Showcases the struggles, triumphs and beauty of the time artist Bill Brown spent as a boy in Newellton. It is a celebration of his success and an acknowledgment of those who came before him. These works come from his heart and it is his hope that they will reach yours.
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My grandfather liked to talk about freedom. He used to tell me that freedom meant being able to love and enjoy your family. He thought that freedom meant being able to grow up to be a man and a productive member of society. He used to say that he was walking to freedom so all of his grandkids could do the same. Welcome to my journey and my art. This collection is called – Journey to Freedom. Thank you, Grandpa.
Willie James Brown, “Bill”, was born in Newellton, LA. He was raised by his mother, Cora Mae, and his grandfather, John. Both worked as sharecroppers and taught Bill early on the meaning of hard work and sacrifice. Bill was raised alongside 5 siblings - James, Barbara, Monica, Clara and Rudy Mae. He maintains a very close relationship with his siblings to this day.
Bill spent all of his formative years in Newellton. Shortly after high school he was drafted by the United States Army. He was eager to leave the small town of Newellton and the challenges of southern life and the army served as a gateway to new opportunities abroad and at home. He would spend 2 years fighting in Vietnam before being honorably discharged as a Purple Heart veteran due to injury.
Since its opening in 2008, KesiArt has been committed to Modernism, and the segregation movement.
Name Bill Brown
Address BY APOINTMENT ONLY
Phone 704.281.0635
Email kesiartgallery@aol.com
Website www.kesiartgallery.com
Kesi Art Gallery features work by Louisiana native Bill Brown. His collection features over 70 paintings, in a wide array of disciplines: acrylic, watercolor, and oil paintings. Prints and lithographs accommodates every painting, and some paintings are limited editions.
Willie James Brown, “Bill”, was born in Newellton, LA. He was raised by his mother, Cora Mae, and his grandfather, John. Both worked as sharecroppers and taught Bill early on the meaning of hard work and sacrifice. Bill was raised alongside 5 siblings - James, Barbara, Monica, Clara and Rudy Mae. He maintains a very close relationship with his siblings to this day.
Bill spent his formative years in Newellton. Shortly after high school he was drafted into the United States Army. He was eager to leave the small town of Newellton and the challenges of southern life and the army served as a gateway to new opportunities abroad and at home. He would spend 2 years fighting in Vietnam before being honorably discharged as a Purple Heart veteran due to injury.
In 1967 Bill moved to California where he would spend the next 25 years. During this time Bill became the proud father to 2 daughters and a son – Lanika, Kamaria and Armand.
Bill and his family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1996. It was here that he discovered his talent and love for painting. He credits his introduction to Lee Bumgarner as the catalyst for the development of his talent. Bill started painting 10 years ago and hasn’t stopped since.
His collection showcases the struggles, triumphs and beauty of the time he spent as a boy in Newellton. It is a celebration of his success and an acknowledgment of those who came before him. These works come from his heart and it is his hope that they will reach yours.
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