crylic paint ed by his t is an ocial justice lawyer by day, and an artist by night, Akil Roper believes that art is a powerful form of communication, one that can create bonds and stimulate social change. These beliefs are infused in his colorful, powerful representational works.
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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.
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A klyn, 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.
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Anthony Boone, a longtime freight train conductor, began his art career in 2005 after attending art shows and experiencing an organic connection to the creative process. Drawing further inspiration from his parents, Boone had an epiphany when his neighbor, art professor Max Adams, shared an insight which remains his mantra to this day: There are no rules in painting. Boone, a mixed media artist, sculptor and designer summarizes his process as follows: “I use all kinds of materials ranging from paint, wood, dirt, or whatever feels right. I layer them on and then I move the canvas, go away, and let everything gel naturally… What is ultimately there is a combination of me and the actual painting itself.”
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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 hyperrealistic 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. Shop The Gallery
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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.
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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.
focus has always FA from William ity (Brooklyn, ones has made s, 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.
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A lifelong New Jerseyan, Beverly has had an uncontrollable desire to create since childhood. Her formal training began in the late 1960s at Fisk University where she majored in English, but found it impossible to stay out of the art department. There, under the tutelage of renowned painter David Driscoll and sculptor Martin Puryear, she learned principles of design and color theory. After graduating from college, Beverly raised two children, and worked in structured jobs. However, years later, she was inspired to re-ignite her irrepressible passion for art while listening to the book, “Women Who Run With The Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype”, by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.
Beverly finds working with collage, assemblage and fiber most self-fulfilling. She’s studied collage with artist Jonathan Talbot, and was greatly inspired by conversations with Benny Andrews. She has exhibited throughout the Tristate area extensively, and recently concluded a successful solo exhibit in New Orleans.
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Bola Obatuyi was born in September 1992 in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria. She obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Fine Arts from Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, Nigeria in 2015/2017. Bola combines fabric and acrylic/oil paint to create a rich representation of the gentleness and the gift of femininity. Her work intercepts body positivity, sisterhood and defiance towards socially constructed notions around what it means to be female such as the misconception that physical attractiveness is the most important aspect of being a woman. She aims to use her art as a medium to show appreciation for women within Nigerian society and beyond.
Each work is made by hand through a laborious process that begins with template drawings and fabric-cutting and ends with pinning and sewing. “I’m expressing myself and embracing my femininity through my choice of material.” She playfully riffs on traditional weaving patterns and uses colorful African fabrics that feature optical illusions, acid drips, and pixelated glitches. Her art is influenced by a range of artists both locally and internationally which include: Andy Warhol, Njideka Akunyili, Marcellina Akpojotor amongst others.
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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 twodimensional 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.
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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.
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artist residing in Jersey City, NJ, in social media and marketing
s passion for culture, color, and all things that glimmer infuses every aspect of his life and work. Bryant's artistic vision transcends boundaries, exploring the realm of free abstraction with a mesmerizing blend of vibrant hues. His ‘Alcohol Ink’ pieces are a testament to his creativity, flowing freely and unpredictably, and seemingly defying gravity. Bryant's talent has earned him prestigious accolades, including the Conception Arts and Global Art Collective 2020 awards, as well as, the 2017 Award For Excellence. In addition, he has been honored as one of International Art Market Magazine’s Gold List of Top Emerging Contemporary Artists. His artwork has graced numerous collective and solo exhibitions across the United States, captivating audiences and earning a place in private collections worldwide. Bryant's philosophy echoes through his art and life: "Broken Crayons Still Color... and a little glitter and sparkle NEVER hurt anybody!"
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cated to and unknown, African/African , g , p 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.
