(Un) Common Paintings Get Raves at M2L Show Room Reception

Painter Katauna Parker explains her role at AFH and life as a teen-artist

 Artists For Humanity’s Monday night reception at M2L Boston was above and beyond! 

The crowd mingles before the artists' presentations

There was a wonderful, enthusiastic buzz at M2L as Boston’s finest came out to view nine paintings exhibited throughout the Boylston Street showroom. Colorful and abstract, the works of AFH artists Rashad Nelson, Eddie McColgan, and Kitauna Parker drew rave reviews, and so did their heartfelt remarks to the assembled.

Eddie McColgan was the first to speak. “I haven’t spoken to a big group before; I was definitely nervous. But I think it was cool to talk to everybody and have them check out my work.” 

Rashad and Kitauna followed with stories of how they found AFH and how their experiences shaped their trajectory as people and artists.  After Rashad recounted his artistic growth, Kitauna had her first turn as a public speaker. “I wasn’t really engaged in my high school. It was tough for me to function well there. Being around the mentors, the other kids, everybody at AFH, has really changed the way I see things – for the better!”  Kitauna told the crowd that her large paintings spoke to her feelings about the need to protect the environment- and that we need to take heed. “The green and blue are earth and water – but the reds show things heating up and lots of fires everywhere.”

Artist Rashad Nelson poses with his piece

The setting, conviviality, and conversation between strangers and new friends made for a fantastic evening. M2L’s furniture and AFH’s art were clearly made for each other! Special thanks to  M2L Principal Matt Manes for inviting AFH to exhibit. The paintings will stay up through February so be sure to stop by and check them out!  They are all for sale and the best news is that AFH artists get 50% of the sale price and the rest supports AFH programs.  For more AFH paintings, click here! 

Assistant Painting Mentor Eddie McColgan shows off his piece

 Looks like we’re not the only ones who had a great time at our M2L reception! Check out what other bloggers are saying about our talented teens!