BGWP Awards Fund

*A portion of every membership fee goes towards the BGWP Award Fund, as this initiative is 100% funded by the BGWP community – members and supporters. If you are interested in directly supporting the artistic pursuits of Black girls and teen painters across the globe, please consider donating and/or joining our membership! As our membership and funding grow, the number of award distributed will also increase. Let’s be the change that we wish to see and support the next generation, our little sisters in art!

Grade: 5 Location: Arlington, TX

Hey! I'm Alayjah! My favorite artistic style is pour painting. I love this style because it allows me to design a unique painting. Also, you can do so many designs that it makes it fun to learn and try to do.

Being a black girl who paints means a lot to me! Most of the painters I’ve learned about are white men. I would love to make a difference to show other 10 year olds that it’s okay to stand out in whatever you love to do. Our skin color should make us do more rather than blend in with the others.

Grade: 12 Location: Toronto, ON

Hi, I'm Isabelle! I've been an artist since kindergarten but have developed my love for painting at the beginning of high school. My favourite style to paint is semi realistic. I also enjoy painting black women and characters.

Being a black girl who paints means to be honest and unapologetic inside and outside of my craft. There Is a strong power that lingers in the space of creative black women. This power gives black women the ability to do what they love while delivering such a strong message to those who really pay attention. Painting allows me to harness this power and debunk narratives society has pushed upon us.

Grade: 4 Location: Harmony, FL

Hi! I'm Erin! I like to paint nature but in my own abstract way. I also like to paint beaches, trees, and sunsets. I hope to be a Art History major or Law major when I go to college so I want to keep painting, practicing, and working on getting better!

Being a black girl who paints means that I have a special talent. I am one of the few black people at my school, the only black girl in my grade that is also in the gifted program. Being able to paint makes me extra special. It helps me share my Jamaican culture with my class.

Grade: 12 Location: Charlotte, NC

Hey! My name is Autumn. I love to paint all kinds of things. Most of my paintings have a lot to do with black girl magic, paintings for girls my age, or about mental health. I want my art to be my job or career one day because this is my therapy and something I love to do.

Being a black girl that paints means that I can share my culture, my story, my life through my art. Every black girl has a story to tell and I tell mine through my paintings.

Grade: 12 Location: College Park, MD

Nominated by: K Simmons

"Tori has been painting since the summer of 2017. I noticed she has a real love for painting when we went to a paint party hosted by our church. From there she started painting on her own and her skills took off. Tori’s favorite subjects are African American women silhouettes, animal faces and nature scenes.

Tori is also a straight A student in a very rigorous science and technology high school. She's involved in the theater program and participates in community service projects. She's an excellent example of how multi-faceted black girls are and can exceed at whatever they put their minds to.

Tori, this award is another example of how excellent you are in everything that you do. You are smart, talented and hardworking. You can do anything you put your mind to whether it's participating in an engineering project, acting in a play, mentoring other students, or creating a work of art. Black girls are magic and I could not be more proud!" - K Simmons

Grade: 12 Location: High Point, NC

Hey! My name is Tyterrica! I love to create in my own perspective. I love creating art that tells powerful stories that my community can relate to and benefit from - the type of stories that encourage others to not let their talents/craft go to waste.

Being a black girl who paints means that I get to express my true feelings as a child of God. Being a black girl in the world is to tell myself, "I am the future, I define what pure beauty and intelligence means - a black queen who represents herself in a positive interpretation while letting others know who she is."

Age: 4 Location: Silver Spring, MD

Ma'at is a special Girls Award winner! We've watched her create amazing paintings with her mom all year long and she only recently turned 4 - making her our youngest award recipient! We love seeing young girls enthusiastic about art and creativity and also mothers who support them in their artistic desires! - BGWP

"Ma'at, known to her family and friends as 'Mighty' is naturally creative. She has had a love for art ever since she was old enough to scribble on paper. It is so amazing to watch her sharpen her artistic skills by paying close attention to the smallest details in the world around her. She absolutely loves to draw and cut out her own doll babies and their accessories. Ma'at recently finished up her first canvas series named "Hair Paintings" just in time to share for her 4th birthday! Great job!" - Mommy

Grade: 4 Location: Dallas, TX

Hello, Zoe here! I love creating abstract art the most but I'm still learning a lot. This summer, I started a college fund and have been selling my artwork and saving the money too! I want to go to college when I get older so I can make art and plan for dreams at the same time!

Being a black girl who paints means that I can express myself and be creative and paint what I enjoy. I like what I do! When I work hard and try my best, I become a better artist. I really can do anything I put my mind to.

Great news! Gamblin Artists Colors created two batches of Limited Edition 'Equality Orange' as a response to social injustice. Within a matter of days, every tube of Equality Orange made (1,090 in all) was purchased, raising $14,715. 100% of what was spent on this color was invested in non-profit organizations that fight for equality and justice. Gamblin Artists Colors also contributed along with other patrons, increasing the total amount raised to $21,000. An additional donation of $1,000 plus $1,000 worth of oil painting materials were donated to the BGWP Awards Fund!

*A portion of every membership fee goes towards the BGWP Award Fund, as this initiative is 100% funded by the BGWP community – members and supporters. If you are interested in directly supporting the artistic pursuits of Black girls and teen painters across the globe, please consider donating and/or joining our membership! As our membership and funding grow, the number of awards distributed will also increase. Let’s be the change that we wish to see and support the next generation, our little sisters in art!