We are paying homage to Mr. Keith J. Neal for his unprecedented contributions to cultural education and the upliftment of a people who have historically been denied access and exposure to critical African/African American cultural arts and resources. We know of no other steward of the arts and culture, locally or nationally, that has done a more outstanding job independently breaking through the barriers of cultural equity and social justice in the arts.
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African-Americans nourish Columbus arts community /
Richard “Duarte” Brown
59, MIXED-MEDIA PAINTER
Brown can’t help choking up about his current gig: He’s the resident artist at Whitehall-Yearling High School and Rosemore Middle School. As he paints murals in front of art students and helps lead art classes several days a week, he knows that he’s helping to shape the next generation of artists. “I didn’t see this coming at all,” said Brown, who in August was awarded the yearlong residency by the Ohio Arts Council as part of its Artist in Residence program. “The way I grew up, I have empathy for people who have obstacles. Art is a way to make a difference.” Especially sweet for him is being able to explain the power of art to children in his own backyard: He and his wife have lived in Whitehall — where they raised two children — for 33 years.
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