Saint Louis Art Museum will host an Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Freedom Celebration in its Farrell Auditorium 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, January 18.
The keynote speaker will be Wayne C. Harvey, attorney and counselor at law. Visual art, music and dance will be presented by Tony Artz.
Born in St. Louis and raised in Los Angeles, California, Paducah, Kentucky and Metropolis, Illinois with the assistance of his grandparents, Tony Artz taught himself how to paint.
He knew he wanted to be an artist at the age of 7. After being burned with a cigarette and thrown into a scolding hot shower and beaten repeatedly by his dad’s girlfriend, Artz said, he decided to express himself to take the pain away. With a pencil, paint, oil pastels and the music in his headphones, he began to transform his pain into art.
His style combines music, art and dance. “Picture a music producer with paint in their hands laying a foundation of emotion to the rhythm of the beat,” Artz said. He moves about the canvas, drumming the canvas with his hands. Once he creates the pattern of the tone and melody he wants, he transforms the canvas into what he calls “a visual musical production.”
“My process is simple,” Artz said. “I simply ask the universe, ‘What would you like me to do?’ I retrieve the answer and get to work.”
A theatrical excerpt also will be produced by Young Artists for Peace and Justice. Interfaith gospel and spiritual music will be performed by Just Friends and New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church Chancel Choir.
Tickets are free, but seating is limited. Advanced and same-day tickets available. Call 314-655-5444 for ticket information