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Embracing her Haitian roots, Chantal Gesse's art is deeply influenced by her colorful childhood and profound travel experiences from New York, Europe, Iceland and Africa. Her impressionistic works evoke a wide range of emotions, inviting viewers to explore intimate reflections and bold inquiries. From intricate tree landscapes to majestic human figures, Chantal’s art is a celebration of life. Chantal finds her preferred mediums, oils and acrylics, as a means to map out the ongoing narrative of her life's joys and pains. Each piece is a testament to hopefulness and purpose, expressed through her mastery of color. Chantel has shared that, “ ... we explore the past [and] present of my being. The love of painting. How art loves me and I love art - together we are one. ” Chantal’s deep connection to color fuels her artistic process, making painting an addictive, life-affirming endeavor. Her ultimate goal is to draw viewers beyond the surface of her a
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B. Curtis Grayson, III, has had the desire to be an artist from an early age, whether it was drawing with his first crayon or watching his favorite TV sitcom “Good Times” as J.J. (Jimmy Walker) created masterpieces on his easel. (He later learned that all the artwork shown was from The Ernie Barnes Collection.)
He works with oils, acrylics, watercolors, collage, and other mixed media. He uses bold, brilliant, and bright hues, which display power and energy with each brush stroke. His paintings are filled with strong emotion and feeling.
In 1987, he graduated from the prestigious Arts High School of Newark. Furthering his education, he attended William Paterson College and received a Bachelor of Arts in African Studies and later a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts. He is also an Art Educator at Columbia High School.
As an artist, Grayson carefully studies how life affects the African American community and people. He feels that the role of an artist is to be a recorder of time, to continue to provide a visual voice for the weak. Grayson’s work has been exhibited at numerous galleries. When he is not painting, he enjoys spending time training in martial arts and working out. He is also an active brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and is currently working towards his MFA.
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New Jersey-based artist Daniel Jenkins creates artwork that combines figurative work and abstraction. He purposely merges opposites, producing a unique and distinct style he consistently delivers. Shortly after finishing art school at duCret Center of Art, Daniel began experiencing vision problems. After multiple tests and doctor visits, he found out he had a tumor that was causing him to go blind slowly. Following a successful surgery, Daniel’s eyesight was fully restored. Taking this as a sign not to neglect his artistic talents, Daniel set out to reclaim his focus by pursuing his craft 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. Daniel’s goal is to bring polar opposites together, fusing figurative work with abstraction to create something entirely new and original.
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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.
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DDr. 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.
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Demarcus McGaughey, born in 1975, is a Texas native and New Yorkbased mixed-media artist renowned for his passionate portrayal of the beauty, strength, and vibrancy of people of color. Specializing in a dynamic mixed-media style, McGaughey seamlessly blends painting, photography, and graphic design with paper and fabric collage. His diverse artistic background stems from his extensive experience in corporate advertising and graphic design, where he developed a mastery of graphics, branding, and product development. McGaughey completed art residencies with Mas el Siglos in Barcelona, Nfinit Foundation Arts Residency in Brooklyn, and Art Crawl Harlem in New York. Throughout his 20-year art career, McGaughey has collaborated with prestigious brands and organizations, including Beyoncé Knowles Carter and Dr. Pepper. His work has been showcased in numerous galleries and magazines both nationally and internationally, with highlights including exhibitions in New York, Texas, and Spain. McGaughey has also participated in esteemed art residencies, further enriching his artistic journey and broadening his global perspective. Through his captivating artistic lens, Demarcus McGaughey continues to illuminate inspiring stories of Black triumph, leaving an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art.
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Dem r Haven, Florida, first disc inter Haven High School, whe ured. 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.
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Dodji Gbedemah is the owner/proprietor of Kente Royal Gallery (KRG) in Harlem, NY. Dodji is a gallerist, curator, and visual artist, as well as a musician and entrepreneur. He graduated from NYU with a business degree and has many years of experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and management. He opened his gallery after years with companies, such as Zipcar, Uber, and Doordash. He was inspired to put his business acumen and artistic vision to the service of the Community when he noticed the lack of representation of artists of the African diaspora. He opened KRG in 2019 and has worked with many artists to create solo and group exhibitions, including Gabrielle Baker (painter), Bertram Knight (photographer), William Daniels (quilter), and more. Dodji’s works are abstract and figurative paintings deeply rooted in Adinkra symbolism and West African Culture, as well as other subject matter.
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Donte Stokes is a freelance graphic artist, illustrator, and painter. Donte received his Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts & Media Design from North Carolina A&T State University.
