THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE PRESENTS
CELEBRATING THE BLACK EXPERIENCE
April 11 - June 19, 2025
CELEBRATING THE BLACK EXPERIENCE
April 11 - June 19, 2025
This exhibit celebrates the contributions of people of African descent through visual arts, celebrates the rich legacy of Black artists, and highlights the transformative impact of Black art in our struggle against oppression and racism.
In its fourth year, artists were invited to submit works that reflect the diverse environments and traditions contributing to the fabric of the Black experience. Underrepresented imagery expressing joy, sorrow, love, creativity, and truth-telling is examined within the Black aesthetic.
This year’s exhibition showcases 28 artists, ranging in age from 24 and 79, hailing from Louisville, Lexington, Paducah, Somerset, and Owensboro, Kentucky; Jeffersonville, IN; Chesterfield, VA; Nashville, TN; Chicago, IL; Lakeland, FL; and Harare, Zimbabwe. We received an unprecedented number of outstanding applications. This year’s exhibition features fiber art, wood sculptures, textiles, copper art, acrylic and oil paintings, drawings, and mixed-media works that incorporate a wide variety of innovative materials. The Kentucky Arts Council and KCAAH have partnered to offer interested artists even more exposure by allowing the exhibit to travel across the state of Kentucky from July to December 2025.
Aukram Burton Executive Director & Co-Curator
The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
Support for this program provided in part by: Brown-Forman
Kentucky Arts Council
Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Metro Louisville
Artwork on Cover: Expansion, Jes Allenisdom, Desmone Stepp
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
From the 1920s to the 1950s, Old Walnut Street in downtown Louisville was a center for African American culture and business in the region. Black-owned businesses thrived, and the musical venues and theaters attracted people from diverse backgrounds. Urban renewal in the 1950s brought an end to much of this, but we have not forgotten our heritage.
In 1994, the African American Heritage Foundation (AAHF) began with the goal of preserving African American sites, communities, and culture. This began with the preservation of historic structures in the African American community in Louisville and the use of historic markers to recognize important sites.
The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage is the next step in this preservation process, with the added goal of revitalizing and educating the Kentucky African American community and beyond. An evolution of the Louisville and Jefferson County African American Heritage Committee, the Heritage Center is a place for African American spoken word, visual, and performing artists to collaborate and give the rich heritage of African Americans the voice and platform it deserves.
The Heritage Center’s campus sits on the historic Louisville Street Railway Complex, located in an area where the fight for transportation equality began in 1876. Since the renovation of the 55,000-square-foot campus, we’ve worked to raise public awareness about the history, heritage, and cultural contributions of African Americans in Kentucky and in the African Diaspora.
The Heritage Center is also a vital, contemporary institution, providing space for exhibitions and performances of all types. Located at 18th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, the Heritage Center overlooks the area that once was Old Walnut Street. This area holds special significance for Kentuckiana’s African American community. Through the efforts of the Heritage Center, with help from the community, we hope to make it a place of cultural significance once more. The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage is dedicated to the sole purpose of showcasing our community’s triumphs. Here, African American history has the platform to share its monumental achievements with the community where they took place.
OUR MISSION
KCAAH aims to enhance public knowledge about the history, heritage, and cultural contributions of African Americans in Kentucky and the African Diaspora. In addition to its commitment to preserving the traditions and accomplishments of the past, the Center serves as a vital, contemporary institution that provides space for exhibitions and performances of all types.
ADA ASENJO
Ada Asenjo was born in the Dominican Republic. She immigrated as a child to the United States, adapting to a new and different culture while preserving her family’s customs and traditions. As a language teacher, she has traveled to and lived in various parts of the world. Her passion for flowers has inspired her to work with ephemeral materials and reflect on the essence of life, our place and purpose in the world, and how to act in order to live justly. She is a self-taught artist who is always eager to learn. In 2022, she received a grant from the Curate Inspire Purchase program at Louisville Visual Art and, in collaboration with La Casita Center, curated a permanent exhibit titled Somos de Aquí y AFLORAMOS! (We are here and we FLOURISH!). Works from this exhibit have been displayed at the Speed Museum to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in 2023 and at the Muhammad Ali Center in 2024. Recently, she was awarded a Great Meadows Foundation grant to travel to New Orleans, LA for Prospect 6, the city’s triennial.
