Harris-Stowe State University will host its first artist in residence, Synthia Saint James from February 2-8, with a lecture presentation 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 5 in the Emerson Performance Center’s Bank of America Theatre, 3101 Laclede Ave.
Saint James is a world-renowned multicultural visual artist, author, popular speaker and architectural designer who has garnered numerous awards over her 40-plus year career, including the prestigious Trumpet Award and an honorary doctorate degree from Saint Augustine’s College, both in 2010.
She is most celebrated for designing the first Kwanzaa stamp for the United States Postal Service, for which she received a History Maker Award, and for the international cover art for Terry McMillan’s book Waiting to Exhale.” Her paintings have graced the covers for more than 70 books, including books by Alice Walker and Iyanla Vanzant.
“Ms. Saint James has the ability to capture and illustrate the ‘black experience’ in stunning and colorful ways, and I have been a fan of hers for many years,” said Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Michelle McClure. “It is an honor that we will have her on campus during Black History Month so that she can share her expertise.”
During Saint James’ stay in St. Louis, the artist will interact with Harris-Stowe students in the classroom and serve as a guest lecturer in art classes. She will even participate in a finger-painting session with children enrolled at the William L. Clay Early Childhood Development/Parenting Education Center.
Her February 5 lecture presentation, “The Creative World of Synthia Saint James,” will give the audience an in-depth look into her life and work, while viewing her art on exhibit. Displayed works of art will be sold that night, with 40 percent of the proceeds to be donated to HSSU. The lecture and reception is free and open to the public.
“She’s gutsy and soulful, witty and meaningful. She answers questions as if it’s the first time responding to such an inquiry,” said Glenda Masingale Manson, president of Sisters & Friends in Bloomington-Normal, IL, which hosted Saint James for a lecture in 2010.
“She made us feel at home, as if we had traveled the diverse journeys with her and been equally important in her enjoyment of each and every experience. Nobody imagines life, or visualizes all of its grand possibilities, better than her.”
A native of Los Angeles, she was crowned as the first African-American homecoming queen at Los Angeles High School. She briefly attended Los Angeles Valley College, worked as a writer for Shelter Records and later worked in the media department of Disney Studios. Her career as an artist began in 1969 when she sold a painting in New York to one of her co-workers. For years, she continued to work in corporate America in the accounting department, only painting in her spare time.
“My favorite Kwanzaa principle is self-determination,” Saint James once told an interviewer. “The most important thing is you must be prepared.”
Following Saint James’ week of residency at HSSU, her paintings will continue to be featured in the university’s AT&T Library and Technology Resource Center until March 1.
For more information about Synthia Saint James visit synthiasaintjames.com.
