of a complex that also houses a performance stage/theatre, cinema and lounge), will be host.
A volume of the artwork and "artographs," all of which are available for acquisition, will focus on those celebrities, legends and icons who represent, bold legends, legacies, ancestors, champions and kindred spirits (B.L.A.C.K.S). In addition to those mentioned above, Thea Bara, Marlon Brando, Billie Holliday, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Louise Brooks, Maria Callas, John Coltrane, Bessie Smith, Nina Simone and James Brown are included in “The Best….” Legends are portrayed through the many styles of the artist: representational abstract expressionism, collage, modern and pop art in B&W, color and “colorized:” e.g. Ethel Water, Marian Anderson, Enrico Caruso, Martha Graham, Josephine Baker.
The purpose of the Exhibition, indeed the art, is to provoke the viewer’s historical memory through visual stimulation. In this way, the viewer can be moved to appreciate the contributions of those B.L.A.C.K.S. who influenced/ shaped America, American history, world history, communities and impacted the lives of individuals. Contact Raphael Benavides at 212/427-1445 or 917/945-4764 or go to http://www.eastharlempresents.org for more information.
CONTACT: Poet’s Den Gallery-East Harlem Presents - 309 East 108th Street (2nd Avenue) – 1R, New York, NY10029 –
T: Gallery 212/427-1445 ▌917/945-4764 – Email: Raphael2145@aol.com - Web site: http://www.eastharlempresents.org