Donte Stokes is a creative that loves bringing his ideas to life and has worked on several graphic design and art projects. He is currently focused on expanding his craft and developing new techniques, with a long-term goal of owning a design firm. ETV is also proud to share that Donte is the graphic designer of our Empower The Village logo!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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alogue between history and lived exp 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.
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A Baker’s interest in art began at ag g high school. Over the years, Gabrielle was educated at the Art Student League, Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music and Art, Parsons School of Design and Fordham University. After a decades-long career in the healthcare field, her passion for art was reignited 30+ years later. She paints abstracts inspired by metals and minerals with the understanding that abstracts “defy reality.” Baker has shared that, “metals and minerals are the most diverse elements on earth. Their metaphysical benefits for self-awareness, self-healing, and self-development are coming into sharp focus.” They fall into two categories: Metallurgy – metals and combinations of metals which are called alloys, and Mineralogy – any substance categorized as a mineral. Her goal is always to express on canvas the essence of the substance or element rather than depict a realistic portrayal. She relies heavily on color and layering to create the illusion of depth and dimension, and now utilizes polymers and other media to give the abstracts a more realistic appearance. Gabrielle’s success has led to several solo exhibitions at Kente Royal Gallery in Harlem, NY, as well as participation in numerous prestigious art shows and exhibitions at venues like The Harlem Fine Art Show, Heath Gallery, Studio Montclair, and Montclair Art Museum.
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eone ’ s life and their culture. Glenda’s pecifically that of women and children p ocus 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. 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, and other art exhibits. Her work is currently part of the permanent Mahogany Exhibition in the Mural Pavilion of Harlem Hospital. Over the past ten years, 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’s lens captures the way of life of the people of the OMO Valley, which she believes best represents how our ancestors lived prior to slavery. Her subjects engage in the tasks associated with rituals related to family, community and selfpreservation. 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.
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Glendora Simonson is a co founder of the Nubian Heritage Quilters Guild, as well as Nubian Sisters & Company. She comes from a long lineage of dressmakers that have mastered sewing and cooking. Her approach to sewing is similar to her approach to cooking - she enjoys experimenting and rarely follows patterns or recipes verbatim. Glendora loves the texture and pattern of fabrics and is particularly intrigued by the creative possibilities they offer. Glendora shared “when the fabric speaks to me, I try to listen … When a piece turns out well, it has movement and balance, tension as well as tranquility. Color progression, patterns and organic shapes make my heart go-aflutter.”
Overall, the focus of Glendora’s artwork is to embrace traditional textile crafts. She enjoys working with fabric, thread, and yarn and is also inspired by her African American ancestry. That is what informs her work, impacts her artistic sensibilities, and indulges her desire to create exciting contemporary works, employing traditional skills.
Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin is an artist whose work explores the intersection of identity, culture, and resilience, drawing from her rich heritage as a first-generation Haitian-American. She uses her platform to challenge stereotypes and celebrate the strength of Black and Brown communities.
Mathurin’s artistic journey began with a study of fashion design at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Her work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions, including at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Museum of Art in South Africa, and she has created a 52-foot mural commissioned by Adult Swim. Her collaborations with major organizations such as the NFL and ESPN highlight her commitment to social justice, including creating cover art for Colin Kaepernick's "Know Your Rights Camp."
Recently, Mathurin's work has gained further recognition with her participation in the "Afro-Latinx Mixtape" exhibition at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, where her portrait of Celia Cruz, titled "Queen of Salsa" (2024), was showcased. This piece pays homage to Cruz’s Yoruba practices and aligns with Mathurin’s dedication to celebrating Caribbean culture.
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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.
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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.
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e specialist born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. His artistic journey began in elementary school with graffiti black books that were passed around to neighborhood street artists trying to outshine each other from spread to spread. Honing his skills with spray paint and an airbrush, he then began creating murals, t-shirts and other various artworks for local homeowners and businesses who all recommended he take his skillset to the next level through proper training.
