Business for the Arts of Broward is a not-for-profit organization that educates the business community about the importance of Broward County’s art and cultural community and engages them in building connections between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development.
Rooted Ground Workshop
Rooted Ground: The tree is the main source of every piece created. This is regardless of the being (animal or human) connected underneath it. The being represents what has cohabitated under the particular tree. Whether that creature was born, has mated, has eaten from or around or has died under the tree. The two (tree& the creature) are truly connected through nature. The tree represents the being; the roots represent the soul of the being. Without the soul, the being no longer exists.
- 2-hour class. (1/2-hour prep time 1-1/2hour presentation)
- Up to 20 participants
- All materials and cleanup are included.
- Color pencils, watercolor paper, watercolor paint, paint brushes, and tape.
- Rooted Ground Activity
Theme: The Rooted Ground is a mixed media concept created by artist Anthony Burks Sr. in 2000. The concept of rooted ground is as follows. The tree represents the body of the living being. The long roots represent the soul. Without the roots of the tree, the tree would not survive. The roots retrieve water & nourishment got the tree. Without the soul of the person, we as living beings would not mentally, emotionally, or physically survive. Rooted ground art can be created in any color scheme requested.
Each student will re-create the watercolor background & draw their tree with roots in their own vision.
Your Instructor
Anthony Burks
Anthony Burks is a native Floridian and conceptual fine artist working in various media including charcoal, watercolor, and colored pencil. A graduate of the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, he has received numerous honors such as the Artist Innovation Fellowship from the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, the NBAF grant, and the Men of Excellence Award.
With his wife, Trina Slade-Burks, he co-founded ATB Fine Art Group Inc., a creative business focused on exhibitions, arts education, and artist support. His work is featured in public and private collections, including the Norton Museum of Art and Broward College, and in public art installations throughout West Palm Beach.
Anthony has co-curated major exhibitions like Continuum PB Art Fair and Collaboration: African Diaspora, helping artists connect with collectors and new audiences. He is also deeply committed to arts education, mentoring students and adults for over two decades, and works closely with organizations such as the No More Starving Artists Foundation and the Cultural Council.
He currently works out of Zero Empty Spaces in Palm Beach Gardens and exhibits at the Palm Beach Art, Antique & Design Showroom.