Live Theater, Politics and Trendy Fashions Showcased at 8th Annual Portraits of Black Women: Love & War, March 20th at Spirit Square

This news release describes an event being held in Charlotte, NC (March 20th). It will feature an original play, written by local playwright, Nettie Reeves. The play is a fund-raiser for the African-American Art Collection at The Mint Museums. POBW 2004 will also feature a voters registration drive and fashions by FUBU The Collection and several other New York designers.

CHARLOTTE, NC (PRWEB) March 3, 2004 -- The Mint Museums and Nettie Reeves announced today that Portraits of Black Women (POBW), the annual night of original theater and hip fashions to benefit The Mint Museums African-American art collection, is moving to the larger McGlohan Theater at Spirit Square on March 20th at 7 p.m. The popular Fashion Show preceding this years theatrical production, Love & War, will feature the latest creations by the nationally renowned designs of FUBU (For Us By Us) and New York and New Jersey designers, Douglas Says and Nigerian Fashion and Fabrics.

Love & War is an original screenplay written, directed and produced by local playwright, Nettie Reeves. Based on a true story, Reeves says she was inspired to do a play that could offer a unique perspective on how the current Iraq war has affected one African-American family. The impact of war cant be minimized; the play juxtaposes the love and strife of the family and America during these trying times. Love & War is a passionate story, it should make the audience laugh and cry, but most importantly it should sensitize our political leaders, and show the affects of war on the American family," said Reeves. Additionally, We will display stories and pictures of mothers, sisters and wives who have had loved ones injured or killed in the war." Proceeds from the event will benefit The Mint Museums African-American art collection. The event is semi-formal.

In conjunction with the play, the night will feature a voters registration drive, light hors d oeuvres, champagne, fine desserts and a Fashion Show that will showcase FUBU designs. FUBU pioneered urban fashions and is internationally recognized for their trendy, Hip-Hop styles. Additionally, attendees will have a chance to win three fabulous door prizes, one of which is valued at over $4000.

The Fashion Show will be held during the first portion of the evening, 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Cocktails will kickoff the evening and will be served at 7 p.m.) at Spirit Square, which is located at 345 North College Street, Uptown Charlotte. Fashions are provided by Carl Brown, co-founder of FUBU The Collection, Douglas Says and Nigerian Fabrics and Fashions. Brown is expected to attend the event. The theatrical performance is schedule to begin at 8 p.m., immediately following the Fashion Show.

We have about 20 models, age ranges 16 to 60 -- there will be a little something for everyone," said Reeves. Some of our models have modeled with LL Cool J and other celebrities, others have been working in the industry for many years," Reeves added. Im elated that weve found local talent that will help us bring these fashions to life. And you can expect the gamut, from fatigue wear, to wrinkle free fabrics, to wedding gowns."

Individual tickets are $40 and can be ordered online at www.blumenthalcenter.org or by calling the Box Office at 704.372.1000. These contributions are tax deductible. POBW 2004 platinum corporate sponsors include FUBU The Collection, and The Charlotte Post.

We expect over 700 participants, the majority of which will be from the greater Charlotte area, and will represent local corporations, city leaders, local politicians and persons from the arts, media and fashion industries," said Reeves. This event is a way of giving back to the Arts and to the community. And this year were allowing attendees to make a difference by registering to vote in the upcoming election and by providing support to those families with sons, daughters, husbands and wives in the Iraq war."

About Portraits of Black Women
Reeves has been writing her self-titled series of plays, Portraits of Black Women since 1996. POBW began as a church fund-raiser and has grown into a full production. The previous titles include: Digging My Own Grave (2003); The Men We Love (2002); Unchained (2001); Her Sacred Space (2000); The Women of the Bible (1999); Women Thou Art Loosed (1998) and I Shall Not Be Moved (1997). In an effort to preserve African-American art for generations to come, The Mint Museums took $6000 -- the profits from Reeves series of plays and purchased six prints by African-American artist Elizabeth Catlett.

Reeves, a native of Louisville, Kentucky has resided in Charlotte since 1994.

The Mint Museums is headquartered at 2730 Randolph Road. For more information about The Mint Museums African-American art collection, contact Phil Busher at 704.337.2009 or pbusher@mintmuseum.org.