Donovan Durham

On View: August 5, 2005 – September 9, 2005
Friday, August 5, 2005 from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

In December 2004 Highpoint received a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board to support a Cultural Community Partnership with artist Donovan Durham. Thanks to this funding, Donovan was able to create original prints at Highpoint, under the guidance of Master Printer Cole Rogers and HP print shop staff. This project culminated in a free public reception and show of his work, with special invites extended to everyone at Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts where Durham creates his artwork regularly.

This community partnership with Highpoint has helped Durham expand his artistic “toolbox”, and work with the unique visual vocabulary that printmaking provides. While at Highpoint the artist received informal creative feedback, technical support and encouragement. By highlighting the work of an extraordinary African-American artist, this project increased cultural diversity within the Minnesota arts community. In turn, the art of Donovan Durham will help create public enthusiasm for programs like these offered at Interact and Highpoint, generating interest in future cultural collaborations among artists and organizations.

About Donovan Durham:

Donovan Durham is a self-taught artist who successfully lives with disabilities. Early in his life, Durham turned to art as a method of communication. He began drawing at the encouragement of a childhood doctor, and continues to express his complex inner landscape through drawing and painting.

Donovan left the East Coast and came to Minnesota in 1998. “Minneapolis is my favorite place,” he says, “of all the places I've been.” He would like to continue making art and showing his work; to do comic books; and to find a mentorship with a graphic arts professional. “I'm a nice and loving person,” says Donovan. “I am a good story teller, and I work hard.”

Durham’s affiliation with the Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Minneapolis enables him to create artwork in a supportive environment. With assistance from Interact, Durham has gained considerable recognition for his achievements. At this emerging stage in his career, Durham’s goal is to continue creating and exhibiting his art. Jeanne Calvit, Interact’s Founder and Artistic Director, has high praise for the artist: “his work tells a story of a whimsical and richly textured innerlife. He looks for opportunities to grow as an artist and human being. Dooavan is so excited about having this opportunity to work at Highpoint with a Master Printer, it’s a wonderful opportunity for this stage in his development as an artist.” To learn more about Interact and its amazing programs, visit www.interactcenter.com