A new fine art exhibition titled Culture & Heritage is set to open Saturday, June 27 at Stan Johnson Creative Gallery, with an opening reception held 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. SJC Art Gallery is located at 1747 S. Adams Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32307 and will resume regular exhibition viewings Tuesdays – Saturdays from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. through August 1.

At the reception, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists and explore thoughtfully curated collection of art that combines African-American culture and heritage through contemporary and traditional art forms.

Featured artists of the Culture & Heritage exhibition are: Richard Powell, from Teaneck, New Jersey, and  Benjamin Bio, from Ghana, Africa.

Richard Powell (professionally known as RA) is an artist and creator from Macon, Georgia who is also a 2023 American Art Awards first-place winner. Powell’s art includes large, colorful and captivating images created with consisting of Prismacolor on Bristol paper, acrylic on canvas and ebony pencil on Bristol paper. A Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus, Powell operates a studio in the Greater Macon area. More information on his art is visible online at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-powell-003480171/

Benjamin Bio is a Ghanaian painter based in Tallahassee, Florida, where he is currently pursuing an MFA in Studio Art at Florida State University. He received a BFA in Painting from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, in 2021. Bio’s practice centers on painting and explores memory, identity, migration, and his experience of navigating life in a new place as a Black African. Working primarily with the figure, he uses his own image and lived experiences to reflect on visibility, presence, and what it means to be seen. More information on his art is visible online at: https://www.christinexart.com/product-category/bio-benjamin

The SJC gallery also continues to showcase a unique collection of African Art sculptures curated by Ok Sun Burks, from Starke, Florida. New fine art photography by gallery owner Stan Johnson will also be on display. All artwork and photography will be available for sale. The collection will soon be available for online viewing and purchase at: www.sjc.gallery/upcoming-events

“I am committed to showcasing diverse voices, global traditions, and meaningful, visual and artistic storytelling,” said Johnson. “Powell and Bio are artists who embody cultural and global origins and transformation through their paintings.”

SJC Art Gallery is a vibrant cultural destination in Tallahassee, fostering dialogue, creativity, and connection through exhibitions, events, and community engagement. For special events and creative workshops, contact gallery owner Stan Johnson at (850) 294-9668 or stanjphotos@gmail.com.