An exhibit of the work of a Tallahassee artist who has been featured at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., will be featured March 27-April 9 at the Tifton Museum of Arts and Heritage. Eluster Richardson will display his art as one of several events of the annual Arts in Black Festival, which continues through this weekend.

A reception honoring the artist and opening the exhibit will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, and the public is invited to attend the free event and meet the artist and view his work.

Richardson works in several artistic media, but excels in watercolor, pencil and oil. His art reflects his interest in people and many of his works feature historical figures. A series of paintings honoring the important role of midwives was featured at the Smithsonian’s Institute’s “Anascostia Museum of African American Art and Culture” in Washington, D.C. A permanent collection focusing on individuals who have played an important role in history is on display at the Riley House Museum and Resource Center in Tallahassee, where Richardson serves as artist-in-residence.

The artist is particularly skilled at portraying children playing at the beach, fishing, shooting hoops at basketball, reading and more. Other works reflect the North Florida landscape and familiar scenes of the region.

Richardson is well-known throughout North Florida and the Southeast. He has been the subject of one-person shows and has exhibited at numerous festivals and galleries. He has won many awards for his talent and was included in the juried Arts Market at the 2007 Love Affair Fine Arts Festival.

The opening reception for Richardson’s exhibit will be followed immediately by the annual Arts in Black Talent Search at the Tift Theatre. On Friday evening in Fulwood Park, there will be a picnic concert featuring music of THE MAXX.

Activities on Saturday include the Kasan African Dancers, Energia Latina Dancers, a steel drum band, the TCHS Jazz Band, Talent Search winners and more. Arts, crafts and food round out the festival, which concludes on Sunday with the annual poetry competition.

Eluster Richardson’s exhibit will continue through April 9. The museum will be open and the artist’s work can be viewed from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; from 5 until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from 1 until 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, including during the Arts in Black Festival weekend.

For more information, contact Caroline Day at 229-402-2532 or Veronica Graydon at 229-386-2472.