Michael Williams, "Blue Oasis," from his exhibit "Epic Vision" at Crosstown Arts.

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
Thursday, April 30 – Saturday, May 2 // 10am – 6pm
Saturday, May 2: Closing Reception // 6 – 8pm

“When I tell people I create, they think I’m a musician.”- Michael Williams

Crosstown Arts is pleased to present an exhibition of over 50 paintings by Crosstown residents Michael Williams and his mother, Mattie Williams. Although working in clearly distinct styles, their process involves a delicate exchange: Mattie inspired Michael to paint, and Michael names Mattie’s paintings. Both artists are self-taught and have been painting most of their lives. Michael is visually impaired, so he uses tools like powerful magnifying glasses and bright lights to enhance his limited field of vision, seeking to capture realistic perspectives in his landscapes. Mattie uses acrylic paint to create abstract works with bold colors and repeated patterns, often floral or geometric forms. Together, their works demonstrate how the act of creating can strengthen the ties that bind people to one another — through family, through paint.

Michael was born with an eye disorder known as Stargardt’s Disease and recently founded a non-profit organization, International Association for Sight Impaired Artists. The organization’s mission is to educate, empower and support individuals who are blind or visually impaired to be involved in the visual, performing and literary arts. Michael hopes to inspire others with sight impairments not to limit themselves creatively.

He has won many awards in several art competitions, including Memphis Technical High School “Outstanding Art Student” Award in the 1980s, St. Joseph Hospital Pen and Ink Art Competition, Southland Mall Scholastic Art Competition, Mid South Fair Pen and Ink Art Competition, and the American Printing House for the Blind International Art Competition in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014.