Charles Bibbs and His Influence on African Americans - Admission/Application Essay Example

Charles Bibbs Introduction Charles A. Bibbs was born in San, Pedro, California in a family of ten. He is the second born. He grew up in Harbor City in California and attended Long Beach City College and California State University for his education. While in school he majored in business. He currently resides in Moreno Valley, California. He is one of the well established and known African American artists, activist for development of community, businessperson and philanthropist. He has always believed in that we are the “Keepers of our Culture”. He has many skills like graphic design, drawing, public speaking, photography, sculpture, blogging, editing, oil painting, event planning among many others. (Bibbs 10) He loves almost every genre of music but particularly jazz music. He has been used to advertise for Omega Events jazz festival and has also attended numerous jazz festivals. Some of them include Capitol Smooth Jazz Criuse, Old Pasadena JazzFest West, Legendary Blues Cruise, Riverside Jazz Festival, Essence Musical Festival any several others. His work is majorly based on African American community and is found in many museums and art organizations. Charles Bibbs has been recognized by various institutions for his good achievement. Some of accolades he has being given include, “Honoree Award” from United Negro College Fund, “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award from African America Chamber of Commerce, “Recognition Award” presented by the President of Borough of Manhattan among others. His most precious goal is to make enlightened statements that are ethnically based and simultaneously fire up spiritual emotions. (Bibbs 58). The work of Bibbs and his influence on African Americans Charles Bibbs ventured into art work in 1991. Bibbs had a passion for arts while he was in school and he used to attended art classes. Charle Bibbs credits some of his efforts and ideas of work to some artists which include R.C. Gorman, Charles White, Frank Howell, John Biggers and Ernie Barnes. However before that, he had worked for 25 years at a managerial position, a work which he did for eight hours per day. His achievements after getting into art industry include the establishment of organizations such as Art 2000 Visual Arts Association, Art on tour, Arts Foundation and also Inland Empire Music. He also owns some of leading publishers and distributors of African American images like Fine Arts and B. Graphics. (Monk 23). On top of that, he has also given lecturers and attended workshops in major cities of United States of America which include Riverside Metropolitan Museum, Howard University Blackburn Gallery in Washington and Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles, just to name a few. Some of his major exhibits are California African American Museum, Museum of African American Art in Detroit and Howard University Blackburn Gallery in Washington DC. His work has a lot of influence on Africa considering he has combined the African, Native American and African America cultural themes. Most of his paintings portray a strong figure of African men and beautiful women who are tough against the harsh world. For example, his paint “She Warrior” brings out how African Women have status in the society. His work is thought to be aggravating and contain emotions that cut not only through gender and relationship but also through cultural traditions. The work of Charles Bibbs shows a positive influence on the African Americans and brings out this culture as loving and strong. Considering that he is an African American, Bibbs understands the African American culture easily and he is able to convey devotional message through his art work. (Amy 156). For instance, African American Women in Art Exhibit which was displayed on February as part of celebration of Black History Month. Some of his work is found in his Images Magazine-the first national publication to have African American culture- which is a good means of developing and preserving the visual art for many years to come even after his death. Another notable art work which has been done by Charles Bibbs is the image that is known as “The Black Madonna” which was used in the movie “Secret Life of Bees”. This gave him an opportunity to among the first African American visual artist to be hired by the well known Fox Searchlight (Monk 68). Charles Bibbs created art for purpose besides having passion for is since his early life stages. This is event in the achievements he has made throughout his art work especially the founding of non- profit organizations. He founded Art 2000 in 1991 and has used it to inspire and inform artists. Through the establishment of Images Magazine, he has been able to fund several programs regarding art and music. To add on that, he has also continuously supported youth artists and organizations. (Eddie 115). Conclusion It is evident that Charles Bibbs is a top notch artist. He has done a lot to help others and more significant his African American cultural theme that brings out a story of a strong and loving African. His non- profit organizations to help the upcoming artists and the lectures and workshops he attends are highly commendable. His support for fundraising of scholarship and contributions to businesses and organizations is very often. He has contributed in NAACP, United Negro College Fund, Associated Black Charities, PNC Bank, Howard University among others. It is the high time that other people who feel like they have passion of art to practice it and spread a meaningful message through their work. His paints like “The Warrior”, “Patterns of Life” “The Brave One” and “The Way to Freedom” are silent poetry. Consequently, poetry is a painting that speaks. It is also impressing when it comes to the success of Bibbs considering he ventured into the art work when arts market was not well developed. Despite all the challenges like poor technology back then, he managed to struggle out and establish himself as one of the fine artists. He is truly a hero and a role model to many people who happen to know him across the world. Works Cited Bibbs, Charles. Sherwood Forest Art. Detroit,Michigan. 2013. Print. Heglar, Charles. Rethinking The Slave Narrative. University of Wisconsin. 2001. Print. Gale, Ediie. Black Rhythm Happening. Blue Note. 1969. Print. Sue, Monk. The Secret of Life of Bees. Middlesex University, Dubai. 2008. Print. Leiser, Amy. The Smith Family of Stroudsburg. Stroudsburg. 2008. Print. Bibbs, Charles. Old Pasadena JazzFest. Central Park, Pasadena. 2003. Print. Read More