Unity Art Gallery - Fall 2006 Art Exhibit - Modern Art Continues to Evolve

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 11, 2006 - What: The Unity Art Gallery maintained by Unity Corps, Inc. is showing a continuous online exhibition of art promoting the nonprofit’s mission of “oneness amongst humanity”. To foster acceptance for the gallery’s theme of “unity in diversity” and the plurality of cultural influences seen in a modern society, Unity Corps’ selection of artists are drawn from diverse ethnic and religious/spiritual backgrounds, along with varied sexual orientations.

Unity art is the common description for that type of art which emphasizes the harmonious integration of diverse multi-cultural associations within various societal and compositional contexts. According to Angel Tenes, Executive Director of Unity Corps, Inc., “As it is with any civilization, in order for our modern society to advance toward more enlightened levels of understanding, the arts too must also evolve.” Traditionally the perspectives of gallery curators, art collectors, critics and historians have been attuned to the observation of singular group identities whether that be of a particular stylistic movement generally observed in a particular region of the world, a specific ethnic, religious or other cultural identity.

Mr. Tenes continues, “In the Unity Art Program, we are striving to develop the creation of works in art which show the harmonious integration of diverse cultural influences within a unified theme. In essence, it is in the least a new emphasis in art, if not yet a movement, that is dependent upon showing these various influences while keeping the integrity of a certain theme. In this case, the theme is that of unity which is often interpreted as meaning oneness amongst humanity amidst its many diverse elements and/or with all living and spiritual beings.”

While the definition of unity art may seem obscure to some, Unity Corps has developed some guidelines for their program. In their document, The Principles of Unity Art, a basic listing of key elements sought in a piece of art for inclusion in the Unity Art Gallery are described. Keeping in line with one of the main principals of showing diverse ethnic representations within a single composition, the newest gallery exhibit features an art piece by Antonio Pelayo entitled, “Spirit of the Sixties”. In it, Mr. Pelayo honors leaders of the 1960’s civil rights movement from different ethnic communities.    

When: The Fall 2006 unity art exhibit will be featured in the Unity Art Gallery from Sept. 27 to Dec. 21, 2006.

Where: The Unity Art Gallery can be viewed at: www.UnityArt.com

Who: Featured artist for this season's unity art display is Antonio Pelayo exhibiting his piece “Spirit of the Sixties”, an homage to past civil rights leaders from different ethnic groups who were active in the 1960s. Mr. Pelayo states, “I’m extremely happy to make this donation of art to Unity Corps. The Unity Art Program is an important part of their mission which is very much needed these days.” Mr. Pelayo’s piece, “Spirit of the Sixties” was created with graphite on paper and features:
- a portrait of European-American humanitarian and civil rights leader Robert F. Kennedy
- a portrait of African-American humanitarian and civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- a portrait of Asian-American humanitarian and civil rights leader Kiyoshi Patrick Okura
- a portrait of Latino-American humanitarian and civil rights leader Ceasar Chavez

Antonio Pelayo is a Mexican-American artist who specializes in portraits using graphite on paper. He is the product of two cultures both influentially and emotionally; Mexico the land of myth and legend where he was raised, and the United States where he was born. At an early age, Mr. Pelayo admired the works of the great Mexican Muralists, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and José Clemente Orozco along with the fantasy art of Frank Frazetta, the technical expertise of Boris Vallejo, and the surreal biomorphic talents of H.R. Giger.

Unity Corps, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public benefit nonprofit arts organization. As stated in the Articles of Incorporation its specific purpose is “to seek out those individuals and groups who support the aims of racial, religious, and sexual non-discrimination, and to provide for the peaceful promotion of human unity via the arts, assemblage, literature, media, and other means of goodwill." Unity Corps’ Executive Director, Mr. Angel Tenes, is a Mexican American civil and humanitarian rights advocate who has been actively working social services in metro Los Angeles since the L.A. riots of 1992.    

Support Unity Corps and the Unity Art Program

Artists, musicians, writers and supporters from all parts of the world are encouraged to contact the organization for further information about the Unity Art Program. Write to: Unity Corps, Inc., P.O. Box 29219, Los Angeles, CA 90029 or call toll free 1-800-927-0270.

Unity Corps: www.unity.info
Unity Art Gallery: www.unityart.com
Antonio Pelayo: www.antoniopelayo.com

Media Contact: Julie Paulin (323)850-8700

###