[responsive-slider id=944]

Bethune-Cookman University is hosting “Patriot,” an exhibit of paintings by DeLand resident Anthony Armstrong, in the Visual Arts Gallery at the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center.

These works of art are a symbolic testament to the continuous struggle of African-Americans to shape a greater nation.

“As a child, I was encouraged to ‘make pictures’ by my mother. Growing up in the segregated South, in DeLand, the son of a migrant worker and a ‘day’s-work maid,’ the prospect of using my God-given talents in a professional-artistic capacity seemed bleak. It has always been my desire to share those talents with others,” said Armstrong.

Displayed will be 40 works of art, including his “Patriot” series, that has been more than two years in the making.

The reception will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Visual Arts Gallery. The exhibit runs through Sunday, March 31. There is no cost for admission to this venue.

The Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center is at 698 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For more information, call 386-481-2774.