Four of the five 2019 James Weldon Johnson Fellows in the Arts visiting Five Acres during the first week of their Artist-in-Residence program at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, July 28, 2019, Great Barrington, MA.

Russell Harris on advancing the James Weldon Johnson legacy as a 2019 Artist-in-Residence Fellowship recipient with access to the premier facilities and studio space in the Daniel Arts Center at Bard College at Simon’s Rock:

“It’s peaceful. It allows me to focus. It allows me to not have a lot of distractions” and “It allows me to really focus on the work.”

Russell Harris, 2019 James Weldon Johnson Fellow in the Arts recipient, provides a behind the scene look at his studio at Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, MA. Rufus Jones, President of the James Weldon Foundation, is fascinated and inspired by Russell’s preparation, process and strategy; and captures how Russell uses the artist fellowship, place and spaces to “focus” on the art. See how Russell plans and sets the stage to paint the essence of what he can see for his artwork. July 28, 2019, Great Barrington, MA.

The Creation of The Painter’s Song (Sunday Morning Groove) with Rufus Jones and Russell Harris 2019. Rufus Jones, President of the James Weldon Johnson Foundation, visits the art studio of Russell Harris, 2019 James Weldon Johnson Fellow in the Arts recipient, at Bard College at Simon's Rock, Great Barrington. Rufus sits next to Russell and performs with his guitar, "Grace," an instrumental of "Amen" and then creates a new song, "The Painter's Song (Sunday Morning Groove)," while observing Russell manipulate his painting tools and supplies, including pigment, oil, and palette knife on a flat marble surface. July 28, 2019, Great Barrington, MA.