Pennsylvania Eminent Domain Code

Hazie Blu (Dupree Studios Eminent Domain Victory Celebration)

April 15, 2015 — 4 Comments
Hazie Blu (FlashwerkPhotography)

Hazie Blu (FlashwerkPhotography)

Mayor Michael Nutter returns the deed to property owner James Dupree’s art studio. Congrats Mr. Dupree on fighting the good fight!

Catch Hazie Blu  perform for world renowned visual artist James Dupree at “Dupree Studios Eminent Domain Victory Celebration”  at 3617 Haverford Ave. Phila, PA 19104 Saturday April 25, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Hazie Blu Performs at 7:00 p.m.)

MUSIC! LIVE MUSIC! FOOD! TOUR OF STUDIO! SPOKEN WORD! CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AND ART.  (NO COVER CHARGE)

Let’s keep the ARTS alive by celebrating!

The Dupree Dream Open Studio Event

April 30, 2014 — 1 Comment

Fam14

The Dupree Dream Open Studio Event,  On April 26th, 2014, Dupree Studios opened its doors to show the public what the City of Philadelphia plans to tear down in the name of “revitalization”. Dupree wants to inform fellow citizens about the unconstitutional seizure of his inspiring and unique property. He also wanted to share this creative space with others, while the opportunity still stands. The event had guest speakers throughout the day, eminent domain and art discussions, musical acts, DJs, live art, spin art for kids, a book signing, and… live interview! On this day  Mr. Dupree released his self titled book ‘ Stolen Dreams In The Promised Zone: Dupree Studios’ curated by James Dupree himself with layout and design done by one of my dear friends Badir McCleary of ‘Art Above Reality’. The book entails Mr. Dupree’s life’s journey of becoming an entrepreneur all while giving back to the community, the building of his art gallery and studio and his expressive artwork of eminent domain.

Book

Unfortunately I couldn’t make it to enjoy the all the event had to offer on that day  but I did however manage to make it in time to see some of my favorite men who I consider family ‘Hazie Blu’ to perform and take my own little mini tour of Dupree Studios. It was an honor and pleasure to not only meet Mr. Dupree but to work with him as well. I know very little about the art world but I as always I’m interested in all forms of artistic expression be it music, dance and even art in its many forms. Yours truly was given the opportunity to not only support Mr. Dupree in his efforts to ‘ Save Dupree Studios’ he also gave me the opportunity to be featured and published as well.

Autograph2

I didn’t know how to feel but I was filled with the joy of accomplishment when I opened the book to see my name in the ‘Table of Contents’ . Not only did I get to share my writings but I also got the chance to be apart of something bigger than myself. I got the chance to meet a man who  had so much audacity and faith in his craft that he’s willing to fight for it. And just to think that all I did was share my opinion on the matter, I didn’t know that I would actually become apart of the fight for The Dupree Dream.

“Artist. James Dupree has been fighting with the City of Philadelphia against the ‘Eminent Domain Law’ A law that allows the government to ‘SEIZE’ private property for public use. To seize is to take by force with or without the owner’s knowledge and/or approval”
~~ Tiffany Livingston (Stolen Dreams In The Promised Zone Pg. 7-8) 

For more details on how to support Dupree Studios Click >>>>>>> Save Dupree Studios

“Stolen Dreams in the Promised Zone”

March 3, 2014 — Gallery — 1 Comment

Dupree2 On Saturday, March 1, 2014 Philadelphia Artist, James Dupree held an open reception at the Durpee Gallery 703 S. 6th Street for his “Stolen Dreams in the Promised Zone”  exhibit to show case his new works. Mr. Dupree has been in a battle with the City of Philadelphia and an  Eminent domain Law that has been threatening to demolish his studio. Through all of this Mr. Dupree still manages to find solace  through his paintings.  A story is being told with very few words along with colorful abstract features that’s pleasing to the eye. He invited those who could to join him  as he shares his love for art with the world and  urban community.

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As always it’s an honor to meet not only talented but gifted educated individuals who have a  desire to share their gifts with the world. I was amazed at his art work and loved each piece for its unique expression. Each piece had a story to tell all their own, with abstract colors and images that expressed one’s inner soul.

When there aren’t many words to say, art can tell a story in many forms with a simple stroke of a brush that speaks volumes…. -Miss, LIV

James Dupree (2005)

James Dupree (2005)

Mr. Dupree had suffered a stroke many years back and while recuperating he still managed to continue moving forward  by painting self portraits and many other pieces as a form of therapy for himself as he recovered. It takes a lot of faith and strength to keep going in spite of set-backs and or circumstances.

James Dupree

James Dupree

“They will take what took a lifetime to build. Overnight!!” -James Dupree (Stolen Dreams in the Promised Zone)

James Dupree

James Dupree

Each painting expresses his love for his art, the hard work it took for him to build and the sacrifices he had to make along his journey. ART! Is a raw and uncut expression. It’s seen in many forms especially in the urban  and poverty-stricken communities. It’s a way for those who have no other outlets to communicate with others who are and may be oblivious to the struggles of a people. Art shed’s a light on oppression, happiness, joy, pain and triumph for those to have a voice and to be heard.

James Dupree

James Dupree

“I want to decide when and if I sell my property, on my terms.” -Artist, James Dupree (“Stolen Dreams in the Promised Zone”” Exibit)

James Dupree

James Dupree

In December 2012 the City of Philadelphia seized the deed of Dupree Studios and granted acquisition to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority in accordance with the  Pennsylvania Eminent Domain Code.  City Hall has teamed up with private developers to transform the Mantua section, including the project and development of blocks, regretfully reducing Dupree Studios to a parking lot.

” Give Me Back My Deed” -James Dupree

James Dupree

James Dupree

Mr. Dupree story has buzzed so loud that it caught the attention of  Forbes Magazine , Philadelphia Magazine and many more…. I’m so glad that I had the chance to make it out to Mr. Dupree’s event to show my support. I believe Mr. Dupree is doing what any man or woman would do in a situation such as this. Anyone who has worked hard for what they have today with little to no help know what it’s like to have it potentially taken away for another purpose. Is it possible for those developers to find another location to place a parking lot? Maybe. I would like to thank Mr. James Dupree for sharing his ” Stolen Dreams in the Promised Zone”.