In celebration of Black History Month, the Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City has a wonderful exhibit of the works of Riverview resident, formerly of Chicago, Rhonda Carol Long. The exhibit, which features 19 pieces of Long’s artwork, will be on display through the end of February.
In the main exhibit area there are 10 pieces and in the children’s area, there are another nine pieces. Long uses many different media including acrylic on canvas, oil on canvas, acrylic giclee print on canvas and airbrush on canvas.
Anne Haywood, Director of the Bruton Memorial Library said, “We’re committed to having a more multicultural and diverse collection of artists this year. I definitely wanted Black History Month themes. She (Long) captures the pride and beauty of the culture, and I was glad to learn of her work. You can learn a bit about the culture and about Africa from her images.”
Long is a second-generation artist who recently moved to the area from Chicago. She started drawing when she was just four. She quickly discovered a passion for the human image. In her artist’s statement, Long said, “There is nothing more challenging and interesting to paint or draw than the human face. I think that a good portrait is one of the most difficult products for an artist to successfully do. Not only must you get an accurate likeness, but you must also create a good painting. Somehow, you must convey a subject’s character, spirit, personality and everything must communicate the dynamics of the subject.”
Long has worked as a commission portrait artist since 1998. She has been commissioned by private individuals, organizations and institutions. While portraits are what she is most known for, she is equally well known for her afro-centric pen and inks and pencil works.
The Bruton Memorial Library is located at 302 W. McLendon St. in Plant City. Long’s exhibit can be viewed at any time when the library is open.
For more information on Long or to discuss a commission work, please contact her at frontstree tart@yahoo.com.
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