Artistic Expression Growing In Uptown
October 20, 2006
Greenwood, SC - A new since of artistic expression is growing in Greenwood, South Carolina. Local artist, musician, and poet, Ian Morris, a member of the Greenwood Artist's Guild and founding member of Homemade Genius, Inc., has played a major role in the artistic rebirth.
Ian has had an interest in the arts his entire life. A successful self taught artist, over the last six years Ian has sold 500 prints and 50 original pieces to collectors both locally and nationally. As a poet, he blends his poetic skills with art by creating paintings with companion poems that together reflect the artist’s message and become one piece of art. Ian, who plans to publish an illustrated book of his poetry in the near future, has been involved in 15 bands and released 21 CD recordings during the past 10 years. His music is recorded under the Athens, Georgia label Emerald City Ruins.
|
ABOVE - Ian Morris and Kendrick Anderson (rear) and Sara Dean Morris (far right) with Homemade Genius students. |
Morris has spent time touring the Southeast playing his music and showcasing his artwork but is now focusing on collaborating with his wife, Sarah Morris, formerly Sarah Dean, also of Greenwood. Sarah is an artist and photographer who has been dedicated to creating a strong body of artwork for the past several years, experimenting with a variety of mediums, such as, but not limited to, photography, painting, drawing, and mixed media. Also an accomplished musician, she divides her time between playing violin, cello, and guitar with 2 bands, This Bright Pilgrimage and Y/our Sparkle Heart, in addition to writing and performing her own music and creating art. |
Since their recent marriage in the fall of 2006, Ian and Sarah have pooled their talents to create several art pieces, as well as writing music for their Indie/Folk band Y/our Sparkle Heart, whose members consist of the Morris’, Caleb Weiters of Greenwood and Jason Turner of Greenwood. The band will be performing on December 1st at Frankglen’s Restaurant on Main, in conjunction with an exhibit of the Morris’ combined and individual artworks.
| In late 2005 the couple, along with freelance music promoter Kendrick Anderson, also of Greenwood, pooled their talents, experiences, and plans for an artistic community in Greenwood to create the local, non-profit corporation called Homemade Genius. Homemade Genius actively promotes art and music by providing the Greenwood area with a variety of art and music events throughout the year. These events, usually free or of very little cover charge, are part of their combined vision of making the arts available to all people, regardless of age, race, education or economic privilege. |
 |
While Homemade Genius strives to create a local artistic community where artists and musicians can gather to share ideas; inspire each other; and provide opportunity for sharing artistic talents with the public, the organization is also committed to providing the youth of the community the opportunities to become involved in the arts by tapping into their interests. Anderson, who has several years experience working with young people both as a substitute teacher and with the YMCA, has organized and promoted musical performers in a variety of genres, including, but not limited to hip hop, drum ‘n bass, blues, and reggae throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. As a founding member of Homemade Genius, he plans to bring performers from a variety of genres to the Greenwood area as performers and possible mentors for young musicians.
Amy L. Alley of Greenwood, artist, writer, and elementary school art teacher, has recently joined the board of Homemade Genius and is actively involved with promoting youth art throughout the community. In November, Homemade Genius will hold the first annual Middle School art exhibit at Jimary Java Coffee Shop on Main Street. This exhibit opens November 9th and will showcase the artistic talent of middle school students from Greenwood area public schools, private schools, and homeschools. This show will be juried, with 10 winning pieces becoming part of Homemade Genius’ permanent collection to be displayed in the studio. Alley, an award winning artist who regularly exhibits her work with both Homemade Genius and the Greenwood Artists Guild, has organized several exhibits in the past, including 2003’s Art in Response to Domestic Violence and 2006’s Spirituality: A Personal Journey.
| In addition to art opportunities for young people, the Morris’, along with local worship leader and This Bright Pilgammage band member Tim Keeler of Greenwood, have incorporated into Homemade Genius a musical education program. Students of all ages may attend classes in Homemade Genius’ studio, located on the lower level of The Federal Building Arts Center on Main where, in private or groups sessions, they can study a variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, violin, and cello. The music education program, currently sponsored by SimplePC and SCTel of Greenwood, is actively seeking new students to participate in classes and local area concerts. |
ABOVE - Sara Dean Morris works with students in the Arts Center at the Federal Building. |
Homemade Genius relies on assistance from volunteers, donors, and cooperating community businesses and leaders who all work together to help make these events available within the community. The organization does not discriminate against anyone who is interested in becoming involved and encourages them to do so by participating in art events or taking classes. Homemade Genius is especially committed to providing disadvantaged youths within the community the opportunity to study, enjoy and participate in the arts. All of Greenwood is encouraged to enjoy Homemade Genius events happening in the area. Below is a list of upcoming exhibits and concerts:
November 2006
Friday the 3rd: Amy L. Alley Solo art exhibit opening reception from 5-7pm at Frankglen’s Restaurant on Main. Exhibit will remain on display throughout the month of November.
Thursday the 9th: Homemade Genius’ First Annual Middle school art show with acoustic solo performance by Justin Hall of Cavanaugh, 7:00-8:30pm at Jimary Java, Main Street.
Wednesday the 15th: "Speakers", a spoken word/poetry event presented by Homemade Genius, 7:00-9:00pm at Jimary Java, Main Street.
December 2006
Friday the 1st: Ian and Sarah Morris Art show with performance by Y/our Sparkle Heart, 7:00 - 10:00pm at Frankglen's Restaurant, Main Street.
Friday the 8th: Homemade Genius acoustic show/art show with bands Sunny Blunder, the Standup Beans, Y/our Sparkle Heart, Chip McKenzie, and The Quiet Hooves at Jimary Java, 7:00 - 11:00pm
For more information on Homemade Genius, including the music education program or involvement in the upcoming shows, please contact Ian Morris at (864)-341-2911.