Contemporary Artist Ted Ellis to bring his passion and art to benefit Operation Refuge in Inkster

Inkster, MI., July 22, 2024 – How often have you viewed a painting or portrait that speaks to your soul? That is what happened to Velma Jean Overman, a community activist and executive director of Operation Refuge, a 501©3 nonprofit that serves Inkster and surrounding communities with emergency food, youth development and educational enrichment opportunities.

"I recently attended an art exhibit of the works of Ted Ellis, who is nationally known for his visual representation of American life, especially African American culture and history," said Overman. "His portrait of 'My Old Quilt' moved me to tears."

One of Ellis' more famous works is an abstract depiction of Barack Obama's signature "hope" pose. The piece was presented at the January 2009 Inauguration Gala held by the National Black Chamber of Commerce and the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C.

At the exhibit and to Overman's amazement, she had the opportunity to meet and talk with Ellis about his work. She learned that they share similar passions -- educating youth through art and history and helping disadvantaged communities.

Their conversation quickly led to Overman's invitation to Ellis to come to Inkster with his art -- letting others experience what she felt and to help Operation Refuge expand its outreach in the community.

"It is clear that 'Pastor Jean' has the passion and vision to inspire others," said Ellis. "If my art can help benefit Operation Refuge and its goals for Inkster and the broader community, I'm all in."

Sponsorships and tickets to "Experience Your History through the Art of Ted Ellis" are now available at http://bit.ly/4dl7fvJ for the event to be held at 27807 Carlysle, Inkster, MI. 48141:

VIP Premiere with presentation and gallery tour by Ted Ellis from 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.

Children's art workshops with Ted Ellis and gallery tour from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024.

According to Overman, funds raised through sponsorships and ticket sales will be used to expand the outreach of two major programs for Operation Refuge – Mother's Pantry and Camp Inspire. Ellis will also donate a portion of his art sales from the two-day exhibit.

Established in 2008, Mother's Pantry serves 500 families each year, providing them with essential groceries and household items to ensure they can meet their basic needs. To help improve the program's efficiency, there is a tremendous need to secure a truck or van to help transport large donations from local businesses and farms to the pantry and to facilitate delivery of groceries to families who cannot visit the pantry due to mobility or transportation issues.

In addition, a 15-passenger van is needed for Camp Inspire to safely transport participants to and from camp and to various educational and recreational activities throughout the year. Since Camp Inspire was founded in 2008, more than 200 girls have benefitted from the program with 90 percent of alums attending college and completing degrees.

To donate to Operation Refuge and for more information about its programs, visit http://www.OperationRefuge.org.

About Ted Ellis

Born and raised in New Orleans, Ellis' artistic talents were recognized and fostered at an early age. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Dillard University in New Orleans while on a U.S. Army ROTC scholarship and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Field Artillery Branch. For 10 years he worked as an environmental chemist before pursuing art full time. In addition to Ellis' portrait of Obama, he is known for blending elements of folk art, naturalism and impressionism in an African American themed art and style. Working primarily in oil and acrylics, Ellis has received numerous awards and art commissions, collaborated with major corporations and non-profits, and has been featured in art galleries and exhibits throughout North America. Currently living in Texas, Ellis is also involved with several educational initiatives and has run a number of workshops with children. For more information about Ted Ellis, visit https://tedellisart.com.