Baltimore natives Gloria Garrett and Tyrone Weedon celebrate life through art. They treat their subjects – as well as all of us who view their art – with tenderness. Particularly in this time of separation during the COVID-19 quarantine, Gloria offers her paintings as a support and a comfort: “Art is something beautiful to share. It helps other people and it helps me.”
In this show, Tyrone – who made Gloria’s acquaintance and became a fan or her work a few years ago – created titles and captions for a selection of Gloria’s paintings, highlighting their shared passions of Baltimore history, African American history, and personal and family histories. Tyrone’s writings read like poems and essays, granting further richness to Gloria’s jubilant images in a joyful feedback loop. Some of Tyrone’s artworks on similar themes also follow Gloria’s pieces in sequence here.
Gloria, the “Mother of Makeup Art”, works with lipstick, foundation, nail polish, eye shadow, and other household items to make her paintings.
Gloria’s originals, prints, and handmade books are on sale through her website.
Tyrone has been an artist at Make Studio since 2012 and often creates work in tribute to people he admires. You can find out more about him and his art via his Make Studio artist page.
Two Swans in the Lake
2016
"This is the picture to celebrate Earth Day. We cannot celebrate at parks. I hope you celebrate with me with this picture painted with donated makeup."
"In the early spring, Mother Nature is beautiful everyday. The sun is shiny, the water is clearer, the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming and trees are growing and strong as ever. And then there's two lovely Swans felt very relaxing with Mother Nature. Those wonderful lovebirds kiss each other and their long necks together will shape into a symbol of love."
2016
"This is the picture to celebrate Earth Day. We cannot celebrate at parks. I hope you celebrate with me with this picture painted with donated makeup."
"In the early spring, Mother Nature is beautiful everyday. The sun is shiny, the water is clearer, the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming and trees are growing and strong as ever. And then there's two lovely Swans felt very relaxing with Mother Nature. Those wonderful lovebirds kiss each other and their long necks together will shape into a symbol of love."
Congratulations, Student
2013
"I am always proud to see people graduate, but graduations were cancelled this year. I just want to congratulate all those who worked hard all year. This is my granddaughter."
"These are those special moments when you graduate all schools during these past years. Elementary school teaches you how to read, spell, write, counting, adding & subtract numbers. Learning is very important when it comes to education with reading, spelling, writing, math, addition & subtraction and being be a good student and also a good kid. Middle school can be challenging but never follow those troublemakers' footsteps. Always remember that your family & friends that will love & support you when middle school keeps you down. You will get through this until you reach high school.
High school is going to be a tough one. As long as you keep being yourself, you'll make itthrough the day. High school is also helping you about your future and where to go from here. There will be trials and errors through your studies, friendship, relationships, physically&mentally, and a lot of mistakes along the way because it's all part of growing up and learning. Remember, always find your true calling when it comes to who you are after graduation and finding a job. If you want to follow your parents' footsteps good or bad... Or you want to make a name for yourself and follow your own path & dreams.
Finally, graduation day, you been through the ups & downs these past years. The struggle is over, it's time to move forward. Put on your cap and gown get your diploma and certificate. Your family is watching you as you go on stage and they are proud of you, your mother can't wipe her tears away because she's happy that you graduate, your father is beaming with pride of your accomplishments, and your sister is video tape you and making funny faces knowing that she's happy. Congratulations, student! I hope your future is bright along the way. Good luck on your way to college and remember, always reach your goals and follow your dreams!"
2013
"I am always proud to see people graduate, but graduations were cancelled this year. I just want to congratulate all those who worked hard all year. This is my granddaughter."
"These are those special moments when you graduate all schools during these past years. Elementary school teaches you how to read, spell, write, counting, adding & subtract numbers. Learning is very important when it comes to education with reading, spelling, writing, math, addition & subtraction and being be a good student and also a good kid. Middle school can be challenging but never follow those troublemakers' footsteps. Always remember that your family & friends that will love & support you when middle school keeps you down. You will get through this until you reach high school.
High school is going to be a tough one. As long as you keep being yourself, you'll make itthrough the day. High school is also helping you about your future and where to go from here. There will be trials and errors through your studies, friendship, relationships, physically&mentally, and a lot of mistakes along the way because it's all part of growing up and learning. Remember, always find your true calling when it comes to who you are after graduation and finding a job. If you want to follow your parents' footsteps good or bad... Or you want to make a name for yourself and follow your own path & dreams.
Finally, graduation day, you been through the ups & downs these past years. The struggle is over, it's time to move forward. Put on your cap and gown get your diploma and certificate. Your family is watching you as you go on stage and they are proud of you, your mother can't wipe her tears away because she's happy that you graduate, your father is beaming with pride of your accomplishments, and your sister is video tape you and making funny faces knowing that she's happy. Congratulations, student! I hope your future is bright along the way. Good luck on your way to college and remember, always reach your goals and follow your dreams!"
