Ted T. Ellis, professional artist for more that 25 years, and is currently pursuing his Masters in Museum Studies. He is the art ambassador for the National Juneteenth Organization and has been selected to showcase five of his historical paintings from his Juneteenth Freedom Project and Emancipation Series at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, TX on June 18, 19, 2018. His exhibition was featured in Washington, DC for the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth at the U.S. Capitol Russell Rotunda and the House of Representatives in 2015. The Galveston Daily News selected "Free At Last" by T. Ellis as the official cover for the 150th-anniversary publication for Juneteenth. The City and County of Galveston, TX has recognized the paintings as national treasures for its past and present importance. A proclamation was given to acknowledge the historical significance of the paintings.

May 23, 2018 ( www.tellisfineart.com) - This acknowledges the historical importance of the art of T. Ellis. The Texas State Capitol is located at 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701. This exhibition was supported by State Representative Dr. Greg Bonnen and his staff from the State of Texas. Special thanks to the following: the Bryan Museum; Galveston Daily News; Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau; the United States Senator John Cornyn; the United States Representative Randy Weber;Dr. Ron Myers, founder of the National Juneteenth Organization and Mr. Sam Collins III, the Texas representative for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the owner of Stringfellow Orchards historical site.

This year marks the 153rd Anniversary of Juneteenth, for more than a decade Mr. Ellis artistic efforts to pictorially document slavery continues to be an exhibited in museums and cultural institutions throughout the United States. These iconic paintings created by Ted T. Ellis powerfully captures the strength and accomplishments of African –Americans over a period of 400 years.

Gen. Gordon Granger, on June 19, 1865, read executive order #3 in Galveston, TX, proclaiming slavery was officially abolished. This event happened two years later after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863

The Galveston Daily News, the oldest new publication in the State of Texas, selected T. Ellis painting, “Free At Last” as their official image used for this 150th commemorative magazine. Over 40,000 magazines were published and distributed throughout the state and country.

About the Artist:

Ted Ellis is a passionate man, a graduate of Dillard University and member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, TX. T. Ellis is passionate about his family, passionate about his heritage, passionate about community and passionate about his art. Just ask him and he proudly declares, “I paint subjects that are representative of the many facets of American life as I know it. I like to think of myself as a creative historian. I was put here to record history and all aspects of American culture and heritage. My sole purpose has always been to educate through my art. “Ellis grew up and was educated in New Orleans, a city known for its history, style, and artistic exuberance. This backdrop inspired Ellis to capture the essence of the subjects of his childhood in the glory of their rich cultural heritage. T. Ellis resides in Friendswood, TX with his family.

Extremely dedicated to his craft, the artist draws on a style that was born in his childhood from impressions of his native city. Ellis is self-taught and boldly blends realism and impressionism in his work, evoking nostalgia and inspiration. The art of this man both reveres and celebrates the traditional values of his culture. Ted Ellis, the man, lives the life he paints about.

His past commissions by Walt Disney, Avon Products, Inc, ExxonMobil and particularly, by the City of Selma, AL to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March from Selma to Montgomery was monumental and illustrates the artistic talent of T. Ellis. He generously contributes time and artwork to various causes; United Way, ICLS, African American Visual Arts Association, Jack and Jill, Inc., United Negro College Fund, Heritage Christian Academy, and public school districts around the globe. Ellis’ involvement in the community as an art advocate and educator has earned him recognition from numerous organizations and city officials. Ellis’ latest exhibit entitled, “Our History, Heritage and Culture, an American Story”, encompasses the diversity and cultural similarities of all Americans. The debut of this exhibit started at the Rosa Parks Museum and will travel across the country. Some of Ellis’ previous exhibits include, “American Slavery: The Reason Why We are Here”, ‘‘Say My Name’, and Courage of Conviction, African-Americans who Serve in the Military from Colonial Times until Now”, and “Something to See, Native Son Comes Home”, and “Born in the Spirit.”