Aleathia Brown

Aleathia Brown is a native of both Harlem and The Bronx, NY. She graduated from Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music & Art for Fine Art. She earned her BFA at the School of Visual Arts for Media Arts and Art Education with a minor in Graphic Design. Aleathia is a visual storyteller, using her artwork to document her cultural journey and visual voice as a woman-human-spiritual being. Aleathia is listed with The National Museum of Women in the Arts Archives and participated in the Works on Paper exhibition in East London. She also self-published her first unbound coloring book. Aleathia is a commissioned art director and muralist and contributed to the 2020 Black Lives Matter mural in Harlem.

Andrew Nichols

As an artist born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Andrew Nichol's passion for art ignited at an early age. Growing up in a culturally diverse environment, he became acutely aware of the struggles and triumphs of the African diaspora. This awareness, combined with a love for painting, shaped his artistic journey. Andrew Nichols work delves into the multifaceted experiences of the African diaspora, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and cultural heritage. Through his paintings, he aims to capture the essence of these narratives, shedding light on the rich tapestry of African American history and its impact on contemporary society. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy of New York City and the allure of Hollywood, Nichols art reflects the convergence of these two influential cultural hubs. He seeks to bridge the gap between the urban grit of Brooklyn and the glamour of Hollywood, creating a visual dialogue that resonates with viewers from all walks of life. Using a combination of bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and intricate details, Andrew strives to evoke emotions and provoke thought. Each stroke on the canvas is a deliberate attempt to capture the essence of struggle, resilience, and triumph that defines the African diaspora. Through art, Andrew Nichols aims to challenge societal norms, confront stereotypes, and celebrate the beauty and strength of the African American community. By highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the African diaspora, he hopes to inspire dialogue, foster understanding, and promote social change.

Anthony Gartmond

A native and resident of New Jersey, Anthony Gartmond displayed a gift for art, particularly pencil drawing, at a very early age. What began as simple stick figures quickly grew to complex cartoon characters and, later, portraits of his schoolmates. His talent was admired by his classmates, relatives and others, but sidelined his passion for a 30-year career in law. Anthony earned his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers Law School. Following retirement from his legal career after nearly 30 years, Anthony returned to art as a full-time endeavor in 2014. He enrolled in a drawing class at the Arts Council of Princeton to once again sharpen his natural talent. This experience, combined with the old-fashioned perseverance that followed, provided a springboard for the production of nearly 300 finished art pieces, while also enabling Anthony to make the skill of creating hyper-realistic pencil images his own. Anthony has had a burgeoning art career ever since. His graphite pencil art pieces have been successfully exhibited at WBGO Jazz 88.3 in Newark, NJ, Astah's Fine Art Gallery in Maplewood, NJ, Moody Jones Gallery in the Philadelphia, PA metro area. His art has also appeared as part of the renowned Philadelphia October Gallery, as well as other well-known art shows.

Antoinette Ellis-Williams

Dr. Antoinette Ellis-Williams, an esteemed professor and artist based in New Jersey, creates vibrant, abstract art exploring the narratives of Blackness in the United States and the diaspora. Her work, praised for its innovation, reflects her commitment to storytelling and advocacy. Antoinette, a multi-disciplinary artist, employs mixed media abstract collaging, layering, and recycling to create kaleidoscopic pieces that delve into themes of rage, pain, joy, and agency. Her art has been featured in prestigious venues globally, including Newark Airport Terminal A and the Jazz Gallery NYC. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Ellis-Williams is a playwright, actor, and scholar. Her one-woman play "Scarf Diaries" received acclaim, winning Best Play. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy & Urban and Regional Planning from Cornell University and teaches courses on Black Womanhood and Diversity & Difference at New Jersey City University. As a member of Womb of Violet, Ellis-Williams contributes to projects honoring contemporary Black women writers and artists. An active public speaker and advocate, she uses her art and scholarship to spark conversations, transform communities, and empower people. Antoinette is deeply committed to amplifying marginalized voices and challenging injustice through her creative expression.

BAi

Carl Karni-Bain, also known as "BAi," originates from San Francisco, California. Making a career shift from successful IT consulting in 2013, he decided to pursue his lifelong passion for art and moved to New York City in 2013. BAi has solidified his position as a distinguished abstract-expressionist with more than 25 years of experience. BAi's artwork has been showcased in several exhibitions and found in a multitude of private collections worldwide. His distinctive style has attracted commissions from notable authors, playwrights, and corporations. BAi is recognized as one of Harlem's top 10 artists and ranks among the top 50 in New York City. Notably, his creations are in the permanent collections of the University of North Carolina in Charlotte and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture in Roanoke, Virginia. He has exhibited extensively in the San Francisco Bay Area, North Carolina, and New York.

