Sylvester Wells Presents Artwork at Athens State for
Black History Month

Athens, ALA. - The public is invited to the Athens State University Art Gallery on the second floor of the Sandridge Student Center to view prints by artist Sylvester Wells.   The exhibit will run through February 29.

Wells is an African-American painter and is known as a Florida Highwayman.  Blending colorful abstraction and realism in the same painting, he sold his work door to door to make a living in Florida in the 1960’s and 70’s.  He was encouraged by Alfred Hair and Harold Newton, as they were painting Florida beach scenes  and selling them out of the back of their car.

Wells will give a presentation on his work and life at noon on Wednesday, February 22 in the Athens State Ballroom.  Original artworks may be available for sale.

The works on view precede Florida Highwaymen days, and will be on exhibition until February 29, 2012. They seem to capture the enlightened thoughts of Mr. Wells enchanting early days.

The Sandridge Center, on Athens State University main campus, 300 N. Beaty Street, Athens, Alabama, is open Monday – Friday 8:00 – 4:30PM.  Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information call 256-233-8296.

For Further Information
Guy McClure
Guy.McClure@athens.edu
 
For immediate release
February 13, 2012
www.athens.edu