Posted 1:14 am Friday, July 17, 2009
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Renowned Artist To Display Works In Palestine
Nationally renowned artist Rolando Diaz is coming to the Texas Theatre, both in person, and in art form.
With personal connections to the musical, "Beauty and the Beast," presented by Palestine Community Theater, opening tonight, Diaz has offered one of his paintings in order to raise funds and awareness for the theater company. Diaz will also be in attendance for the Sunday performance.
"Art is the expression of life. Everything we see, feel, touch, smell and hear, in one way or another, becomes part of the images expressed on the canvas", said Diaz, a native Cuban-American artist.
It is this thought that became the basis for his work.
Born in Havana, Cuba to a Cuban immigrant businessman who fled an oppressive Communist regime, Diaz said he learned early that there are those who will go through life with little or nothing they can call their own.
His travels through Switzerland, France, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Honduras, England, Canada, Guatemala, Africa, Brazil and many other places, have brought him back to his original European influences in Havana, a city full of European detail on an island once conquered by the Spaniards and the French.
Diaz, who resides in Dallas, has been able to exhibit his work nationally and internationally. His work can be found in the hands of private collectors and clients including Liza Minnelli, Rob Thomas (lead singer for Matchbox 20), BJ Thomas, Reggie Williams (Vice President of Disney World Attractions), and many others. With a PBS special that aired last year, Diaz has received additional national attention.
He believes his gift is from God, and said he continues to use it to bring excitement to the eyes of the viewer and relate messages, sometimes hidden, about life. Samples of the artist's work can be viewed at www.rodiaz.com.
Diaz is a graduate of Abilene Christian University and it is this connection that brings him to Palestine. One of the principal characters of the musical, Cogsworth, is played by Scott Bossier of Fairfield. Bossier and Diaz were classmates at ACU and have maintained a close friendship over the years.
"Ro is one of the most compassionate and giving people I know," Bossier said. "There is nothing that he wouldn't do for someone in need. His work is truly special and I am so glad he has offered his time and resources to raise funds for PCT."
Members of Xi Alpha Gamma Lambda sorority will be selling raffle tickets each night of the show. Diaz's painting will be based on the Rose and transformation of the beautiful timeless story of Beauty and the Beast.
All proceeds will go toward the renovations for the front of the Texas Theater. "It is now time to make the outside look as great as the inside", commented Amelia Cook, PCT Board Member. Tickets are still available for the show at the Palestine Chamber of Commerce or at Education Unlimited, (903) 723-8383.
