Crowds of people gathered Nov. 7 in a dimly lit Midtown studioto admire the work of University of Memphis alumni DannyBroadway.
Broadway Studio, 6184 Poplar, is the brainchild of Broadway, whograduated with an art degree from the U of M in 2001, and his wife,Gia Eaton Broadway, a U of M senior business major.
After displaying his art in different galleries across thecountry, including the National Black Fine Arts Show in New York,Broadway decided to open his own studio.
His travelling was sponsored by FedEx, he said.
"So many places have represented his work," said Gia, whoco-owns the studio with her husband and his mother, Karen Broadway."But this gives him a chance to do it the way he wants it to bedone."
The work is not complete, and therefore Broadway Studio is not agallery, but a work in progress, he said.
"It's a studio, not a gallery," Danny said. "It's constantlychanging and progressing because I never want to be complacent --so it will never be complete."
Danny works at the studio daily and leaves it open to the publicTuesday through Saturday, with appointments available Sunday andMonday.
Entrance is free and open to the public, and prices of artpieces range from $3,000 to $9,000.
A variety of people came to observe and purchase pieces at thestudio's opening Friday, from U of M students to Shelby CountyMayor AC Wharton.
"It was a profitable evening," Gia said. "And it was packedthroughout the night with a really nice crowd."
Alvin Bonds, U of M senior business management major, said hewas amazed by Broadway's display.
"I was very impressed to say the least," Bonds said. "Everyonewho goes will find a piece that talks to them personally."
One of Gia's favorite pieces, "Wind Dance," left a deepimpression on Bonds, he said.
"All the colors were so blended -- he just captured the essenceof the wind," Bonds said. "You kind of drifted with it."
The Broadways said they plan to remain in Memphis and hopeMemphians will continue to show support for their buddingstudio.
"It's important that we all support Memphis artists and smallbusinesses," Gia said. "It keeps us alive. It's investing in yourown. It keeps us cultured as a city."
