Adreon Henry: 2011 Artist in Residence

Adreon Denson Henry is the epitome of what an artist is. Everyday brings opportunity for creativity and inspiration. Whether it be a film by Ingmar Bergman, a Bruce Haack record found in the dollar bin, or  a weathered revival tent on the side of a dry Texas highway that he just has to stop and photograph. Inspiration comes in many forms.

Art has been a central theme in Adreon’s life from a very early age. As a child he had already developed a very specific style through repeatedly drawing his imaginary friends; who still exist today. IE: “The Pendletons.”

As a youth his dedication to art intensified and he sold candy and various oddities to his peers in order to purchase his first screen printing machine. He quickly utilized this media to make t-shirts of his favorite bands and prints from his drawings. He saved every dime and while still in high school he opened a skateboard shop and started his own line of skateboards featuring his own designs.

During this time in his young adulthood Adreon formed a band “Single Frame” who had become quite the buzz. In 2000, the band decided to move to Austin, TX to pursue musical endeavors. This is when Adreon decided to take his art to the next level.

Expanding on his artistic ideas and creative process, Adreon soon had art shows and experienced immediate success in both music and art. Since, he has continued his creative endeavors through private commissions and international exhibitions.

Adreon was invited to create a series of exclusive paintings for the ABQ Film Festival based on 2011 Honoree Dean Stockwell, due to his admiration of the actor’s talent and catalogue of impressive work. Much like the work of Stockwell and Dennis Hopper, Adreon’s own artwork explores the irony of existence; IE: The Daily Sketches. Influenced at an early age by Stockwell’s role in “Blue Velvet,” Adreon realized “that film can be a powerful form of artistic expression.” The theme of Adreon’s work for this years ABQ Film Festival is motivated by inspiring moments from Stockwell’s extensive work in film.