“I incorporate flowers and natural elements and repurpose discarded materials to craft designs that inspire dialogue and convey my concerns about the future of our world, the search for belonging, and the issue of identity.
�Ada Asenjo
LOSING AND FINDING OUR WINGS
Multi-media
24” x 24”
$350
BARBARA TYSON MOSLEY
Barbara Tyson Mosley has been an abstract painter and fiber artist for over 40 years. She gained gallery representation while living in Washington, D.C., at the Evans-Tibbs Collection and Parish Gallery. After relocating to Louisville, she was represented by Swanson-Reed and Zephyr Galleries. Her work has been shown throughout the U.S. and Canada and is included in permanent collections at the San Bernardino Museum of Fine Arts in Redlands, California; the National Gallery of Art (Evans-Tibbs Collection) in Washington, D.C.; the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia; and the PNC Bank Tower Building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Additionally, her work has traveled extensively with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibitions Service (SITES). In Kentucky and Indiana, she has exhibited at the Berea Arts Council in Berea, KY; the Danville Community Art Center in Danville, KY; a solo exhibition at The Carnegie Library in Henderson, KY (2010); The Carnegie Center for Art and History in New Albany, IN (2019); and the Actors Theatre African-American Art Exhibition Juried Shows in Louisville, KY (2010-2019), where she received the Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mueller Award in 2010 as well as Brown-Foreman Purchase Awards in 2018 and 2019. She holds a B.A. in Studio Arts/Painting from the University of the District of Columbia, an M.A.L.S. in Humanities with a focus on 20th Century Art History from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and completed coursework for an M.F.A. in Design from George Washington University, where she received The Julian A. Singman Prize in Design. In 1998, she was the Artist-in-Residence at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont.
“ Influenced by the Washington Color School of Artists, my abstract paintings embrace the relationship between color and line. Manipulating light and color changes, the end product allows the viewer to experience my use of color, movement, and repetitive motion working together to complete my compositions.
— Barbara Tyson Mosley
MOOD
Acrylic on canvas
36” x 48”
$3,000
BRADLEY GILMORE
Bradley Shane Gilmore was born, raised, and still creates in Somerset, Kentucky. One of Bradley’s fondest childhood memories is working in the junkyard with his father: collecting scrap metals, breaking down engines, crushing cans, and stripping copper wire. Those days in the junkyard ignited a lifelong fascination with metal, destruction, and creation. Bradley has been drawn to the arts his entire life, exploring painting, drawing, music, dance, acting, and ultimately metal art. He spent his twenties deepening his knowledge of metal from his childhood junkyard days through books, videos, apprenticeships, and firsthand experience. At 22, he built his own coal forge and began learning how to work with steel. Bradley discovered that working metal at the forge was a powerful way for him to navigate the difficult emotions of both the past and present. Metalwork became a means for him to transform and heal. Nowadays, Bradley works almost exclusively with copper, a material he finds “more temperamental than himself.” His largest public work to date is a 6’ x 10’ hand-hammered copper sign that hangs in the Historic Virginia Theatre in Somerset, KY. This project is incredibly meaningful to Bradley; the second floor where his piece proudly stands is the same area his family was required to sit during segregation. Over the years, Bradley has displayed his work at Bromwell’s Gallery and other venues in Cincinnati, the Rural Development Centre in Somerset, KY, Black Future Fest, and Artists and Afros in Louisville, KY.
“
The inspiration behind my art is healing. I work through emotions from both the present and past to heal my current self. One of the things I love is that the meaning for you is the story felt as you connect with a piece. My work is not meant to be my story alone.
