Russell "Smokey" Brown is a black thespian, a showman; there is wit and satire in his work, and he does not hesitate to comment on himself, his friends, and the political and social issues of the day. Brown's art is larger than life, humorous, idiosyncratic, and engaging. He likes to make collages; he claims it's easier. A gregarious storyteller, Brown was a friend and painting companion of late William L. Hawkins. Brown passed away in 2005.