Detroit artist Timothy Orikri hopes to empower people with his mixed media works on display at Global Cafe

When speaking with Detroit mixed media artist Timothy Orikri, his joy and enthusiasm dominate the conversation. This enthusiasm shows in his works, too, filling his portfolio with bright, colorful and lively pieces.

"With my paintings, I desire to contribute to humanity. I desire to preserve culture and reveal it through art with passion," Orikri said. " I reveal the things that hinder peace and focus on rearranging society. Art is a means of self-expression, but for me it's a form of indispensable communication."

Orikri's works will communicate with Southeast Missourians in August. The artist will be present for a reception and fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Global Cafe in Cape Girardeau. His work will be on display until Aug. 7.

Orikri graduated from Delta State University, Abraka in southern Nigeria in 1991 and arrived in the United States in 1995. However, Orikri never forgot his roots. He takes inspiration from his father, a Baptist minister, a former professor and his brother, who was fascinated with the guitar which Orikri includes in many works.

"My inspirations have taught me to step out and be a steward. I have the ability to maximize my opportunities and be productive," Orikri said. "I want to be inspiring. Creativity is just that, empowering people. I want people to see the world through a kaleidoscope and see the colors and forget the gloom."

Orikri's works have hung at many museums, colleges and churches around the world. "AFRICA: One Continent, Many Worlds" was a three-month exhibit at the St. Louis Science Center capturing an African village scene.

Orikri also collaborated with 119 children to produce "Pyramid of Peace," a collage of the children's drawings. Orikri said he wanted to break down the stereotypes between children of different backgrounds by uniting them and letting them express and grow in their talents. Orikri later donated the piece to the United Nations.

"We all have a place in history. We all have the creative element to end this war," Orikri said of the fight against prejudice. "You might not have any teeth, but you can still smile. I try to encourage children and adults alike and want to create hope to society with wonderful colors and show revelations of joy and happiness."

Orikri moved to the United States in 1995 and lived and worked in St. Louis. He met Cape Girardeau artist Melissa Whitaker and showed her his artwork. Whitaker introduced it to Randy Hays, who has worked since then to organize a show.

Hays' work has paid off with Saturday's show at Global Cafe. Orikri will speak at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. The ticket money will be split between the gallery, Orikri and a charity.

Various works of art will also be donated to five charities including Melaina's Magical Playland, an after-school program in Cape Girardeau, the Safe House for Women, the Cadmium River Artists Group and the arts council.

"This show will be very beneficial to the community," said Hays, a board member at the arts council. "Orikri is not only charitable but motivational. This showing will be artwork that Cape usually does not see."

The exhibit will not only feature Orikri, but many other local artists as well, including Whitaker, Renee Gordon and Thomas Urban, among others.

"I am very proud of the different art entities working on this exhibit. This has never happened in the past; however, it has been a common goal and it is very nice to see since we have been working on this for years," Hays said.

Hays said he likes seeing Cape Girardeau art organizations -- including Aartful Rose, Bilderbach Art Plaza and Cadmium -- come together to produce a show that will not only exhibit art but raise money for it in the community.

For more information about the event, contact the arts council at 334-9233 or preview the exhibit at www.TimothyOrikri.com.