in mental illness. In 2017, Brown’s work was displayed at Tower Square in Springfield, MA in an exhibition entitled Stronger than Pride as a part of the city’s Black History Month recognition. He has been critical in the past of the trend of only showing the work of African American artists during the month of February. Style According to the Philadelphia Tribune, Brown "primarily works in acrylic, although [he] uses a variety of mediums and styles to express his interests in Afrocentric themes, Ancient Egyptology and dance — it’s a style that combines past and present art to create a sense of realism, mysticism, and beauty." In addition to his paintings and illustrations, Brown has also worked in the field of sculpture. Brown has stated that he endeavors to depict African American people in a positive manner. Recognition Brown was the recipient of the Artist of the Year award from the African-American Visual Art Association in 2000. In 2008 he received a Black Music & Art Award. He is also the youngest inductee into the Carver Vocational-Technical High School Hall of Fame. His work has been listed in the collection of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History as a part of its Visions of Our 44th President commissioned exhibition. Personal life His parents were Diretha V. Hall Brown, a dietary aide, and Larry O'Neill Brown, Sr, a school teacher and coach. He was middle child of three. Brown is the founder of the non-profit Raising the Arts, which supports nonprofit and African-American organizations. He has also served on the Steering Committee of the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. On November 10, 1995 the artist’s studio was engulfed in an 11 alarm fire that destroyed the Hollins Street Exchange in southwest Baltimore. Brown was reported to have lost $1.5 million in original works, reproductions, and all personal art predating the tragedy. References 1962 births Living people Maryland Institute College of Art alumni 20th-century American artists 21st-century American artists