Terry Chaka, Painter, Curator, Creative Hue Artist curates......." Traditional Beats & New Rhythms...."

Terry Chaka, although an excellent painter in her own right, is clearly recognized as a preeminent curator of exhibitions in Rochester and other parts of western New York. Terry prolifically pulls together, film series, themed and Afrocentric artistic exhibits at the Baobab Cultural Center, where she serves as the resident curator and manager. Always one to push the envelope, this current exhibit, “Traditional Beats, New Rhythms,” brings together, three long time friends, artist and sons of western New York, Eddie Davis, Jack White and Jim Pappas. These three major and early contributors to the, “black artist” movement of the 60’s & 70’s, hardly need bio’s as they arrive at the door of, “Griot” status.

Terry describes, Jim Pappas as a, contemporary painter, now, as well as, back in the day. She states, his didn’t and doesn’t, necessarily exhibit the figurative and recognizable, “black iconic symbols,” but rather, was and is, the results of inward forays, often using abstract lines, forms, colors, rhythms to speak to intimate reflections and sometimes, topic driven meditations, while he presents as an, “external caterer.”

Conversely speaking, Terry describes, Jack White as a painter, who treads the line of, “mixed media abstractionist.” Terry states, “Jack does sometimes employ, Afrocentric forms, but they communicate inward as opposed to outward, leaving you in a position to question, ponder and grow, with statements so simple, leaving one, “to do the math.”

Founder and long time and past president of, Creative Hue Artist Collective, Ms Chaka describes, Eddie Davis, as a master clay artist, who produces many perfectly sculpted bust. “Eddie’s motivation is and has been, “to do the work.” His body of work speaks vividly to his skill level, variety of interest, reflects an, “earthiness” in color and also through his, “process driven work.” Although, these three have been exhibiting together since the 60’s, in many, many venues throughout western New York and the country, the opportunity to exhibit them at this stage of their careers, could not get past this visionary curator. Like the famous African Baobab Tree of which Terry’s resident gallery shares the name, this is the center of activity, this is a trading post, this is where history is observed and where it is being made. Terry, along with other artist of Creative Hue Artist Collective, salute these three fine artist, in this appropriately named exhibit, “Traditional Beats & New Rhythms.” Ache