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Demetri selected by State of Texas, as one of five artist to paint sample portrait of historical Ms. Opal Lee. 

 

Demetri was one of five artists selected by the state of Texas to paint a sample oil painted portrait of the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth', Ms. Opal Lee. The artist selected, was to do a final larger painting of Ms. Lee,  where it was to be presented to the Texas Legislature.  

Demetri's goal was to  captures the quiet determination of Ms. Opal Lee. So from the persed lips, to the firey background, he beautifully illustrates the saying, ' Still waters run deep." Demetri states, "Though Ms. Lee is small in stature, I wanted to capture the sheer unwavering persistence this lady possessed to move a whole nation and the government to recognize this momentous occasion in the life of African Americans in this country." The artist's has the occasion to present Ms. Lee, with a print of his original painting.

Though he did not receive the final selection, Ms. Lee was enamored with his portrait of her. He presented to her a print of his original oil painting which she was very appreciative of. She in turn gave him an autographed copy of her children's book about Juneteenth, which Demetri cherishes.