Phresh View
Theopolis Smith III on his portrait of Rep. Marcia Fudge, murals and his future
By Tabitha Ervin
Of Fort Wayne Ink Spot
Last year, my friend Theoplis Smith III, the owner of Phresh Laundry, painted a portrait of Ohio Congresswoman Marcia Fudge who was recently nominated to be the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by President-elect Joe Biden. She is currently the U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 11 District, a district that runs from Cleveland to Akron. She’s also a member and past National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
I recently connected with Theo to discuss the portrait and other endeavors.
Q: Tell me how you were blessed with the opportunity to do a portrait of Marcia Fudge?
Theo: I received a call from the Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and was asked to make a one-of-a-kind piece to be presented to Ms. Fudge while she was in town speaking at the local chapter's Founders Day event last year. My wife is a member of the local chapter, and I was overjoyed to be asked to commission a piece for Ms. Fudge, a former National President of the illustrious sorority.
Q: How does that make you feel that she was nominated to Biden's cabinet?
Theo: I feel great knowing that we have someone like her who has a heartbeat for the community, especially the black community, in that position with the new administration. I think she’ll do an amazing job!
Q: So, let’s switch gears a little and discuss the new mural project on Pontiac Street that you were recently a part of. Tell me a little bit about that?
Theo: That project was for Vincent Village.* I was called by John Christensen, the board chair at the organization, to paint something on the side of the building, which is also owned by the organization; (something) that represents hope and faith and can bring light to the community. John had also reached out to a few other artists and, initially, I think he wanted us all to paint something. We all got together and decided to collaborate and do one large painting where we’d each do parts of it. It ended up coming together very well and the teamwork with the other artists was amazing!
Q: Why do you think murals and other public art are important?
Theo: I think it's my responsibility as an artist is to create places where all people can gather and be inspired. I think it helps to revitalize some public spaces as well.
Q: Is this trend sustainable or is it a fade?
Theo: Yes, I believe it is sustainable. Fort Wayne is just getting started and the artist here have so much more to share!
Q: What else is coming and how can people find you online?
Theo: I have new art coming soon, and I’m looking to empower and encourage creative people. I am also looking at starting some sort of online gallery, and I want to get more into my Facebook live and Instagram live painting sessions. I have lots of ideas and upcoming art!
People can find me on Instagram and Facebook at Phresh Laundry and online at Phreshlaundry.com
*Editors note: Vincent Village, located at 2827 Holton Ave., is a local non-profit that works to alleviate homelessness by providing shelter, care, advocacy, affordable housing and supportive services for homeless families. The agency owns 35 single-family homes as well as 10 units in Vincent House that are open to homeless families from local emergency shelters and partnering organizations.
