Charles
Bibbs has always believed that we are the keepers of
our culture, and as such, has spent much of his time
working towards developing a cohesive, energized African
American community. He is a committed activist on behalf
of economic development and empowerment in the community,
spending much of his free time holding seminars and
workshops with young people. In his quest to preserve
and develop the visual arts, Charles Bibbs has founded
Art 2000, a non-profit visual art association that
informs and inspires artists and art patrons alike.
Out of this association has grown Images Magazine,
the first national publication dedicated to ethnic
art. Another one of Charles’ passions is jazz
music; and by founding the Inland Empire Music and
Arts Foundation, another non-profit organization, he
has been able to bring an annual world class jazz and
art festival to Southern California, while providing
much needed funding for a number of art and music programs.
Charles
Bibbs’ artwork manages to fuse African, African American
and Native American cultural themes, to make powerful cross
cultural statements. His work is thought provoking and capable
of arousing strong emotions regardless of ethnic, gender and
generational affiliation. Although he may have an idea or vision
in mind when painting a particular piece, Charles prefers each
individual who views his work to gain a personal vision from
his artwork. Across the board, his renderings convey a deep
sense of spirituality, majesty, dignity, strength and grace.
It is sufficient to say, however his works are viewed, whatever
individual emotions they may evoke, they remain characteristically
and recognizably Bibbs.