In 1995, Kevin enrolled in SUNY Purchase’s BFA program and graduated in 1999 with a degree in Graphic Design. As Senior Art Director by his mid 20’s for a SoHo based ad agency, he created the materials for big brands like Sony and Cisco but would include illustrations and creative pieces that matched his aesthetic and were enthusiastically embraced by the brand. Although he found success in advertising, Kevin would always find himself going back to his first passion – painting. Many of his figurative pieces are inspired by the women in his life who he describes as strong, fierce women who have always faced adversity and hardships head-on with confidence and unmatched poise. Working with a variety of mediums as acrylics, spray paints, oil sticks and pencils, his work is active, vibrant, and rich.
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whose creative journey began here 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.
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Kortez is a graduate of the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts. He credits his parents for nurturing his passion for art at an early age. Utilizing reclaimed materials and objects, he infuses his work with a profound emotional depth, often incorporating bold and vibrant colors. Collages, among his preferred mediums, serve as a platform for addressing social injustices, such as racism, poverty, war, and police brutality. Kortez emphasizes, "As an artist, I feel a need to address this social construct called race, not because I want to but because I can’t avoid it in my own life…" Being an African-American artist with a deep understanding of Black history, he finds it essential to address these themes, even in seemingly simple portraits. His works of art have been prominently featured in prestigious exhibitions and galleries across the NY/NJ/CT tri-state area. Additionally, Kortez co-founded the African Diaspora Arts Festival, where he serves as Creative Director and curator.
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K t and creative director from Plainfield, New Jersey, kn oach to creativity. After graduating from Temple U tudies and Production in 2023, Kyle used both his m with his gift as a visual artist to establish himself as an em ty. 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. Shop The Gallery
ABOUT THE ARTIST
A what I have seen and experienced as an ep urled 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. Shop The Gallery
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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.
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A discovered her passion for p alling that would guide her throughout her life. In her 20s, she moved to Brooklyn, NY where she currently resides. After her retirement and raising her children, Louella finds herself free to fully embrace her passion for art. Hoping to spread this infectious happiness, she devotes her time to creative pursuits, feeling fulfilled in expressing her true passion and purpose. For Louella, the process of creation holds immense gratification, transcending the mere completion of artwork to a spiritually enlightening journey between conception and culmination. She believes that everyone can tap into this experience by tuning into their inner voice and expressing their true selves. Grateful for the appreciation and participation in her artistic and cathartic celebration of Blackness, Louella reflects on her origins as a “Baby Boomer” in 1950s Harlem.
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ais, Portugal and raised in a large extended family from Cape Verde, West Coast of Africa. Settling in Newark, NJ in 2002, she attended The Newark School of the Arts in 2008, where she met her mentor, Andrew Cohen, and further developed her interest in digital photography. Estrela’s photographs of nature and travel serve as an expression of selfhealing, stillness, freedom, and a doorway to inner self. Estrela’s interest in collage began in 2018 in a workshop led by artist Mansa Mussa. Since then, collage/mixed media have become a key element in Estrela’s work. Her collages seek to reunite women with nature by placing them in landscapes surrounded by found objects, and re-contextualizing their power, emphasizing the correlation between the beauty of nature and all women. Estrela's current artistic focus is centered around her African roots. She hopes this work will inspire others to delve into their own family histories to bring about a stronger connection with self, culture, and custom.
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es a statement about the im e, moving past mistakes, and re ds of affirmation peppered in his a or happiness and reassurance.
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o his pieces allow people to make t t note, self-reflection mirror, or p uetooth. Vibrant colors flood his pieces because McLeod s deeply held conviction is that we see light and feel vibrations through color, which then gives off an energy of love in abundance. Flowers also factor prominently in his art to connote appreciation for ourselves and others. Right down to the framing, McLeod makes a statement about the beauty of imperfection. His revolutionary work is intended to free one ' s mind of self-doubt and challenge the mind to create an engaging space of constant love.
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rom New Brunswick, NJ. She first he House of Art in her hometown. Her colorful, unconventional approach to pastels delivers energetic drawings that are bright, fresh, current, and cultured. Martryce playfully incorporates elements of music, education, geometric shapes, and environment to construct art stories that speak to the human experience, particularly as it relates to African American culture. Martryce earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health and Africana Studies and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Working with people, resolving problems, advocating for change, fighting against injustice, teaching coping skills, and inspiring resilience have shaped a lot of the context for her work. Martryce strives to create a kinesthetic experience for observers, hoping that one walks away having felt something move within. Martryce received the 2022 Fellowship Grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Martryce has exhibited at the New Jersey State Museum, the Morris Museum, and other exhibits.
