James Spearman was born in Monticello Georgia. His family moved to Detroit Michigan when he was 5 years old. He attended Cass Technical High school in Detroit majoring in music. He then served 4 years in the United States Air Force Band. Following Spearman’s honorable discharge he enrolled at Wayne State University in Detroit, where in 1973, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art specializing in Interior Architectural Design and Space Planning.

 

As a professional artist Spearman has held juried membership in The Tennessee Arts League, Arts Council of Williamson County, Maury County Arts Guild, Arts League of Michigan, Ann Arbor Arts Guild, Michigan Arts Council and Detroit Scarab Club.

 

Of his numerous art exhibitions throughout the country, the Museum of Science and Industry, juried art exhibition in Chicago, Illinois, Is his favorite. Last exhibiting at the museum in 2016 his work has now been accepted for their 2024 exhibit.

 

In 2015, Spearman was commissioned by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force in Southfield, Michigan to create a bronze bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. which is on permanent display in the Lobby of the Southfield Library. Another of his outstanding accomplishments was a commission by Ford Motor Company, The Arts League of Michigan and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio, to paint “The Soul of Rock” the signature piece for the “Rock My Soul” touring exhibit in 2004.

 

Spearman and his wife Delphine were owners of Del Gallery, a fine art gallery located in Lathrup Village, Michigan from 2001 to 2006. Spearman was an art instructor for The Arts League of Michigan mentorship program from 1989 – 2007. The Spearman’s currently reside in Columbia, Tennessee where he continues to teach art classes for the Healing Arts Project Inc. sense 2008.