Fall 2020 Art Installment Opening Reception

First Presbyterian Church, located at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach, will present an opening reception for the Fall Art Installation at the Galleries at First Pres on Sunday, October 11, 2020, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Featured local artists include Jemal Hayes, Suze Lavender, and Maciek von Ato. Tours will be available with an opportunity to meet the artists in attendance. The art galleries are located in the Gietz Music Suite, the Lobby of the Center for Christian Life, and the E. T. Smith Lounge. Bottled water will be provided. Please be aware that the CDC recommended social distancing and safety protocols will be in place for the health and safety of all in attendance. Face masks are required to attend. Jemal Hayes was born in Vero Beach FL. He attended Vero Beach High School, then Indian River State College for graphic design. As a child, he would receive postcards and letters from his dad, who spent much of his childhood in prison. The cards would have these amazing colorful artworks. He was in awe and he would draw and sketch on the letters that he sent back to him. During high school, poetry and drawing became Jemals first venture into Entrepreneurship. He wrote poetry and sketched drawings for guys to give to their girlfriends. He started Mr. Js Video Productions in 2002 capturing video footage for friends and family, and quickly progressed to still life photography. The business name has since transformed to Mr. Js Media Productions. He has been in business now for over 14 years primarily focused on photography, creating moving art, video production, and graphic design. In addition, he transfers old film, video, and photography to digital media. Jemal married his high school sweetheart, Simmone, in 1996, and they have 5 children. I believe my work is my ministry, Jemal said. I have to have some kind of relationship with the subject, feel some kind of emotional tug at my heart or mind so that I can share what I see. His style, though often recognizable, changes to suit the subject or issue he hopes to portray. Using bright colors against skin tones, he engages the feeling of awe-inspiring stories on canvas. among figures of African women dancing or working in step with each other.