Ben Jones

Ben Jones, born in New Jersey in 1941, is an artist whose focus has always been on spirituality, culture, and politics. He earned his BFA from William Paterson University (Wayne, NJ), MFA from Pratt University (Brooklyn, NY), and MA from New York University (New York, NY). Jones has made over fifty cultural exchange visits to Cuba since the 1970s, earning recognition from Granma International of Havana, Cuba, as one of the most important African-American artists of his generation. For over four decades, Jones’ multimedia installations have reflected his travels and research across Africa, Europe, South America, the United States, and the Caribbean. His works are characterized by brilliant rhythmic colors, abstract motifs, dense symmetrically designed compositions, and symbols that blend classical African art and culture with the African Diaspora experience. Jones' artistic journey began with a political consciousness, expressing the social conditions of his time through art as a form of activism. His pieces from the 1970s onwards reflect his exploration of African American heritage, encompassing African spiritualism, ritual, body painting traditions, as well as jazz and soul music. While rooted in the Black Power and Black Arts movements, Jones' work has evolved to address broader concerns such as environmental sustainability and the interconnectedness of all life forms. His political and cultural involvement takes a global perspective, aiming for inclusivity and unity. Jones once stated, “I want my work to be for everyone. Once we realize that we are not only one world, but a part of an expanding universe, we begin to express the joy of creation and a love for all people.” Jones’ works of art are housed in prestigious permanent collections across institutions such as the Studio Museum in Harlem, Schomburg Center, New Jersey State Museum, Montclair Art Museum, Newark Art Museum, Driskell Center, Paterson Museum, Zimmerli Museum, and Jersey City Museum.

Briana McNeil

Briana is an abstract artist working in Montclair, New Jersey. "Affectation" is her introductory series without a classical education in the studio arts, thus its apt, yet vulnerable title. In 2020, she became intrigued with the capsule shape prevalent in the series and its multiform ability on the two-dimensional plane. Each composition communicates resource and substance despite limits or restriction while supporting their individual subjects. Her use of black and white, textured medium not only extends this message, but amplifies its expression. ​

Bryan Collier

Born in Pocomoke, Maryland, Bryan Collier’s interest in art started very early inspired by “The Snow Day” by Ezra Jack Keats and “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson. He began to develop a unique style of painting that incorporated both watercolors and collage. He says, “Collage is more than just an art style. Collage is all about bringing different elements together. Once you form a sensibility about connection, how different elements relate to each other, you deepen your understanding of yourself and others.” Bryan’s art has been displayed in the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. and he was awarded a scholarship to Pratt Institute in NYC where he graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Today Bryan spends his time working on his book illustrations, creating his fine art pieces, and talking with teachers, librarians and students about books and art.

Cassandra Martin

Cassandra Martin is a lifelong artist dedicated to commemorating ancestors, both known and unknown, through her work. Her pieces symbolize African/African American cultural, religious, and spiritual themes, utilizing mixed media, textiles, and found objects. With a background in education, Cassandra holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University. She formerly taught Sociology/Urban Sociology, Social Justice, and Cultural and Linguistic Competency in Patient-Centered Care at Rutgers University, Kean University, and Bloomfield College. A resident of New Jersey her entire life, Cassandra grew up in Montclair and currently resides in East Orange.

Daniel Jenkins

New Jersey-based artist Daniel Jenkins creates artwork that combines figure work and abstraction. He purposely merges opposites, producing a unique and distinct style he consistently delivers. Shortly after finishing art school, Daniel began experiencing vision problems. After multiple tests and doctor visits, he found out he had a brain tumor that was causing him to go blind slowly. Following a successful brain surgery, the tumor was removed, and Daniel’s eyesight was fully restored. Taking this as a sign not to neglect his talents, Daniel set out to create one whole piece of art every day for an entire year. This endeavor led him to merge his classically trained figurative work with his life experiences and love for abstraction.

Danielle Scott

Danielle Scott is a mixed-media assemblage artist from Jersey City, NJ. Her artwork is a powerful expression of politically and socially charged messaging. In 2021, she was honored with the Artist of the Year award from ESKFF, the Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation Artist Residency Program in Mana Contemporary. Danielle Scott gained further recognition when she was featured in Essence Magazine's 2021 edition as one of the top LGBTQ artists to watch. Her pieces have been acquired by prestigious institutions such as, The Newark Museum of Art in 2021, as well as by notable figures like Roxanne Gay, a New York Times best-selling author, and The Weissman Family Collection. Danielle Scott has begun to use her art as a conduit to explore bold, fearless, and thought-provoking topics, drawing inspiration largely from her own journey and life experiences. Her creative process involves utilizing various mediums, including photo montages, found objects, paint, raw materials, old books, and collage. From vivid paintings to piercing photography to striking sculptures, all of Danielle’s artistic offerings aim to captivate the viewer, transporting them into a realm rooted in truth. Her inspiration springs from a journey that spans her Cuban heritage to explorations in the American South, where the weight of historic segregation resonates distinctly from the dynamics she encounters in Jersey City.

Danny Campbell

Dr. Danny B. Campbell is a native of Dumas, Arkansas. He attended and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, majoring in visual arts and art education. After graduation, he was commissioned as a Transportation Planning and Logistics officer. In the fall of the year, he enrolled at Howard University to earn his MFA. After earning his MFA degree, he earned a master’s degree in secondary education from Charleston Southern University and a doctoral degree from Walden University. He began his professional teaching career working with high school students at Tri-Cities High School, home of the Fulton County Schools Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program. He remained there for nearly two decades until he asked to return to his alma mater, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). After a few years of tenure, he led the Department of Art and Design for seven years as the chairperson. He would finally serve as the Interim Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, serving 11 departments and the largest university student population. After serving over 32 years as a teacher, professor, and administrator in public, private, college, and university academic settings, he returned to Atlanta to work as a full-time artist. His works are in numerous collections and exhibited in many museums and galleries in the US and abroad. He is married to Staphea Hicks-Campbell, and they have two children, Christian and Faith Campbell.

