One of his pieces is titled “Trinity.” In it, he depicts his friend Mashama Bailey, the first Black woman to win the “Outstanding Chef” James Beard Foundation Award. Among her many accomplishments in the culinary industry, Bailey is the executive chef and partner of The Grey in Savannah, Georgia. Inspired by the regional produce of Savannah, Hall used turmeric and hibiscus to make an oil pigment. Bailey is known for her foie gras and grits recipe, which includes a Creole sauce that Hall said is his favorite part of the dish. In his piece, “Trinity,” Hall includes the ingredients of the Creole sauce alongside the painting of Bailey. “It’s such a powerful piece that she just deserves to have a wall all by herself,” VanGelderen said. VanGelderen said she is excited to potentially introduce the local area to an out-of-state artist. She said that while his work is unique to where he is from, it has a universal message. “It’s very thoughtful, and there are definitely lots of layers that are incorporated in the paintings that have much deeper meanings,” VanGelderen said. To see Hall’s work in person, visit the BBAC before April 18. More information on the exhibition can be found at bbartcenter.org.

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