The Malouf Abraham Family Art Center

Designed to increase cultural awareness and artistic heritage, the gallery was made possible thanks to the generosity of Dr. Malouf and Therese Abraham. 

An avid art collector and patron, Dr. Abraham designed the gallery space in collaboration with the Frank Lloyd Wright Institute. The result is one of the finest and most elegant galleries in the Southwest.

Students at Wayland and local community members take advantage of the wonderful opportunities the gallery provides. Season exhibits include a variety of shows featuring a full range of medias such as sculpture, metalwork, and acrylic and oil paintings, techniques and concepts. Exhibits feature works of both established professional and emerging regional artists, as well as showcases of nationally renowned collections. 

NOW SHOWING: THE WORK & WHIMSY OF R. GREGORY CHRISTIE

R. Gregory Christie started his career along an unconventional path. “I started painting in night clubs. DJs would spin records, and I would show slides or do a live painting in front of a crowd. Sounds crazy, I know, but coming from a small town in NJ and having no network in NY, it was an idea that turned into an opportunity.” These life painting sessions led to album artwork and then to a children’s book project with Lee and Lowe books. His first book, Palm of My Heart, earned him a Coretta Scott King Honor and started him on his prolific career. 

Some of his books deal with historical figures, and others are fantastical and abstract. “Each one has its distinct demeanor, and I get into each separate mindset to create something beautiful and interesting. I have always been inspired by any artist who can alter the human form with an eloquence and rhythm. I simply can’t get away from the human form and portraiture. Inspiration also comes from living life and keeping the balance of being social.” 

R. Gregory Christie is known today as a multi-award winning illustrator whose accolades include a Caldecott Honor for Freedom in Congo Square, art for the New Orleans Jazz Festival’s Congo Square poster, design for the 2013 United Postal Service’s Kwanzaa stamp, six Coretta Scott King Honors and even a 2010 NAACP Image Award for his work in the book “Our Children Can Soar: A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change” authored by J. Patrick Lewis. 

From album cover designs to children’s books to animating films, Christie continues his inspired journey of art from his studio in Georgia.