Demetric Denmark

Demetric Denmark, born in Winter Haven, Florida, first discovered his talent for art at Winter Haven High School, where it was recognized and nurtured. He attended Kansas State University, where he deepened his art studies and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1997. He attributes his inspiration to his grandfather, well-known artist James Denmark, and his own children. Denmark's collages, paintings, and portraits were showcased at the 2004-2005 National Black Fine Art Show in New York and various exhibitions in the Washington, DC area. Currently residing and working in Florida, he continues to explore mixed media, incorporating fabric, cut-out collage elements, and highly textured paint into his artistic endeavors.

Earlene Hardie Cox

Earlene Hardie Cox is a lawyer and former IBM executive. From 1996 until she retired in 2001, she headed the firm’s international tax group. Since 2008, Earlene has advocated using clay art as therapy to combat Alzheimer’s. Through her affiliation with the Westchester (NY) County Chapter of The Links, Inc., she created a clay art program for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients at the Wartburg Nursing Home in Mount Vernon. NY, a program for which she received recognition by the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association as an Alzheimer’s Champion. Earlene is a juried artist at the Clay Art Center in Port Chester (CAC), NY where she serves as a board director.

Emmett Wigglesworth

Muralist, painter, sculptor, fabric designer, and poet, Emmett Wigglesworth was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he attended the College of Art and later enlisted in military service. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corp. in 1957 and has resided in New York since 1958. Mr. Wigglesworth has designed and illustrated several books and magazines for various publishing companies including Harper and Row, McGraw Hill, Macmillan Press, American Books, and Sesame Street magazine. He's combined his poetry and printmaking, produced a documentary on "Aging," and designed the covers for two volumes of the Journal of Black Poetry. He taught art at the New Muse in Brooklyn, the J.O.I.N. Center, the Children's Art Carnival, and the Harlem Parents Association in Manhattan. He was also an instructor for several special programs for the Board of Education, where he taught academics through art. Mr. Wigglesworth participated in the Civil Rights movement starting in 1959 and in the early '60's taught art at the CORE Freedom School in Selma, Alabama. During that time he wrote and directed two plays for the CORE Freedom Theater in San Francisco. In 1968 he designed the interior and exterior of the Bedford Stuyvesant Theater in Brooklyn. He also designed costumes and stage sets for the Black Spectrum Theater in Queens, N.Y. His work has been exhibited in Ghana and throughout the U.S. and his mural commissions include: private homes, P.S. 181 in Brooklyn, the New York Cultural Council, Metropolitan Transit Authority, Kings County Hospital, Abyssinian Development Corporation and the Brooklyn Children's Center and eleven murals for the Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation and Urban Resource Institute (ARTC-URI). Emmett Wigglesworth is a member of the National Conference of Artists, the Weusi Artists N.Y.C., the Association of Caribbean and American Artists, AAA Artists and Cross Sections, as well as the Fulton Art Fair Artists.

Floyd Strickland

Floyd Strickland, a versatile artist based in Los Angeles, CA, offers a reflective and critical exploration of American culture, particularly through the perspectives of Black and brown children. Inspired by his childhood environment, Strickland employs realistic figures that intertwine with aspects of American cultural imagery, resulting in ethereal and figurative paintings. His artistic journey is a testament to the distinctiveness of his work. Having previously engaged in building and renovating elementary schools nationwide, he observed a troubling lack of confidence in many Black and brown children—a struggle he experienced during his upbringing. To address this issue, Strickland embarked on a mission to create large-scale figurative oil paintings depicting these children's beauty, strength, and untapped potential. Strickland's own children often serve as focal points in his artwork, reflecting his deep care and emotional connection to them. He strives to portray them as larger-than-life figures, conveying his immense love for them. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Strickland continues to pursue his artistic endeavors, crafting pieces that challenge and inspire viewers to reconsider preconceptions about race, identity, and the human experience. Throughout his career, Strickland has showcased his art in a variety of solo and group exhibitions, including "Super Rich Kids" and "The World is Yours" at ThinkSpace Projects and Art Angels in Los Angeles, CA. Notable group exhibitions at Detour Gallery in New York, the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam and many more. Strickland's exhibitions span internationally and locally, reflecting his commitment to exploring themes of identity, culture, and social justice through his artwork.