Hoop Life
2015
"This piece was sold, so this is a photo of a reproduction."
"Basketball is very popular in the African-American community. It was popular in the 70s, 80s, 90s and now. Basketball in every sports brand including Nike, Reebok, Converse and every shoe products in shoe stores. Also Food and Drink products including Gatorade, McDonald’s, Burger King, Powerade & more."
2015
"This piece was sold, so this is a photo of a reproduction."
"Basketball is very popular in the African-American community. It was popular in the 70s, 80s, 90s and now. Basketball in every sports brand including Nike, Reebok, Converse and every shoe products in shoe stores. Also Food and Drink products including Gatorade, McDonald’s, Burger King, Powerade & more."
Fly Like an Eagle
2014 • Mixed media
2014 • Mixed media
An Angel Watching Over You
2006
"I believe in them. They help me deal with these difficult times and give me hope that things will get better."
"Gloria believes in God and also his angels to watching over her and her family & friends."
2006
"I believe in them. They help me deal with these difficult times and give me hope that things will get better."
"Gloria believes in God and also his angels to watching over her and her family & friends."
Bmore Safe
2015 • Mixed media
2015 • Mixed media
A Live Jazz Performance
2011
"We miss going to see live Jazz, but I have faith we will see it again."
"Watching a Jazz performance at night is relaxing and it’s all about rhythm. It's not about singing...well sometimes it’s singing, it’s about the music they are playing. I been listening to Jazz before and after going to bed. Oh... Have you seen the Spike Lee’s movie 'Mo’ Better Blues'?"
2011
"We miss going to see live Jazz, but I have faith we will see it again."
"Watching a Jazz performance at night is relaxing and it’s all about rhythm. It's not about singing...well sometimes it’s singing, it’s about the music they are playing. I been listening to Jazz before and after going to bed. Oh... Have you seen the Spike Lee’s movie 'Mo’ Better Blues'?"
A Reflection in Seine River
2015
"I painted this picture of the Seine River in Paris in 2015. I wish I could enjoy looking at the water waving with my children and grandchildren."
"Gloria’s extraordinary trip to Paris is amazing! She watches the waves runs smoothly and looking at her own reflection of herself feeling relaxing, the wind is wonderful and the whole scenery is romantic and breathtaking."
2015
"I painted this picture of the Seine River in Paris in 2015. I wish I could enjoy looking at the water waving with my children and grandchildren."
"Gloria’s extraordinary trip to Paris is amazing! She watches the waves runs smoothly and looking at her own reflection of herself feeling relaxing, the wind is wonderful and the whole scenery is romantic and breathtaking."
A Heavenly Harp
2013
"In 2020 this angel gives me hope that your and my city, state, country and world will be a more healthy and happier place."
"Gloria mentions angels that give her hope. And some days, it’ll bring hope for the city and state of Maryland. One day the world will be a healthy & happy place, if we allow it, we must learn to change ourselves. We must do our best to help one another. Help humanity. A beautiful angel plays her lovely harp because she loves music. Her music may be echoing in skies whenever you realize it or not."
2013
"In 2020 this angel gives me hope that your and my city, state, country and world will be a more healthy and happier place."
"Gloria mentions angels that give her hope. And some days, it’ll bring hope for the city and state of Maryland. One day the world will be a healthy & happy place, if we allow it, we must learn to change ourselves. We must do our best to help one another. Help humanity. A beautiful angel plays her lovely harp because she loves music. Her music may be echoing in skies whenever you realize it or not."
Toni Morrison
2020 • Mixed media
2020 • Mixed media
Gardening
2015
"I hope flowers add beauty in your life in this challenging time."
"A lovely lady is gardening her plants. She is taking care of her garden and treats it good. Little bit of cutting here, little bit of watering there, and a little bit of grooming. A gardener is treating her garden beautiful like she’s taking care of her children. Adding the seed of life in the dirt. Whether it’s plant water or the rain. Until the sun rises, the seed grows into a beautiful flower and the rest of the flowers will grow along with it. Let nature run its course."
2015
"I hope flowers add beauty in your life in this challenging time."
"A lovely lady is gardening her plants. She is taking care of her garden and treats it good. Little bit of cutting here, little bit of watering there, and a little bit of grooming. A gardener is treating her garden beautiful like she’s taking care of her children. Adding the seed of life in the dirt. Whether it’s plant water or the rain. Until the sun rises, the seed grows into a beautiful flower and the rest of the flowers will grow along with it. Let nature run its course."
The Quilt
2014
"Three sisters sleeping with their favorite quilt. This original artwork was created using bright lipstick, foundation, eye shadow, crayons, blush, and eyeliner which I blend with my fingers."
