“Not Far From The Tree”

As part of the Black History Month celebrations on the campus of Prairie View A&M University the School of Architecture and The Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture presents and art exhibition of works by Dr. Clarence Talley, Sr. and his daughter Crystal Ann Talley. The exhibit title “Not Far From The Tree” showcases some 21 works in a variety of media. 

Dr. Talley is no stranger to PVAMU and the surrounding communities. He is widely recognized for his artistic, ministerial, and professorial work. His philosophy of art, he says, is simple. “Art is everything and everything is art. It is a life perspective that I have tried to pass on to students and my children.” 

“This exhibition,” Dr. Talley explains, “is just another means of doing that. My daughter’s work is just a testimony to what God has placed in her; how she uses it, and how I and my wife help nurture her, is still unfolding. I am thankful and happy to know that the paint brush has not fallen far from the tree.”

Crystal seriously began to hone her skills while attending Waller High School, Waller, Texas. There she studied with art teachers Lea Kohn and Jo Ann Chunn. Under their tutelage, Crystal was a Best of Show recipient in the local school competition of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Since graduating from Waller High, Crystal has attended the Western Art Academy courtesy of the Rodeo; and she’s studied at Prairie View A&M University.

Crystal is now enrolled at Texas State University where she is a painting major. Much of her work, as seen in this exhibit, is realistic and experimental. As a student of the arts Crystal says, “I am still trying to find my way, learn as much as I can, work as often as I can, and hopefully along the way discover who I am as an artist.” Crystal doesn’t have to look far for inspiration, her father and mentor, is a constant reminder of what is possible.

“Not Far From The Tree” will be on view in The Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture, the Nathelyne Archie Kennedy Building. The exhibit will run from February 9 through March 2009. 

To see more of Dr. Talley's work visit www.clarencetalley.com