Ella Staehr | staff writer

Cue Perry stood in Gumberg Library Sept.22 with his canvas easel, sketching and painting in front of a live audience.

He took the audience through his process and answered questions along the way. His painting mostly consisted of shades of blue, as the piece is a part of his Blue Series, a collection of paintings that use a majority of the same color.

When an audience member asked what his favorite piece he had created was, Perry said, “the next one.”

That next painting — a portrait of August Wilson, which he titled “AW” — will be displayed in the Art for August: Celebrating Legacy Through Color and Form exhibit, hosted by the Duquesne Gumberg Library.

The exhibit is meant to honor the life and legacy of Pittsburgh-playwright August Wilson. Wilson was born in 1945 in the Hill District which would inspire various future plays.

He began as a poet, but is best known for his 10-play cycle that covers the African American history and experience of the 20th century. For his play “Fences,” Wilson won the Pulitzer Prize, a Tony Award and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for best play of the year.

“Spanning media including painting, sculpture, mixed media and installation, the pieces delve into themes central to Wilson — identity, heritage and the resilience of the human spirit — while showcasing the distinctive voices and styles of the participating artists,” according to the library’s website.

Theodore Bergfelt, humanities librarian, was a part of bringing the exhibit to the university. Bergfelt thought it was important to bring the exhibit to a college because although a famous playwright, Wilson is a lesser-known figure to young people.

“He rose to a level of prominence that few reach,” Bergfelt said. “He may be well known in the area, but not with young people.”

Destynee Spence, a freshman theater arts major, watched “The Piano Lesson,” a Wilson play, her freshman year of high school. Watching the play encouraged her to look more into his work, such as “Fences” and “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” Although, she had not heard of Perry before attending the event.

“Cue is so down to earth and seeing and hearing his process for how he creates his art is fascinating,” Spence said. “I also just loved the entire atmosphere of the live painting. It was very calm and we were allowed to have fun with it. It wasn’t anything super serious.”

Perry’s paintings have been displayed all over the world. He originally studied graphic design at the University of Pittsburgh and continued his education at Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

He originally was interested in drawing but realized that careers come from painting. He said art is a way to transform any space.

After selling more than 6,000 pieces, his work can be seen all throughout the city. Perry’s paintings are displayed on college campuses, galleries and businesses.

This live painting was not the first time Perry’s art had appeared on Duquesne’s campus. His work was also involved in a prior exhibition honoring other Pittsburgh based artist Maxo Vanka’s murals.

A common theme – throughout – Perry’s paintings and life is joy. His pieces often feature a variety of bright colors, and his excitement for life shines through in the art he creates. He described his art as “visual caffeine.”

Perry spoke about how he can’t create without joy and fun. He even has an alarm on his phone that goes off everyday asking, “Did you laugh today?”

Wilson has been an inspiration to Perry. Growing up as a Black artist from Pittsburgh, the late-playwright was an inspiration to the young creative. During the live painting, he described how Wilson made it feel possible for him to pursue his creativity.

The Gumberg Library will host a reception on Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m. to honor Wilson’s legacy.

“This is something everyone in Pittsburgh can be proud of,” Bergfelt said about the exhibit. “You’re from Pittsburgh, and you can do great things too.”

Ella Staehr can be reached at staehre@duq.edu