"Hers is a house of African American and Baltimore history – like the Apollo. Her house is like a museum. She connects people to the history of where they are through her art. Gloria’s house is art. Her quilt is a work of art."
2014
"Three sisters sleeping with their favorite quilt. This original artwork was created using bright lipstick, foundation, eye shadow, crayons, blush, and eyeliner which I blend with my fingers."
"Hers is a house of African American and Baltimore history – like the Apollo. Her house is like a museum. She connects people to the history of where they are through her art. Gloria’s house is art. Her quilt is a work of art."
Gloria's Quilt
Handmade quilt in the artist’s home
Handmade quilt in the artist’s home
African Market
2013
"This painting took 7 years to complete. Each year I would try to get it right. Finally in 2013 I got it right. It’s now the African Market Place I envisioned. They have fun bartering."
2013
"This painting took 7 years to complete. Each year I would try to get it right. Finally in 2013 I got it right. It’s now the African Market Place I envisioned. They have fun bartering."
Mommy and Me
2014
"Young girl sitting on her mother’s lap, as a little girl. This original artwork was created using foundation, concealer, eye shadow, crayons, blush, and eyeliner which I blend with my fingers."
2014
"Young girl sitting on her mother’s lap, as a little girl. This original artwork was created using foundation, concealer, eye shadow, crayons, blush, and eyeliner which I blend with my fingers."
Going to the Ball Game
2014
"Young man going to baseball game all geared up! I am a big Orioles fan."
2014
"Young man going to baseball game all geared up! I am a big Orioles fan."
Happy Easter from Lego Batman
2019 • Mixed media
2019 • Mixed media
Grandma's Fun House
2005
"Now is the time to stay in and play. My grandchildren called my house, the 'Fun House'."
"Gloria talks about her room with her granddaughters and her dog. While grandmother is relaxing in bed reading her book with her dog and the little girls playing patty cake together. Everything is fun and games at home but soon they will go outside when it's all over."
2005
"Now is the time to stay in and play. My grandchildren called my house, the 'Fun House'."
"Gloria talks about her room with her granddaughters and her dog. While grandmother is relaxing in bed reading her book with her dog and the little girls playing patty cake together. Everything is fun and games at home but soon they will go outside when it's all over."
A Birthday Celebrating Cheers to Ben
2011
"My husband Ben's birthday is at the end of this month. We have to celebrate with sparkling apple cider and his cake inside and not at the park this year."
"Gloria is with her husband Ben to celebrate his birthday party at the park. The whole family is there to celebrate, there's refreshments, cake, and fun & games. And finally dancing, young people are dancing to hip-hop music and then older are dancing to some good ol' R&B music. Slow dance came last, Gloria and Ben holding hands to slowly dance together while the music is playing. The family members brought in Ben's birthday cake and singing "Happy Birthday" to Ben and he blow out his candles. For Gloria, I wished your husband Ben a happy birthday!"
2011
"My husband Ben's birthday is at the end of this month. We have to celebrate with sparkling apple cider and his cake inside and not at the park this year."
"Gloria is with her husband Ben to celebrate his birthday party at the park. The whole family is there to celebrate, there's refreshments, cake, and fun & games. And finally dancing, young people are dancing to hip-hop music and then older are dancing to some good ol' R&B music. Slow dance came last, Gloria and Ben holding hands to slowly dance together while the music is playing. The family members brought in Ben's birthday cake and singing "Happy Birthday" to Ben and he blow out his candles. For Gloria, I wished your husband Ben a happy birthday!"
Someday
2013
"I miss hugging my loved ones. I cannot hug them on What's App or Zoom, but at least I can see their beautiful faces and that puts a smile on my face and hope in my heart."
"Someday"
By Katy Farber • Selected by Tyrone Weedon
someday.
we will hug each other
we will dance together to live music
we will toast to good health + the future
we will discuss books
we will go to the movies
we will gather together
feel the sun on our faces
celebrate humanity
and the brave people
who helped us.
someday.
Katy Farber is an educator, storyteller, researcher and mother in Vermont. She is the author of Salamander Sky and coauthor of Personalized Learning in the Middle Grades. Visit katyfarber.com to learn more about her writing and books. *
2013
"I miss hugging my loved ones. I cannot hug them on What's App or Zoom, but at least I can see their beautiful faces and that puts a smile on my face and hope in my heart."
"Someday"
By Katy Farber • Selected by Tyrone Weedon
someday.
we will hug each other
we will dance together to live music
we will toast to good health + the future
we will discuss books
we will go to the movies
we will gather together
feel the sun on our faces
celebrate humanity
and the brave people
who helped us.
someday.
Katy Farber is an educator, storyteller, researcher and mother in Vermont. She is the author of Salamander Sky and coauthor of Personalized Learning in the Middle Grades. Visit katyfarber.com to learn more about her writing and books. *