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Windows to the Soul; More Than Portraits
October 16, 2023 – December 1, 2023
| Metro Gallery hosts watercolor portrait artist James Gayles. Windows to the Soul; More than Portraits is a love letter to the City of Reno, dedicated to the Memory of Oliver X. The body of work shows a command of watercolor that clearly comes from a real relationship and comfort with the materials. Each piece draws you in deeper, particularly through the eyes which James notes “are indeed the windows to the soul.” A central theme of James’ work is the search for cultural identity. This is evidenced in his portraits of African cultures and people of the African Diaspora.
“I am committed to cultivating artists, liberating experiences of the African and Black Diaspora through art and sharing my work with the world. My vision is to put beautiful, uplifting, and enlightening work out in the world and to inspire young and upcoming artists. I see art as a vehicle to educate, by portraying ancestral icons who youth and all people can be proud of and admire.” -James Gayles James Gayles is an Emmy Award-winning graphic designer and artist who specializes in watercolor portraits. James attended Pratt Institute in New York. James has won public art commissions from cities across the US and Asia. He is committed to cultivating artists and sharing his work. The artist currently lives and works in Reno, Nevada. The Metro Gallery at Reno City Hall is one of three galleries operated by the City of Reno. Metro Gallery is open to the public and free of charge. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The gallery is accessible through City Hall’s ground floor entrance on Virginia Street. Parking is available in the City Hall parking garage (NW corner of First St. & Center St.). Parking Validation can be found inside City Hall. To learn more please visit: https://www.reno.gov/community/arts-culture/city-art-galleries or contact City of Reno Arts & Culture at 775.334.6264 |