By Maggie Gutierrez / Art Talk
A camera and a request for an autograph from well-known and widely published area photographer Dave Clements at a 2003 musical performance by the internationally-known singer/songwriter Kevin Black began a close relationship that has evolved into a decade of ongoing collaborative efforts to raise awareness and find a cure for the devastating neuro-developmental disorder known as Rhett Syndrome which took the life of Kevin’s daughter when she was only 16.
After partnering to raise thousands of dollars over the past 10 years of golf and fishing tournaments, “walkathons” and concerts in the greater Houston area, including those held in Conroe and The Woodlands, the Dave Clements and Kevin Black partnership wanted a way to reach a broader audience of supporters and contributors.
Since both Dave and Kevin share an interest in photography and music, they thought a book featuring photos of numerous musicians raising their hands during their performances would be the vehicle at this time to reach a broader audience, hence the publishing of the new book, “Raising A Hand: The Book.” All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to “Rhettsyndrome.org” to help in finding a cure for the disease. In seeking permission to use their photos, the team was thrilled at the number of internationally-known musicians like Willie Nelson, Paul McCartney, Kenny Rogers, Kevin’s brother Clint Black and scores of other musicians photographed by Dave who signed on to be part of the book and the Rhett fundraising effort.