Gerald Byrd

Gerald Byrd's work is a dynamic dialogue between history and lived experience-a visual narrative that bridges the traditions of old world painting with the contemporary struggles and triumphs of Black America. Born in the post-integration Deep South and raised in the resilient confines of a governmental housing project, Byrd's artistic journey is deeply rooted in his personal history. Weekends spent at his grandmother's house-a rural slave cabin surrounded by fields of wildflowers and butterflies, without the modern convenience of running water-imbued him with a profound connection to his ancestral past. This juxtaposition of beauty and hardship informs his powerful, meticulously rendered images.
Byrd reimagines Black bodies and historical figures through classical techniques, inviting viewers to explore a layered past that is as rich with sorrow as it is with the strength and vitality of a people who have overcome immense adversity. His canvases echo the complexity of Black life, capturing moments of quiet dignity, communal resilience, and unyielding joy.
Byrd's art is inseparable from his lifelong commitment to his community. Serving as an alderman for twenty years and founding a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the arts to underserved neighborhoods, he embodies the intersection of artistic vision and civic responsibility. Each brushstroke in his work serves as an act of reclamation-restoring forgotten narratives, affirming identity, and challenging traditional portrayals of Black history. In doing so, Byrd not only pays homage to the resilience of his forebears but also inspires a renewed dialogue about empowerment, representation, and the transformative power of art in the struggle for social justice.

Glenda Jones

Every picture tells the story of someone’s life and their culture. Her lens is the recorder of culture and specifically that of women and children around the world with a particular focus on Africa due to its tremendous diversity. Glenda, a graduate of Central State University, is a nationally recognized photographer who first became interested in the field as a child. She pursued her photography more seriously in 1999 with the introduction of digital photography and computer technology support. The advent of digital photography linked her personal and professional life – her profession focused on technology specifically fiber optics. Once this connection was made, she leveraged the two passions to create spectacular, passionate images. She is a member of the Bronx Photographic Society, attended the Nikon School of Photography and the New School for Photography. She has had numerous exhibits, at locations such as, the Cornell Weill Library and Alcatel-Lucent HQ., the Montclair Women’s Club, AC-BAW Cultural Center, Art in the Atrium in Morristown, NJ exhibitions in 2011 and 2013. Her work is currently part of the permanent Mahogany Exhibition in the Mural Pavilion of Harlem Hospital. In 2012, 2015, 2016 2021 and 2022 Glenda was afforded the opportunity to travel to the OMO Valley of Ethiopia. The works emanating from these trips showcase some of the oldest, indigenous African groups on the continent. There are very few photographs of our people prior to their being transported into slavery. Glenda believes the way of life of the people of the OMO Valley represents how our ancestors lived prior to slavery, and that is why she wants to capture them before modern life takes over. Her subjects engage in the tasks associated with rituals related to family, community and self-preservation. What we learn from these beautiful images is the joy of life and living every day to its fullest. The OMO Valley photos are part of her ongoing collection entitled THE AFRICA I SEE. In addition to her Africa work, Glenda is currently photographing our Military Heroes. She works with the NY Chapter of the Montford Point Marines and the NY original Tuskegee Airmen to capture them in their sunshine years. Throughout Glenda’s photographic career, she has pursued her desire to make sure we have a photographic record of the phenomenal people who have crossed her path as they pursued their life’s dreams and have been successful in this endeavor.

Heather Williams

Heather Williams is a sculptor, painter, film maker, mother and wife. She was born in St. Croix, raised in Brooklyn, NY and currently resides in Jersey City, NJ. She completed her Masters in Fine Arts at The School of Visual Arts in New York and is a recipient of the Paula Rhodes memorial award for exceptional achievement in MFA Art Practice. Her short film, Safe Passage was awarded honorable mention at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. With a background in Art Therapy and a Montessori Primary certification she has been teaching art and running workshops for a wide range of students and participants for over ten years. She is currently a resident artist on Governor’s Island with Artcrawl Harlem which will be followed up with a fellowship at Gallery Aferro in Newark, NJ.

Jerome China

New Jersey based sculptor Jerome China was born in Richmond, Virginia and is best known for his abstract metal sculptures made from rusted and discarded scrap metal, automobile gears and other industrial detritus. The pieces are a fusion of found metal, impulsive ideation and life context. At times his work is inspired by external context, and other times, by the innate story he interprets from the metal object. Jerome started his career in 2012 and received his early training as the first artist in residence at All Iron Works commercial welding and fabrication shop currently located in Hoboken, NJ. In addition, he studied with blacksmith Paul Januz at Gravity Line Forge. These residence experiences provided a balanced foundation in welding, Blacksmithing and metallurgy. He has lived in New York, Bermuda and Virginia and currently resides in Jersey City, NJ.

Jimmy James Greene

Jimmy James Greene is a well known artist and educator. Since his childhood in Xenia, Ohio, Jimmy James has shown exceptional artistic ability. Jimmy James has shared “I think in pictures usually; I’m just wired that way…That’s why I create, it flows through me.” After apprenticing with acclaimed afro-centric muralist, Jon Onye Lockhard, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Greene graduated from The Rhode Island School of Design and also earned his Master’s degree. For the past 25 years, his work has explored the communal expressions of the African Diaspora in general and the African American experience in particular. Jimmy James’ work has been shown in over 30 solo exhibitions and innumerable group showings. As a commercial artist, he has theater posters, CD covers, newspaper, magazine and book cover illustrations to his credit. One of his well known public works is The Children's Cathedral mural commissioned by the NY Transit Authority located at Utica Avenue Subway Station in Brooklyn, NY. Another public commission was for a mural in the Herbert Von King Park amphitheater in Bed-Stuy. He has gone on to become an accomplished painter, collagist, draftsman and designer.

