LEADERSHIP, UNTAPPED CREATIVE TALENT,
AND ARTISTIC YOUTH EXPRESSION
Where Portraits of Excellence
Meet People of Impact
Transforming the challenges of life into a Masterpiece Purpose !
LEADERSHIP, UNTAPPED CREATIVE TALENT, AND ARTISTIC YOUTH EXPRESSION
Where Portraits of Excellence
Meet People of Impact
Transforming the challenges of life into a Masterpiece Purpose !
Mrs. Stephanie Johnson
Houston, TX
"The Portraits of Excellence youth fine arts training is remarkable! My daughter learned about the many Fine Arts careers and she gained self-confidence through her love for drawing. Mr. Tate is a great motivational teacher who really cares about developing untapped youth creativity."
Mrs. Melinda Jeffries
Washington, DC
The Portraits of Excellence seminar has helped my daughter (Angela) learn about the many career opportunities within the Fine Arts industry. I have noticed that she is more engaged within her classroom, and especially at family gatherings. The PORT training experience has inspired my daughter to step out of her comfort zone. Since a recent PORT workshop, she discovered a love for music and started learning the violin. I would like to extend appreciation and thanks to Mr. Tate and his team for developing a unique learning approach that creatively builds confidence and character.
Mr. James Perkins
Bowie, MD
As a parent, I’ve always wanted my child to be well-rounded. After attending the Portraits of Excellence seminar, I have seen subtle behavior improvements in my son. The interactive youth session at his school has helped boost his self-esteem and ability to work well with others.
Testimonials from people who have participated in PORT programs.
The PORT Experience
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Las Vegas
Fine Arts Celebration & Honor Awards
November 8, 2025
4pm
Featuring the premiere of the PORTExcel Magazine Las Vegas edition!
The Portraits of Excellence is excited to announce the return of our 2025 Youth Fine Arts Celebration and Leadership Honor Awards. Our gala event will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025 (4pm) at Winchester Dondero Cultural Center (3130 McLeod Drive, Las Vegas, NV.) This will also be the premiere of the PORTexcel Magazine, featuring AL. B. Sure! on the cover. All contributions to The Portraits of Excellence are 100% tax-deductible. The attire is DRESS to IMPRESS.
Early Bird tickets and PortExcel Magazine preorders are on sale August 15, 2025 thru September 30.
The Portraits of Excellence aka "The PORT" is a 501c3 organization which aims to nurture, celebrate, and empower youth and underserved minorities through fine arts education and creative wellness solutions. As the cornerstone of the various services and programs offered by The PORT, our annual gala event recognizes and celebrates a selection of Las Vegas leaders and organizations who have achieved a legacy of greatness through their high standards and contributions to the Las Vegas community.
Our evening with The PORT will begin with a red-carpet reception. Featured meet and greet interviews with representatives from our marquee partners and sponsors including NV Energy, UNLV Radio KUNV 91.5, AA Printing, and MGM Worldwide Resorts will highlight the achievements in the community brought about by harmonizing with The Portraits of Excellence. The reception will also feature a gallery of the artistic portraits of the Honorees, live entertainment, vendors, lite hors d’oeuvres, raffles and door prizes, and celebrity guest appearances.
In addition to formal presentations of the Honor Awards, the show itself will feature Host Tanisha Smith and performances by Kiss is 4Kidz, Cultural Shock, Broadway in the Hood, the Jay Nagle performers, and Queen Aries.
The premier edition of the PORTexcel Magazine will feature the artistic portrait and profile of each Honoree. Additionally, numerous organizations, individuals, and businesses who support The PORT and share our objectives will be represented, providing our patrons with a timeless and classic reference guide to the Las Vegas community that will be embraced as a favorite for many years to come.