Martryce is the Artist-In-Residence for ArtCrawl Harlem on Governors Island, NY. She participates annually in public art initiatives that transform public spaces into beautiful places where people passing by can learn about a wide array of social challenges. Currently, a mural sized digital image of the artist’s work, “Facing the Future Together” is on view at Newark Liberty International Airport in their brand new Terminal A. In 2023, Martryce’s piece “Solo Traveler” was purchased from our Empower The Village Juneteenth Art Exhibit for the permanent collection of The Colored Girls Museum in Philadelphia, PA.
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rently resides in paints in both attack all subject erience as the Art ng. Archie founded
Kindred Spirits, a gallery for young children in Indianapolis, IN to use his gift and talent to instill unity through art among youth.
Archie’s works of art have been exhibited at the Schuster Art Center, Newfields Art Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana State Museum, Charles H. Wright Museum, The David C. Driskell Center, The National African American Museum and Cultural Center, and The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. He has also been 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 Archie was the 2007 recipient of the Creative Renewal Fellowship from The Art Council of Indianapolis/Lilly Endowment, The 2020 Dehaan Artist of Distinction Award, and a perennial award winner from 2007 - 2009 in the Hoosier Salon’s Annual Juried Exhibit and Indiana Artist Club - both are two of the oldest competitions in the country. His works are in the corporate and institution collections of the Richmond Art Museum, Indiana State Museum, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American Art, Nationwide Corporation, Wells Fargo, Lilly Endowment, Elanco, Division of Eli Lilly Eskenazi Health, and Community South Hospital. A host of prominent, private collectors across the country are collecting his breathtaking works of art.
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g vidity for drawing. The High Point, North Carolina 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 North Carolina in 2019, family in tow, and pursued a Fine Arts degree. Her preferred media are oil and acrylic, creating landscapes and abstracts.
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Mercy Moyo began to draw at a young age and used her drawings to describe the world around her and tell the story of life in contemporary Africa. Her images are primarily collages, incorporating objects which complement and reinforce the images depicted. She uses oil, acrylics, charcoal, pencils, even smoke from candles, to create vibrant images of contemporary women in Zimbabwe today. One of her goals is to use her art to showcase the beauty of African women, be they from the village or the capital city of Harare, portraying the real African woman –in her long skirts, fuller figure, with her head covered abiding by the norms and rules of the typical African way of life. In 2006, Mercy became the first woman artist to win the National Arts Merit Award for two-dimensional work in Zimbabwe. She is a celebrated artist with global stature, and has received several prestigious residencies.
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N. Carlos Jefferson (aka N. Carlos J) is a Georgia-based visual artist, designer and curator who employs painting, illustration and drawing elements within his works. With a degree in Fine Arts and a background in mural painting, his works range from small figurative pieces collected by individuals to large scale murals in the public places. He graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York.
N. Carlos J delves into the intricacies of emotional responses, exploring the nuances of contemporary forms of bondage, the quiet turmoil of the soul, and the evolution of language from tainted thoughts. Additionally, he seeks to revive the innocence of our childhood selves. His work illuminates the subconscious dialogues we engage in behind our societal facades. By disconnecting the painted image from conventional perceptions, he invites viewers to embark on fresh journeys of interpretation and experience. Blurring the boundaries between traditional art forms like painting, illustration, and drawing, N. Carlos J challenges preconceived notions of artistic hierarchy.
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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.
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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.
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Patrick Alston, born and raised in the Bronx, New York, channels his energetic creativity into works of art that delve into thoughtprovoking and reflective topics, including socio-politics, identity, language, and the psychology of color. Alston's re-contextualized subjects, rich palettes, and complex compositions exude exhilarating energies, expressed through mark-making that embodies an unwritten aesthetic reflective of the urban landscape. Within his work, the artist explores the correlation between imagery and language. The selection of titles plays a pivotal role in Alston's process, likening abstraction to Black English vernacular as a means of grappling with the complexities of language. Alston's images cultivate harmonious tension and challenge viewers to carefully observe the world around them, uncovering beauty in unconventional places. He attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he studied Art and Psychology. Since then, he has split his time between New Haven, Connecticut, and New York City. Alston has held numerous solo exhibitions across the USA and internationally, including in Germany, the UK, and notably in his hometown borough of the Bronx, NY, USA. His artwork is featured online on Artsy and the Financial Times.
