MONTGOMERY, Ala. – (Oct. 8, 2008) – The National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture at Alabama State University will display the exhibit “Humbly Proud of my Beautiful Rich Melanin Skin,” paintings by Ricky Calloway, from Sunday, Oct. 12, through Friday, Dec. 12.

The opening reception for the exhibit will be held Oct. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Calloway, an Opelika, Ala. native, decided to pursue a career in art at an early age. In 1984, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in art from Alabama State University. While attending ASU, he received numerous art awards, academic awards and graduated with honors. During the summer semester of 1989, Calloway was awarded a Master of Fine Arts from Florida State University with a concentration on drawing and painting.

Calloway has exhibited his artwork in several galleries and museums, including Embrace, The Fine Art Fair of the National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta; APEX Museum, Atlanta; Hayti Heritage Center, Durham, N.C.; Americus Arts Council, Americus, Ga.; Douglass Theatre, Macon, Ga.; National Conference of Artists; Detroit Chapter Gallery, Detroit; and Annette Howell Turner Center for The Arts, Valdosta, Ga.

The National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture at ASU is located at 1345 Carter Hill Road.

For more information, call (334) 229-4876 or (334) 229-4824.