Kalan Mikeal

Kalan is a professional artist whose creative journey began in his father’s home studio, where he first discovered his passion for art. Inspired by his father’s work, he embraced painting at a young age, starting with wet-on-wet Alla Prima oil techniques. Over the years, Kalan’s artistic focus evolved from portraits to include landscapes, figurative works, non-representational art, and even fantasy and horror styles. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to growth, Kalan constantly pushes his creative boundaries, exploring new techniques and approaches. His diverse body of work captures the essence of his subjects in evocative portraits, transports viewers through vivid landscapes, and crafts powerful emotional narratives in his non-representational pieces. Each creation reflects his deep respect for the old masters, blending classical techniques with a modern, innovative touch. Kalan’s art is a testament to the transformative power of expression, showcasing the limitless possibilities of a lifelong dedication to exploration, storytelling, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Kyle Adams

Kyle Olani Adams is a 23-year-old visual artist and creative director from Plainfield, New Jersey, known for his dynamic and multifaceted approach to creativity. After graduating from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies and Production in 2023, Kyle used both his media studies and production degree along with his gift as a visual artist to establish himself as an emerging talent within the creative community. Kyle’s work primarily revolves around bold and emotionally charged charcoal drawings on paper, exploring themes of identity, culture, and the human experience. His distinctive style, marked by intricate details and a masterful play of light and shadow, has garnered the attention of art collectors and institutions around the world. His growing body of work has not only cemented his reputation as a skilled draftsman but also sparked conversations around contemporary Black narratives and social commentary. Recently, Kyle hosted his first professional solo exhibition in Manhattan, NY titled Dreams and Reality. This milestone marked a significant moment in his career, showcasing his exploration of the interplay between aspiration and lived experiences through his powerful charcoal works and immersive experience. The exhibition highlighted his growth as a solo artist and creative director and introduced his vision to the world for the first time officially as a professional artist. In collaboration with his father, Alonzo Adams—a renowned figurative artist —Kyle has exhibited his work as part of their "Legacy Tour." This tour has taken them to venues such as the Richard Beavers Gallery in Soho, Detour Gallery in Chelsea, and Rockland Center of the Arts, where their work was featured in the “Charles White Influences” exhibition. The Legacy Tour serves as both a creative partnership and an intergenerational dialogue between father and son, blending Alonzo’s mastery of figurative oil painting with Kyle’s exploration of identity through his signature charcoal works. Aside from his visual art practice, Kyle’s reputation as a "renaissance man" stems from his efforts in combining creativity with entrepreneurship. As the founder and creative director of ‘Be the Renaissance,’ Kyle leads a range of projects that intersect art, media production, and community development. His vision includes creating opportunities for rising artists and entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds, providing platforms and opportunities for others. Kyle's dedication to both his craft and his community is reflected in his approach to mentorship and collaboration, actively seeking ways to empower the next generation of creatives. His artistry, combined with his passion for uplifting others, continues to leave a mark, both in his hometown of Plainfield and beyond.

Kylie Krabbe

As a conscious act of resistance against what I have seen and experienced as an epidemic of erasure and diminishment hurled at African American women and girls, my art is my remedy, an oasis and a means of redirection. Defined by a maximalist view on color that takes up space and emotion, these paintings and collages, as portraits and people-scapes, they are an imagined wish for the better parts of what currently is, what has been and what might be created in the future. In this way, my work is a universe of MORE for it’s subjects - to illuminate, clarify, and beautify a landscape of survival through both hidden and unhidden terrors with wonder as a therapy and a physical path against any fog and all of the storms along the way. In this sense, my art is a weapon. As an African American woman and mother of two African American girls, my work often features them or ideas of us as a physical representation to resist, reframe and reconfigure the pretty cages and the tiny boxes that would misidentify, capture and harm those exactly like us, or not so far removed. Rather than accept the idea that anyone should become a ghost, a mouse, or a misreflection (i.e. an incomplete reflection of themselves) to fit into the more “popular” and “best” spaces, this art is a retelling and a call to take back whatever was given or abandoned of ourselves before we knew better. Through painting and elements of collage, it is a decision to fully exist because we can, we deserve, and we should - bursting out rather than in, larger rather than smaller -turning away from being herded into confined spaces or ancillary places that would relegate it’s people to the sides rather than the center of the big picture, the big scheme or the main frame. In keeping with the idea of taking things back and organically returning to where we naturally fit, my most recent work has some coded nature-adjacent shorthand that is still evolving and transforming. Currently, it is this: Fruit is for growth, Fish and Shells are for expansion and finding different paths Bubbles are for freedom from fear despite the fire, and Gold and glitter is for hidden subterranean worth.

Leila Rose Fanner

Leila Rose Fanner is a painter and illustrator. Born to a South African artist and an African American musician, she was raised in South Africa and currently works from her studio close to Cape Town. In her work, Leila is “depicting the gentle, natural feminine presence, the spirit of Mother Nature or the essence and potential of the Soul” as she states it. Leila’s subject matter explores the symbolic language of dreams and the subconscious landscape of emotions from a very personal, distinctly feminine perspective. Through her art, she unfolds a story about the soul's journey within the material world, often referencing African flora and fauna, fabric patterns and folklore.