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hicago, Illinois on December 31, y, 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.
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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.
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P ught artist, draws inspiration fr ity to create his own style to he especially those within m werful. 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.
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ville, Kentucky, where at an early age, nd form, having an intuitive feeling for design. His sensitivity to detail became the legacy and abiding thread that connects the continuum of his art and that especially distinguishes his art of today. The dignity of the human spirit reigns within the people of Carter’s compositions, uplifted by the virtuosity of his hand and his understanding of universals of the human condition.
Carter earned his Master of Fine Arts Degree at the prestigious Pratt Institute of Fine Arts in New York. His paintings, drawings and illustrations are consistently in demand by collectors throughout the United States. As an artist/illustrator, his work is in the permanent collections of museums and private collectors throughout the United States, including the Denver Art Museum (Colorado), the African American Museum of Nassau County (New York), the APEX Museum (Georgia), the Heckscher Museum of Art, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, the Long Island Museum, and Yale Law School. His work has also been published in numerous art books and other related publications, and he has been a contract illustrator for major New York publishers. Robert was a distinguished adjunct professor of art at Nassau Community College, The State University of New York, where he taught figure drawing. He was a sought-after lecturer and demonstrator in numerous public schools, universities and private art organizations.
Two retrospectives are currently being planned for 2027 – one at The Heckscher Museum and the other at the Speed Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, his hometown.
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Robin Holder has developed innovative approaches to layering forms and colors, as stated by Agnus Gund, President Emerita and Life Trustee of the Museum of Modern Art. In 2021, Robin’s work was presented in a solo exhibition at the Lagrange Museum. She has also had her work presented in solo shows at the Mobile Museum of Art, Spelman College Museum, The David Driskell Center, The American Labor Museum and The North Carolina Central University Art Museum. Robin’s visual language is rooted in layering, painting, printmaking, digital image manipulation, and drawing. She usually initiates a collection of works with a specific theme and uses a distinct combination of techniques for each series.
Robin Holder was awarded an Individual Visual Artist Grant by The Brooklyn Arts Council and was interviewed for the HatchBillops Artist and Influences Archives. She was selected for a Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Artist as Catalyst grant and has completed several site-specific public art commissions. Her work is in significant collections, including the Library of Congress, Con Edison, Xerox Corporation, Yale University, United Parcel Service, The Washington State Arts Commission, and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
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New Jersey native and a self-taught artist, whose compelling work combines relief, reflective overtones, and mixed media to create vibrant acrylic sculptures on canvas. His art has been described as bold and contemporary, with a folk-like flair. His goal is to challenge the viewer to see life from more than one perspective while enjoying the beauty and complexity of the painting. Over the years, the self-taught artists’ works have evolved from acrylic paint on flat surfaces, to multi-dimensional mix-medium acrylic, stucco sculptured on canvas. This technique was discovered or inspired by chance or inspiration when his father slowly lost his sight.
Ronald’s father, William Ritzie, who was born and raised in Harlem, NY, was instrumental to Ronald discovering his passion for art. He encouraged and nurtured Ronald’s talent, however, with the threat of losing his sight, Ronald feared he’d never be able to share his art with his father again. Not wanting to lose the bond, Ronald began to raise his images off the canvas using the relief technique. He began sculpting his paintings, adding texture, depth and mix medium. Through this new technique, Ronald was able to guide his father’s hands gently across the canvas, while describing to him the art he was now “seeing” through his hands. This technique has grown through the years, allowing Ronald to create large, oversized, life-like pieces intended to delight the senses Shop The Gallery
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ol was born into a multig s and craftsmen. She studied drawing and painting at Herron School of Art and Design, Indiana / Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN; received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA; and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care, and a Master of Arts in Education from Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK. She presently lives in the northeastern United States.
