Moremen Gallery is excited to announce “The Jazzy Series” new paintings by North Carolina artist, Pinkie Strother opening Friday June 16 and showing through July 15th, 2023. Opening reception will take place on June 16 from 5:30 – 8 pm with artist remarks at 7pm.

Pinkie Strother, a renowned North Carolina artist, creates both paintings and dioramas that illustrate the life of African Americans in the 1950s and 60s, when societal exclusion and isolation for the black community was still rampant. Strother’s imagery recounts the past in both a moving and engaging manner—everyday activities that speak to much broader topics of family, faith and segregation.

Pinkie's latest work: "Jazzy Series", pays homage to the music and dance that has been and remains at the heart of black culture. Jazz originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its roots in blues and ragtime. The popularity and energy of jazz has never wained, and has in fact influenced many other music genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop and rap. In this series Pinkie has used both paintings and sculpture to remind us that this music remains as popular as ever, and the jazz clubs and community gatherings where music is played is still vital to building community, bringing joy and building memories.

Pinkie Strother was born and grew up in Calvert County, Maryland, USA. She received her B.S. from Bowie State University and a M.F.A. from Maryland Institute College of Art. She taught Art for Howard County Public System in Maryland for thirty-three years and Bowie State University for two years. She participated in a residency program at The Montpelier Arts Center in Maryland. After retirement she moved to North Carolina with her husband Robert. Pinkie and Robert have two children and two grandchildren.

In North Carolina, Pinkie has exhibited for several venues including the Cameron Art Museum and the North Carolina Museum of History where she often gives lectures, as well as, workshops. She was a board member and president of the Fuquay-Varina Arts Council. She is currently a member of the National Association of Black Storytellers, International Omi Association, and the Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay-Varina. Her exhibition of the historical Saint Agnes hospital led to the Saint Augustine University’s permanent installation of her work in Raleigh, NC. Pinkie was awarded the 2016 International Omi Art Residency for her creation of Childhood Memories. She has been published by The Columbia Flyer, The Heritage Magazine, The Calvert Independence, The News and Observer and a host of other flyers and pamphlets. Her work is a part of an international collection. She is a part of the Jeff Bayas Art group and was VIP at the 2017 Honolulu Biennial. She was presented The Bowie State University award of Excellence in visual arts. In 2018 Pinkie, published her first coffee table book called “Childhood Memories”.