A legendary artist who was born in North Buxton will be front and centre this evening at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre.
Artis Lane is is the guest speaker for tonight's Chatham Rotary Banquet.
After growing up in Chatham, Lane moved to Detroit and became the first African-Canadian female artist to go the Cranbook University.
"It really began her artist career substantially there, that's where she met Rosa Parks." says Alysson Storey, president of the Rotary Club of Chatham. "So, her and Rosa Parks became very good friends throughout both of their lives, and that really started an incredible career for Artis."
Storey says Lane's most famous recent work is a bronze statue of abolitionist Sojourner Truth.
"Artis was commissioned as the first black female artist to ever have an artwork at the Capitol in Washington of another black female, and Michelle Obama unveiled that sculpture in 2009," she says.
Artis Lane at B.M.E. Freedom Park in Chatham. (Photo courtesy of Chatham Rotary)
Lane has lived in L.A. for over 30 years, and made some very famous friends.
"She's friends with Sidney Poitier, she gave painting classes to Miles Davis, she used to go to lunch and create art with Cary Grant," says Storey. "She's met Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, and she's created art for all these people as well."
There are a few tickets still available. Call the Chatham Rotary office at 519-354-8300.