by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
The second-floor lobby of AT&T Tower 301 gained a new ambiance Jan. 18 with the installation of two paintings by local artist Steve Williams.
The pair of 4-foot by 10-foot mixed media on canvas panels were commissioned by building owner Elad National Properties through corporate art consultant Heather Anne Sams, owner of HAS Art Solutions.
“We needed something that would set the tone for the commerce center and business hub this phenomenal location will be. It’s exciting to see a corporation investing in not only Downtown, but in our talented artistic community as well,” said Sams.
Williams is a partner in the Williams-Cornelius gallery in the Brooklyn area, a few blocks south of Downtown.
“The paintings, thick with layers, evolve and become, revealing my stance as a process painter,” he said. “The layers of chaos, woven into a matrix of meaning, press the viewer to engage with this work in hopes to create an experience of tranquil contemplation and community inspiration.”
Williams has been designated the property’s “artist-in-residence” and is setting up a working studio and gallery space on the second floor.
In addition to Williams, conversations are under way with local artist Christina Foard to bring her working studio to the building on one of the upper level floors, according to Pam Smith, owner’s representative for Elad.
“By reaching out to the art community and bringing art into the building, we feel we are taking the first steps to awaken the ‘sleeping giant’ in the community,” said Smith.
Smith shared her first impression when she saw Williams’ paintings for the first time when they were delivered to the lobby. “I think they give the warmth of a heart and they soften the granite structure. I just love them.”
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