Eight small paintings, inspired by the events that unfolded in Ferguson, MO where the shooting of an 18 year old African-American teen by a white police officer led to riots in the streets have caused quite a stir in the town of Vero Beach, Florida where they are on exhibit at the Lighthouse Art Gallery.

The artist, Ron Van Sweringen is no stranger to controversy. His art, both in print and on canvas have always stirred strong emotions. But these images of violence and racial intolerance struck a loud chord in his audience and the reactions to this exhibit with such strong, grotesque imagery have been both physical and emotional. At the well-attended opening more than one argument broke out as to what these paintings represented and who was right or wrong. MORE…