A free art talk by George C. Jennings, Jr. and NaKeesa Frazier-Jennings — a married couple as well as partners in the business of art — will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA).
An exhibition of Jennings’ luminous portraits of Black women, “The Women, The Paper and The Light,” is now on view at VCA, sharing exhibition space with another group exhibit, “years that answer,” to celebrate Black History Month.
At the talk by Jennings and Frazier-Jennings, the couple will offer insights into the artworks shown in his exhibition, revealing Jennings’ inspiration to make the works as well as his creative process. Both he and Frazier-Jennings, who manages his art career, will also detail their tight partnership to expand his art process and establish a wider audience for his work.
The talk will be an intimate conversation detailing the challenges and richness of the couple’s journey, together, in fine arts.
George C. Jennings, Jr.
A fine art painter, Jennings is best known for his portraits of subjects who are not commonly centered in mainstream art, with a focus on the beauty of women. His grandfather, the late visual artist John N. Robinson, was his first art instructor. Jennings later attended, and is now an alumnus, of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
After his cross country move to Washington State in 1997, Jennings has had numerous group and solo exhibitions and been a guest art instructor throughout the greater Seattle area.
Initially, he created his paintings using oil and acrylic, but more recently transitioned to incorporating modern tools. His canvas is now glass, and his brush a digital pencil.
NaKeesa Frazier-Jennings
Frazier-Jennings is an advocate for racial and social justice — often using the written word to shed light on many issues impacting the Black community as well as other marginalized groups. Her company, Nakeesa Marie Enterprises, offers coaching, consulting, proofreading, and support for entrepreneurs and job seekers.
A published author, her work appears in various media and literary projects. In 2024, she released guided workbooks promoting gentle self-accountability, which she sees as a form of self-love.
“Arimis,” by George Jennings, Jr. (Courtesy photo)