I am a mixed-media painter and a papermaker. I have been a working artist for over four decades, adding papermaking to my process in the early 2000s. Not long afterward, I started embedding antique lace and textiles into handmade paper, which became the basis of my mixed-media collages and paintings.
Integrating repurposed materials into my work was a natural progression because I grew up in a family who did all kinds of handwork, including carpentry, masonry, woodworking, ceramics, sculpture, crochet, knitting, and embroidery. What stands out most in my mind is my maternal grandmother showing me how to recycle textiles for new uses by deconstructing garments down to their threads. My family’s legacy serves, in part, to support my conscious practice of respecting the earth’s limited resources, which are now reflected in many of my works.
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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.
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ographer based in the New olio primarily comprises ments, focusing on portraits and rated on projects with lege School of Pharmacy, and Adelphi University School itially self-taught in urther education by completing g g tography 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.
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S f-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.
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T painter, and arts educator. Her w power of language as it relates to the African in the Americas from all Diasporas. Her art has always explored the human condition. As an African American Female, she has a distinct point of view of the world. There are so many layers; in learning about herself, as a Being, as a woman, and as a descendant of Africa in America, she sees the world through so many lenses. The things her works question is how we connect the past to the future, and how the citizens of this world connect with each other. It is a very open ended curiosity, because she allows the questions of relationships, interactions, vibes, emotions, the physical, and the spiritual. She is always looking for the synchronicity. In her works, there is also a great wonder about the way people are in their culture. How are we able to create the natural ebb and flow that is necessary to support and nurture each other? This is the language that connects us. Her work shows this merge of cultures, personalties, connections, and vibes in the human condition. During the pandemic, the events that played across the globe reached a different volume. The scope of the collections grew too in size and depth to include new themes and conversions. In connecting with the community at large, she is always looking for ways to assist others in finding their creative voices. Though thoughts, sketches and collaging, she helps others find the hidden artist in us all.
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-founder Taiwo DuVall, author er, 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 graphicsrelated 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.
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of Heath Gallery in New York. merican culture is rich in color, ses his paintbrush “to represent and document all that [he] can recall. It’s [his] way to resist Black lives being forgotten, rewritten or marginalized.” Heath has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in the Tri-State area and Virginia. His work is in the permanent collection of the Downing Gross Cultural Center in Newport News, VA and private collections internationally. In 2020, Heath was one of eight artists commissioned to create Harlem New York’s Black Lives Matter mural. The mural is featured in the documentary shorts, Harlem Parade and American Street Mural in Harlem. The mural was also licensed by the Public Theater for the 2021 Shakespeare in the Park production, Merry Wives. Additional public art commissions include an award-winning collaboration with the architectural firm Brandt-Haferd. Media credits include PBS, Bravo, WPIX 11 and NY1. Publications include, “The Long Rode Home” by Crystal Britton, Newsweek Magazine and the New York Times. .
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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.
The Gallery
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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:
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Will Porter has been described as a phenomenon. He is a writer, poet, author, portraitist and agitprop artist – an art form which combines agitation and propaganda – who hails from Flint, MI, and now calls Harlem, New York home. Much in the style of icons and such as Kerry James Marshall and Emory Douglas, as well as the late Jean Michele Basquiat and Salvador Dali, Will’s art uses vibrant colors to infuse energy while depicting subjects which give “context to political and social happenings as they relate to indigenous people.” He advocates for personifying “isms” – i.e., colonialism and capitalism – on canvas and then ridiculing them, restoring confidence in the oppressed and instigating oftenuncomfortable dialogue.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
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.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Willie Torbert was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1959. He studied art at the Pratt Institute, City College of New York, and Medgar Evers College. Before becoming a full-time artist, Torbert taught art in the New York Public School system for ten years. Torbert has spent his life exploring African American culture through creative and complex collage art. He produces highly stylized representations of a wide variety of mostly Afro-Centric themes from musicians and heroic warriors to everyday people. By building up layers of various mediums including collage, watercolor, printmaking and pencil techniques, he has masterfully created his repertoire of textures and patterns to depict composite scenes of African American life
