BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — When Izell Glover was a teen he frequented Fulton Park during summer weekends to admire the paintings hanging along the park’s perimeter.
“I was around 14 or 15 and there were some fantastic artists around that time,” Glover, 72, said. “I was amazed at some of the artwork that came right from my community.”
Decades later, the Brooklyn artist now oversees the event that helped inspire him, serving as vice president on the board of directors for the Fulton Art Fair.
The cultural gathering returns this month for its 58th year in Bedford-Stuyvesant’s Fulton Park.
The art fair promotes and advocates for artists in Bed-Stuy and beyond, as well as those in the African Diaspora, according to organizers.
“It’s a wonderful experience,” Glover said. “I’ve ventured with quite a few African-Americaan art exhibits and cultural exhibitions around the country, and you can’t compare any with the Fulton Art Fair.”
This year, up to 40 artists will hang their pieces along the fences of the park, offering insight on their work to passersby.
Participants range from students in junior high school to life-long supporters in their 90s, Glover added.
Members will host a “jury process” during the last two weekends of the exhibition, in which judges will view the artwork and dole out awards with prizes up to $500.
“The mission is to present artists and continue to uplift that cultural image,” Glover said.
“When times become very crucial and hard, we try to show you some light and shed light on wonderful experiences, especially with our youth, to keep the legacy of African Americans in our country and community.”
The Fulton Art Fair takes place at Fulton Park on Fulton Street near Stuyvesant Avenue, from noon through 6 p.m. on June 18-19 and June 25-26.
