From comic book sketches in childhood to vibrant canvases born in confinement, Terry Beylotte’s art is a testament to resilience, transformation, and redemption. His latest exhibition, on view October 7-November 7 at Art League Gallery, shares a body of work forged in adversity yet radiant with hope. Through expressive color, layered symbolism, and raw honesty, Beylotte’s paintings reveal a journey from darkness to light, inviting viewers to reflect on struggle, survival, and the possibility of renewal.
Beylotte’s path to art was anything but conventional. After being incarcerated at age 16, he discovered painting in 2013 through a character program at Allendale Correctional. What began as an outlet became a vocation, leading him to co-found Art 4 Hope and the Advanced Artists of Allendale, groundbreaking programs that brought inmate-created art into the public eye for the first time at the Art League Gallery.
Largely self-taught, Beylotte immersed himself in art books, television programs, and mentorships with local artists such as Art Cornell and the Ellis family. These influences, combined with his own relentless practice, shaped an eclectic style marked by both expressive power and deep personal symbolism. His canvases embody what he calls “the conflict between life’s hardships and the beauty that pours through the cracks through overcoming.”
“Art became my freedom and my redemption,” says Beylotte. “Every piece is a part of my story, and I hope it inspires others to see that even in the darkest places, light can break through.”
An opening reception will be held Wednesday, October 8, 5-7pm, featuring live music by Estee. A Meet & Greet and Demo is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 5-7pm. The exhibit, reception, and Meet & Greet/Demo are free and open to the public.