Mason Archie

Mason Archie is considered one of the foremost contemporary oil painters of his generation, often working in the traditional old master style of painting, reminiscent of a 19th-century painter. Best known for his landscapes, Archie’s work blends impressionism and realism with a more vibrant and contemporary palate. These picturesque landscapes capture nature's serene, luminous quality at the edges of daylight. Archie’s enchanting images encourage viewers to think about this “brilliant light,” the way it glows, its warmth, and its reflection. Archie’s ability to combine traditional and realistic styles creates artworks that feel natural to the viewer yet depict critical aspects of African American history. Mason transitioned into becoming a full-time fine artist in 2005, quickly gaining recognition for his mastery of traditional realism. Using quality materials and drawing on techniques learned from studying the old masters, he became a luminary in the art world.  Born and raised in Dayton, OH, Archie’s natural talent for art emerged early as local teachers recognized his considerable talents and put him to work drawing diagrams for class or painting backdrops for school plays. Acceptance into a prestigious high school, Patterson Co-Op, catapulting him into success in pictorial art and outdoor advertising. After graduating, Archie began working full-time for Lamar Outdoor Advertising Company, eventually becoming the youngest art director the company would have. Archie also started his own small commercial sign company and specialized in graphic design. He later founded Kindred Spirits, an inclusive space where disenfranchised youth could create, learn computer graphics, gain financial literacy, and access art education and exposure. Mason Archie’s exploration into African American history has influenced some of his work, including the Quilt Code, Underground Railroad and Inkwell series. For example, his Quilt Code series showcases how quilts were used as mnemonic devices for guiding enslaved people to freedom along the Underground Railroad. It has been documented that ​​a safe house along the Underground Railroad was often indicated by a quilt hanging from a clothesline or windowsill with embedded code to warn of immediate dangers or where to head next. Mason’s works of art have been exhibited at esteemed venues, such as The Schuster Art Center, The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, The Indiana State Museum, The Haan Museum, The Charles H. Wright Museum, The David C. Driskell Center, The Indianapolis Art Center, The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, the Herron Galleries, and The National African American Museum Cultural Center. Among his numerous accolades, Mason was featured in The International Review of African American Art, American Art Collector, American Lifestyle Magazine, Black Art in America, and The American Art Review.  Mason is the recipient of the 2007 Creative Renewal Fellowship from The Art Council of Indianapolis/Lilly Endowment and the 2020 DeHaan Artist of Distinction Award. His consistent recognition in prestigious competitions, including a perennial award winner from 2007 – 2009 and 2023 in the Hoosier Salon’s Annual Juried Exhibit, in addition to, Artist of Distinction Award in the Indiana Artist Club Members Exhibit which are two of the oldest competitions in the country. Mason’s most recent awards include the 2023 Haan Museum "Generations" Invitational Best of Show Award and the 2024 Hoosier Art Salon, and Clowes Collaborative Best of Show Award. Mason's works are in corporate and institutional collections, including The Indiana State Museum, The Richmond Art Museum, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American Art, Nationwide Corporation, Wells Fargo, Lilly Endowment, Elanco (a Division of Eli Lilly), Eskenazi Health, and Community South Hospital. His artwork is also in private collections of corporate, executives and celebrities across the country.

Melanie McAllister

Melanie has had a lifelong avidity for drawing. The High Point, NC native studied psychology in college, but never strayed from art. Her passion was fully unleashed when she relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2015. Immersed in an area with great appreciation and opportunities for creatives, her art flourished as she was embraced by the art community and participated in prominent exhibits. Melanie returned to NC in 2019, family in tow, and pursued a Fine Arts degree. Her preferred media are oil and acrylic, creating landscapes and abstracts. The butterfly, a recurring theme in her art, symbolizes her late father, beauty, enlightenment, and evolution.

O'Neil Scott

O'Neil Scott is a Pennsylvania based representational oil painter. Captivated by portraiture and its capacity to impart complexities that comprise the human condition his work is designed to give a voice to marginalized communities. His paintings convey contemporary subject matter and look to give the viewer a way to understand and relate across social boundaries. He had his third solo show in 2022 and has been in numerous publications including Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, American Art Collector Magazine, and Artist Magazine. His work is in private collections across the United States and Internationally. He currently has a solo exhibition planed for Villanova University in 2023 and a Solo Museum Exhibition at the Zillman Art Museum in 2025.

Papa Tall

Papa Tall is a fine artist whose work fuses the past with the future and the traditional with the contemporary. His art is characterized by intense colors, keen graphic sensibility, and a balance of symmetrical and transformative elements. Inspired by his studies in Senegal, Tall incorporates aspects of the past to look forward in his art. His work centers around the symbolism of masks, representing serenity, initiation, protection, and connection to nature. Papa Tall aims to convey the stories told by the masks to the viewer. His art is about creating balance, spirituality, and elevation, drawing inspiration from nature. Through meditation and prayer, he strives to stay connected to the world and bring happiness to those who view his work. The colors he uses represent the spirit and the essence of life.

