My Music is Major Art: Jelise Roberts show opens May 21
Written by Martini Rox | | starmusic@toledofreepress.comMy Music is Major Art show is the brainchild of artist and Toledo native Jelise Roberts. The Columbus resident is returning home to give back a little of what the Glass City has given to her.
Combining music and fine art makes sense to someone who is the product of a city rich in artistic resources. A Bowsher graduate, with a musical history based on the education provided by the Toledo Public Schools, Roberts started as a participant in the fifth grade band program at Mount Vernon Elementary. Playing the saxophone led to the formation of her first band in middle school, “Jelise and Company.”
Throughout her childhood, she excelled in music while preparing for a degree in graphic design and advertisement at the Columbus College of Art and Design. Education in the arts has played a major role in Roberts’ life and from 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 21, at 1 S. St. Clair St., she will use her background in the arts to help another young Toledo musician further their education.
Jelise Roberts
Instant support for the My Music is Major Art Show (M3) came from family and friends in the community. They eagerly helped make her vision a reality by forming a committee for planning and spreading the word. According to Roberts, the show’s name is a play on three meanings of the word major.
“Major has a huge meaning in music. The first major meaning important, the second is the major chord and understanding the importance of knowing how to read music and music education. The third is, major as in what’s going to be your major in school.” Roberts said. When asked about the impact of TPS budget cuts she answered, “It really struck me hard because I could not imagine not having art or music in my life. Even at an early age, that’s when I first started! I would not be the person I am today without it.”
Roberts is a working professional graphic artist and will be displaying her illustrations of legendary musicians rendered in graphite pencils and ink. Along with purchasable originals and prints, the free event will also consist of light hors d’ oeuvres and feature live music.
Proceeds from the My Music is Major Art show will go to the Charles W. McDaniel Scholarship, a faction of the Jeremy Lincoln Foundation.
Charles W. McDaniel was a well-known Toledo musician who worked closely with youth. McDaniel was a member of the American Federation of Musicians from 1958 until his death in 2010. He was also the first African-American Secretary Treasurer at the Local 15286 for the Musicians Union. Most importantly, he was Roberts’ grandfather and inspiration for this show designed to raise awareness of the growing threat of a public school system devoid of music and art programs.
The scholarship is open to students who plan to pursue a college education in music.
Tax deductible donations toward the scholarship can be made to “Jeremy Lincoln Foundation”; on the memo line, write, “My Music is Major Art Show.” Send donations to 3411 W. Lincolnshire Blvd. Toledo, OH 43606.
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Tags: Jelise Roberts, Martini Rox, My Music is Major Art, On the Rox
