For The Art Lover in You

On a recent visit to Raleigh, NC, I needed to burn some extra time so, my sister and I wandered into a building that was purported to be an art gallery.  We walked out confused and disappointed because we encountered very little that could truly be construed as art.  As we walked away discussing our observations, a young man was sitting outside enjoying the gorgeous weather and a salad.  He asked if he could help us because we looked as if something was amiss. 

I thanked him for his concern and told him that we were fine but did not understand the "art gallery" that we had just exited. He jumped up with excitement, declared that he had a gallery and asked if we'd like to see it. We looked at each other and accepted his invitation.  As soon as we walked in, we were immersed in beautiful artwork that embodied what we had expected to encounter in the previous gallery.

Large paintings, obviously a set, in bright, vibrant hues hung to our left while a smiling blond, Dolly Parton, leaped from the canvas in front of us. The proud and profusely talented artist introduced himself as Keith McLaurin as he escorted us around the quaint home for his highly attractive works of art. I was struck by opulent depictions of Tupac Shakur, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, random abstracts, sports figures and even custom painted T-shirts.

McLaurin fell in love with drawing and painting after being assigned to draw a cardinal in first grade. He was unable to draw the North Carolina state bird so he enlisted the help of his mother. However, he was displeased with her "stick figure bird" and after hours of trying to draw one to his liking, he finally decided to simply trace the picture. The praise he received from his teachers motivated him to learn the craft in earnest. His best friend, Reggie Williams, taught him to draw and Keith has been a professional artist for thirteen years.

Years later, Williams' kindness lives on in Keith's life. The notion of paying it forward has not escaped this painter as he devotes a portion of his time and effort to mentoring children who have an interest in learning the art.  Parents make a small payment for art supplies but the lessons the kids receive each Saturday are priceless. McLaurin also manages a co-op of artists that includes Edwin Worth,  DEEZEEART, Anjuli Johnson, Mike Driven,  Anthony and Andrew Vaughn - a father and son collaboration, Rocky Reese, and Teresa Stephens, who is a photographer. In addition, he has been invited to travel to the Congo to create some of his unique art pieces that will be auctioned in New York in January to raise money for the Congo region.

Through his business, Pitch Media Gallery, Keith McLaurin offers custom painting services, commissioned artwork for Album/CD or book covers, body painting,  custom designed T-shirts and sneakers, and personal gallery viewings by appointment. 

Join Keith and his associates on every first Friday of the month for a showing from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. If you're in the market for a one of a kind Christmas gift, the Pitch Black Friday Sale might be just the event for you. McLaurin is offering 50 tickets at $50.00 each that will guarantee the holders an original painting (select pieces) from his gallery.

Pitch Media Gallery is located at 14B Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, North Carolina. For additional information, email Keith McLaurin at swiftcream919@yahoo.com.