Paul Goodnight

Paul Goodnight was born In Chicago, Illinois on December 31, 1946. He was raised in Roxbury, Massachusetts and New London, Connecticut. After serving in the Vietnam War, Goodnight returned to Boston and pursued a career as an artist. He received his B.F.A. and an honorary M.F.A. from the Massachusetts College of Art. Paul's learning continued under the tutelage of Paul Rahilly, John Biggers, Chuck Stigliano. Goodnight's work has also been featured in films such as Ghost, The Preachers Wife, and Gone Baby Gone, among others, and on many television programs including Seinfeld and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, which collectively propelled his work into the mainstream market. But equally important, Paul's work has been used to raise in excess of $75,000 for the Andre Agassi Foundation and Charter School. Bishop Desmond Tutu, Lionel Richie, Maya Angelou, Samuel L. Jackson, Wesley Snipes, Morgan Freeman, Ed Gordon, Steve Harvey, Illyassa Shabazz, daughter of the late Malcolm X are a few of his notable collectors. His work has been published in Upscale Magazine, Ebony, Architectural Digest, Essence, People, Miami Design, Decor and 100 Boston Painters.

Philip Robinson

PHILIP A. ROBINSON JR. is an award-winning multi-media sculptor, conceptual artist and educator, who uses wood to symbolize temporality within natural cycles of time and geography to amplify the narrative of identity within popular and marginalized cultures. Through thoughtful selection of materials and the science of dendrochronology - as a protocol for historic markers for environmental changes through time - his work accentuates aesthetic and historic patterns between self and the world, with socio-political undertones. These undertones are shaped by influences from a Cherokee and African American mother and a Trinidadian and British father against the backdrop of the 1980s neo-conceptual art and installation practices and a climate of laissez-faire capitalism and technological advances. Robinson’s ongoing exploration of identity raises questions: Who controls culture? How does history shape the importance of culture? How does historic culture become appropriated into popular culture? How is culture sustained and influenced by ‘others’? How does the relationship between hegemonic and marginalized cultures influence value? Do these distinct values create a schism in subjective and objective definitions of self? Robinson’s work affirms the vital connection between the foundation of one’s identity and the necessity for corrective historical discourse to avoid becoming extinct. Robinson is a bi-coastal artist who received his BFA in Studio Art from Skidmore College and his MFA in Sculpture from Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers. He currently resides in Portland, Oregon.

Philip Smallwood

Philip Smallwood, predominantly a self-taught artist, draws inspiration from his intrinsic observations. Philip’s ability to create his own style to help represent the struggles of individuals, especially those within marginalized communities, is especially powerful. His artistic vision is distinct, deliberate, and intentional, resulting in highly detailed and finely finished pieces. Renowned for his signature watercolor paintings, titled 'Lifescapes,' Smallwood portrays subjects within their natural environments, forging a profound emotional connection between the viewer and the depicted individuals. His work focuses on ordinary individuals and their stories. Smallwood explains, “I find viewers making diverse connections to my subjects as they reflect on their own life journeys. I take pleasure in portraying emotions that capture the innocence of youth and the wisdom of the elderly, often centering my attention on these age demographics for this very reason.” Through meticulous attention to detail and compelling composition, Smallwood's paintings breathe life into their surroundings, transporting viewers to unfamiliar yet deeply meaningful places. Influenced by his older brother, Smallwood's artistic journey has spanned the country and overseas, endowing overlooked subjects with dignity and grace. His skillful use of watercolor has earned accolades from prestigious art societies and organizations worldwide, capturing the hopes, desires, and dilemmas of humanity through his masterful brushstrokes. His paintings have been featured in numerous venues, including the Carol Craven Gallery in Martha’s Vineyard, the Bryant Gallery in New Orleans, and the Carolina Gallery in Charleston, among many others. Alongside his many artistic achievements, Philip Smallwood continues to work towards greater African American representation in the art world. He seeks to provide avenues through which African-American artists can have greater access and opportunities when pursuing a career in art. Ben Jones

Sandra White

Sandra White was nearly 60 years old before she picked up a pencil and attempted to draw anything. Her extensive travels, along with family heritage have also been influential in her works. Her travels to Spain, Morocco, South America, Belize, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Europe and the Caribbean have inspired love of exotic foods and colorful art. The artistic spirit was already inside her just waiting for a catalyst when she was handed her first piece of charcoal and encouraged to ”just try it”. Suddenly family and friends were seeing another Sandra, with an amazing hidden talent and infinite potential. “You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” - C.S. Lewis. She developed a passion for portraiture and landscapes. She grew from drawing stick figures at the Met to wrapping her head around tone, values, and hues, creating impressive charcoal portraits. As she gained confidence, she grew curious about color and how she could use pastels and acrylic to express her creativity. Sandra has studied at The Art Students League, Salmagundi Galleries, and Monmouth County Arts Alliance. Sandra’s impressive collection includes charcoal, pastels and acrylic paintings. Her work hovers somewhere between pure abstraction and realistic landscape, merging the literal and symbolic. Her portraits speak to the viewer as expressions of humanity and emotion splash across the paper. Looking at the world now through an artist’s eyes, Sandra is inspired by nature’s beauty and the human spirit. Her abstract painting series, “The Community Garden'', is inspired by her love for urban gardens, wildflowers, stones, and pathways. This year, Sandra’s pop-art portrait series is featured with vibrant colors and shapes in each portrait.

