Shining Light: Duane Ivan Todman
Tags: Gallery News
Join family and friends as we showcase and celebrate the life and work of Duane Ivan Todman’s Shining Light exhibition. The show will be open from Tuesday, June 23, through Saturday, July 18, 2020 from noon – 5 p.m. each day by appointment. Todman died after being shot in Schenectady on May 23 when he intervened in a dispute between a man and a woman. A suspect has been charged with his murder. On July 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., community members will gather to celebrate Todman’s life and artistic talent. Masks and social distancing will be required, and attendees must purchase a ticket in order to attend, with funds raised going to the Duane X Foundation. Tickets to the event can be purchased at the link above.
The celebration of life will take place in front of the gallery at 488 Broadway, Suite 107, Albany, where organizers will announce the establishment of the Duane X Foundation, as well as two scholarships in Todman’s name. Members of The Academy of Realist Art Boston will also be in attendance to offer a presentation in honor of Todman, who had been recently accepted to attend the academy, but regretfully died before being notified.
Todman touched the lives of many local artists and community members, and this celebration will remember him and honor his work. During the event guests will be able to view Todamn’s art work in the gallery (limited 10 people at a time). There will be a DJ, food, a silent auction, and other activities during the day.
Shining Light features work by Todman who for many years created images that explore themes of life, religion, philosophy, love and coming of age. Drawing inspiration from contemporary masters and the old masters he hoped to succeed in areas where others may fall short. The religious themes of the Baroque period, the romanticism of Bouguereau, and the dBeaux-Arts school of Academicism were constant influences on the direction Todman sought to take in his work.
Todman stated that every painting has the potential to tell many stories with only one frame. Drawing from his own experiences, innermost desires, his memories of youth, hopes that spring forth from his imagination as well as emotions such as angst, friendship, aspiration, hope, despair, vision, belief, desire, and struggles of contemporary society,he hoped that in addition to his voice he can speak to the world in such a way that shows that he cares. That he cared enough to toil with pencil, brush, paint, and pen on uniquely individual pieces of artwork that he will eventually part with. Todman often said, “where the musician or the orator fails to convey or deeply and accurately express a feeling with only his voice and or music, an artist can score the game winning touchdown or make the game ending tackle.”
Shining Light will be on view from Tuesday, June 23, through Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Albany Center Gallery, 488 Broadway, Albany, N.Y., 12207, Gallery hours are noon – 5 p.m.. On July 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. community members will gather to celebrate the life and artistic talent of Duane Todman. This event is - organized by William Rivas; Duane’s mother, Michelle Hightower, and sister, Essence Todman; Jeannine M. Trimboli; Albany Center Gallery and Albany Barn with support from friends and community members.
Tickets to the celebration will be required and may be purchased in advance for $10 through Eventbrite here.
The event will be catered by Umana Restaurant and Wine Bar.
Donations can be made to the Duane X Foundation at: $DuaneXArt on Cashapp