Community Council for the Arts Presents Silent Thunder Echoes of Greatness

Artist Talk and Exhibition Opening with Dr Eugene Poole on March 6

The Community Council for the Arts proudly presents Silent Thunder Echoes of Greatness, an exhibition of quilted portraits and textile works by nationally recognized artist Dr Eugene Poole. The exhibition opens with a public artist talk and reception on Thursday March 6 at the Community Council for the Arts in Kinston.

Dr Poole was born in Hopkinsville Kentucky and holds deep bloodline roots in Kinston North Carolina making this exhibition a meaningful homecoming. Though he has worked with fabric and thread for just four years Poole has quickly emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary fine art quilting redefining the boundaries of textile based art.

Poole describes his artistic practice as a mirror reflecting the complexities of identity history and the world we inhabit. Through vibrant color meticulous stitchwork and commanding scale his work addresses themes of social justice equality mental health gun violence mass incarceration voting inequality and the lived experiences of underserved communities. His quilts are bold visual statements that invite reflection conversation and deeper understanding.

Before gaining recognition for his textile work Poole earned acclaim as a painter with exhibitions in Guam Hawaii and Korea and permanent installations in major hotels airports and corporate collections. His collectors include former United States Presidents political leaders scholars and cultural icons. That same discipline and compositional strength now define his large scale quilted portraits which reveal extraordinary detail and technical mastery.

Poole’s connection to quilting is deeply rooted in family legacy. His grandfather Charlie E Lynch was a master tailor and his grandmother Olive Lynch was an accomplished beautician. Through time memory and bloodline their influence is woven into Poole’s work today as he elevates fabric thread and patience into a sophisticated contemporary art form.

The artist talk on March 6 offers audiences an opportunity to hear directly from Dr Poole about his process inspiration and the stories embedded within each piece. Silent Thunder Echoes of Greatness will remain on view at the Community Council for the Arts through May 2.

This exhibition is free and open to the public.

For more information visit https://www.artkinston.com/ or contact the Community Council for the Arts.