The 2025 Las Vegas Leadership Honorees are:
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Mr. AL B. Sure! - Legendary R&B Artist/Radio Host
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Ms. Sherry Gordy - Daughter of the legendary Barry Gordy from Motown Records
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Mrs. Angel & DJ Thump - Marquee Host & Media Executives
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Mr. Ray Stewart - Celebrated Marketing and Promotions Personality
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Mrs. Dorothy & Neil Portnoy – World Renowned Illustrator & Art Gallery Owners
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Mr. Jay Nagle - Acting Teacher, film maker, playwright & Smith Center Executive
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Judge Angel and Micheal Faust - Owners & hosts of the Judge Angel All-Star Show
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Mr. Morlon Greenwood - Former NFL player and current LV NFL Alumni President
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Mr. John Pinnington - Owner of AA Printing
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Mr. Robert “Twix” Taylor - Owner of Foreign Exchange Lounge
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Ms. Shannon Brown - Top NV Energy Executive
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Ms. Trina Jiles - Owner of Gritz Café
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Portraits of Excellence - Our PORT flagship initiative celebrates "People of Impact" at a prestigious Honor Awards event, which was introduced in 2023. The select ensemble of honorees are artistically rendered as portraits by Mr. Tate, and are featured in the PORT annual calendar (available for purchase).
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Our PORT Mentorship Program offers artistic training and personal development delivered by world-class Fine-Arts industry professionals.
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The PORT also provides essential scholarships to local schools and bestows financial resources to entrusted community service organizations.
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Portraits of Excellence - Our PORT flagship initiative celebrates "People of Impact" at a prestigious Honor Awards event, which was introduced in 2023. The select ensemble of honorees are artistically rendered as portraits by Mr. Tate, and are featured in the PORT annual calendar (available for purchase).
-
Our PORT Mentorship Program offers artistic training, personal development delivered by world-class Fine-Arts industry professionals.
-
The PORT also provides essential scholarships to local schools and bestows financial resources to entrusted community service organizations.
Welcome to The PORT
The Portraits of Excellence aka "PORT" is a 501c3 organization which aims to nurture, celebrate, and empower youth and underserved minorities through fine arts education and creative wellness solutions.
You are cordially invited to join our mission of providing Fine-Arts training, exposure, and support by becoming a monthly recurring financial PORT PARTNER!
Together, we can facilitate the growth of naturally gifted artists by helping to build a brighter tomorrow for the deserving young talented superstars of today! See our Call to Action below!
Meet The PORT Founder:
Artist Keith Tate
As an internationally renowned celebrity artist since graduating with high honors from Howard University, Keith Tate envisioned doing far more than just becoming a master celebrity illustrator. Since 2020, he served as editor, publisher, and mentor to aspiring artisans. In 2023, he embarked on a new journey, founding the PORT.
Mr. Tate has worked for over 30 years as a youth instructor and motivational keynote lecturer at schools where he promotes opportunities for deserving youth in the areas of life skills, leadership and artistic expression.
The Inspiration
Mother Tate
Ms. Genola Malinda Tate (1931-2001) is fondly remembered as a distinguished U.S. Army Educator, Christian mother, sports athlete, and civic leader. Her greatest joy was sharing inspiration with children by helping them to excel. Mother Tate lived life to it’s fullest.
The PORT Impact:
Elevating Young Talents
and Pioneering LeadersWith
World-Class Mentorship & Support
The PORT aims to achieve significant and transformative outcomes for youth, underserved minorities, their communities, and the broader society. Participants in The PORT programs can expect to acquire, develop, and experience:
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A high level of proficiency in various art forms.
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Essential leadership skills such as public speaking, teamwork, project management, and community engagement.
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Improved emotional resilience, reduced stress levels, and overall enhanced art therapy alternatives.
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An enhanced sense of civic responsibility, pride, and inclusion by actively contributing to their communities through public art projects, and community service engagement.
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A deeper understanding and appreciation of their cultural heritage, which will be reflected in their art and community projects.
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Personal growth, increased self-esteem, and confidence in their abilities as artists and leaders.
Overall, The PORT aims to create a holistic and enriching experience for participants which will lead to long-term benefits for the individuals and their communities by focusing on fine arts education through leadership development.
Moreover, by recognizing local leaders and showcasing participant achievements, The PORT will inspire both the participants and the wider community to strive for excellence and leadership.
The PORT is a sustainable model for arts education and leadership development that can be replicated in any community.
The PORT
Call to Action!
Support our programs as a Partner, Sponsor, Email Subscriber, or Donor! The PORT is actively seeking Partnership and Sponsors for our programs. Connect With Us for more information, attend our PORT of Call events or Donate Now!