Stanley Cadet

Stanley Cadet is a portrait photographer based in the New York City Metro area. His portfolio primarily comprises commercial and editorial assignments, focusing on portraits and lifestyle imagery. He has collaborated on projects with organizations such as, Touro College School of Pharmacy, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and Adelphi University School of Liberal Arts, among others. Initially self-taught in photography, Stanley pursued further education by completing a Master’s degree in Digital Photography at the School of Visual Arts. He was honored with a Mahogany Exhibit Award from Generations/Northern Manhattan Health Network for his contributions to art displayed at Harlem Hospital. In 2015, Stanley was also recognized as a Create Change Fellow by the Laundromat Project. Stanley views his art as a form of communication, expression, and solace, intertwined with his activism and identity. He uses his talents to convey messages, effect change, and deliver educational lessons. Purposefully crafting images that evoke remembrance, inquiry, pride, and connection, Stanley's work reflects the significance of his cultural heritage during his formative years. He believes in the inherent perfection of the natural world and feels honored to interpret the surrounding world through his artistic gifts.

Susan Ragland

Susan Jarvis Ragland is a self-taught artist interested in all things Black, funky and 70s. Those elements, along with dance and old-school music, influence the way she paints. Even as subjects perform mundane activities like grocery shopping or jumping rope, Susan wants the viewer to feel the beat. Her paintings deliberately use a kaleidoscope of bright colors to center Black joy and exhilaration. In each painting, patterns, shapes and colors mix to display warmth, rhythm and whimsicality. Susan shared “the funk and soul cannot be contained, so bodies and hair explode with exuberant energy. [My] work of art should always emit light and a zest for life.” Susan has had a 30-year career creating and selling art largely outside of the conventional art circuits. Her artwork has made its mark through exclusive showcases and enthusiastic recommendations, earning a permanent place in the esteemed collections of prominent art enthusiasts across the United States. Her art also has an enduring presence on ABC’s ‘The View’, in the collections of professional athletes, and esteemed universities like George Washington and Temple.

Taiwo DuVall

Weusi Artist Collective co-founder Taiwo DuVall, author and book illustrator/designer, educator and folklorist, and musician, was born in Washington, D.C. A self-taught artist, he started painting at only 4 years old. As a young man, he left D.C. for Harlem, attended many schools, including CCNY, and eventually graduated from New York’s Pan American School of Art. His gift from God turned into lifelong work that culminated in graphics-related managing positions in the corporate world and receiving a citation from Governor William Donald Schaefer. Taiwo was cited for his “high integrity and artistic ability.” Taiwo’s personal life influences his work, so some art represents his childhood and neighborhood. It shows versatility because he works in many mediums and paints scenes that are “representational portrayals” of those experiences transferred onto canvas, paper, or wood.

Tolu Ayorinde

Tolu Ayorinde is a Nigerian/American painter and art educator in New York City. Born in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, Tolu earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education from Obafemi Awolowo University, formerly the University of Ife in Nigeria. He also earned a Master’s degree from the City University of New York. Striving for movement and rhythm in his paintings, Tolu’s works are often motivated by scenes of nature from his travel experiences, and an insatiable interest in visual interpretations of history and folklore. In addition to working on paper, canvas and mixed-media, Tolu has explored and successfully incorporated “bold painting knife technique” to achieve texture and other effects. His paintings are adorned with intricate use of color theory, especially in his depictions of historical accounts, which is evident in his many personalized projects commissioned in his colorful abstract style. Tolu recently participated in the Sixteenth Harlem Fine Art Show at the Glass House in New York. He currently lives in Queens, New York, and is employed as a Visual Arts Instructor for the City of New York public school system.

Wilhelmina Grant- Cooper

Wilhelmina Grant-Cooper is a self-taught artist who repurposes found objects to create assemblage art. Her works of art have been showcased in solo exhibitions in New York, Texas and Alaska, and she has participated in group exhibitions throughout the east coast. As a teaching artist, she uses the arts to nurture the creativity of cancer patients, their families and staff in a healthcare setting. She also guides elder participants through art projects at senior centers. Her first book, A Feeling of Fullness: Insights of a Divinely Guided Journey Beyond Breast Cancer chronicles her nearly-missed breast cancer diagnosis in 1994 through her present-day life as an artist/author/health awareness advocate. Some collectors of her artwork include: Alice Walker, President Bill Clinton, Heath Gallery, and Hamilton Landmark Gallery. Eleven of her artworks appear in numerous episodes of Tracy Oliver’s Amazon Prime Series HARLEM as set dressing. Her website is https://sistaah.org.

William Daniels

William graduated from SUNY Empire State College, earning his B.A. in Visual Arts/Curatorial Studies and earned his Ph.D. in Art Theory, Philosophy, & Aesthetics from the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts. William is a multidisciplinary artist who works primarily in textile. His art quilts and accessories feature traditional quilt blocking and paper piecing techniques and occasionally incorporate nontraditional components. His inspiration derives from urban art practice that confront contemporary issues. He often integrates modern archetypes with historical, societal, or spiritual topics. From 2014 to the present, he has received numerous awards including both the 2019 Male Quilt Artist of the Year Award from the National African American Quilt Convention, and the Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed by the African American Quilt Museum.