— Bradley Shane Gilmore
ISOLATION
Copper
30” x 37.5”
$7,000
CHERYL SULLIVAN
Cheryl Sullivan has been involved in the arts and accounting since 1973. The Paducah-born artist’s passion for creation led her to Fisk University, where she earned a degree in Fine Arts under the mentorship of pioneering artist Dr. David Driskell. After graduation, she dedicated herself to her love of the arts by participating in arts and crafts fairs on weekends. An opportunity emerged decades later when she worked at the City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs, managing the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Elevate Public Art installations, and Arts in Education. Now that she is retired, her creative spirit thrives through her favorite medium: fabric. She has displayed fiber art at the National Quilt Museum, Paducah City Hall, The Hotel Metropolitan Museum, and several local businesses. Cheryl also serves on the City of Paducah’s Creative and Cultural Council and is a new board member for Quilt City Murals and Northside School Revitalization. Additionally, she works as a creative consultant for the Paducah Historical Preservation Group. She is currently developing a fiber art series that traces the migration of Black Americans from Africa to America.
“
In the African diaspora, mermaids, or African water spirits, honor the sacred nature of water. The African water spirit is a nurturing mother, alluring, a provider of riches, and a healer of both physical and spiritual ailments. She often appears with a woman’s head and torso along with a fish’s tail. The water spirit bridges earth and water, culture, and nature. She can be as enchanting as she is dangerous. The piece is embellished with cowrie shells, beads, and rhinestones to reflect the shimmering effect of water.
—Cherly Sullivan
AFRICAN WATER SPIRIT
Textile art
35.5” x 48”
$1,000
CHIP CALLOWAY
Chip “MAD MOON VyBE” Calloway hails from Louisville, Kentucky, where he spent his formative years in Smoketown and the Russell neighborhood. An artist at heart, his first commissions came from elementary school classmates who requested he paint Joe Kool on their folders and notebooks. While his style has evolved, he continues to draw inspiration from his love of cartoons and animation, capturing life, energy, and movement in his drawings. Throughout his work, Calloway infuses his passion for music by incorporating a playlist alongside his visual art. During his struggle to launch his solo show, he also created opportunities for other first-time exhibitors. The ConSinsual Madness series, which Calloway curated for five years, opened doors for many new artists, including himself, who debuted with his first solo show, “Hi My Name Mad,” at Art Sanctuary in 2019. Calloway’s graphic art was featured on promotional materials for the inaugural Lipstick Wars poetry slam for women.
40”
With a heavy influence from comic books and 90s hip hop, I create a visual representation of a “What if” moment within the Afrofuturistic context of Being Black.
— Chip Calloway
$1,200
REQUIEM OF A BUCK Mixed media on canvas
x 30”
RECHARGE
Mixed media on canvas
40” x 30”
$1,200
CORINA HAWKINS
Corina is currently based in Louisville as a local artist and personal trainer, although art wasn’t always her background. While earning her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at the University of Kentucky, she took an art class that fueled her desire to create and express herself. After graduating during COVID, she seized the opportunity to further develop and explore her creative abilities in shading and the color spectrum. Her inspiration comes from photography of women, her indigenous roots, and representations of spiritual concepts and ideologies. Developing a deep connection with spiritual culture, Corina aims to showcase a world that humanity often lacks the time to connect with. She has had numerous exhibits around Louisville, including Mellwood, Roots 101, and the YMCA, and has also collaborated with stores and exhibitions in Atlanta, New York, and Tennessee. Corina has even begun to take on significant community projects and murals for local businesses.
“The direction of my art is to reflect imaginative scenes of ethereal beauty and truth, capturing the essence of people from spiritual perspectives. The color palette of choice consists of earth tones with pops of bright highlights against black backgrounds, complemented by various greenery, jewelry, and feathers.
— Corina Hawkins
ONENESS
Acrylic
30” x 40”
$4,500
DARRYL TUCKER
Darryl M. Tucker was born and raised in the West End of Louisville, where he lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their four children: Sydney, Darryl Jr., Dominique, and Danyelle. Darryl loves bright, vibrant acrylic colors and enjoys finger painting, feeling one with the canvas. He admires Amoako Boafo and his finger-painting style, which highlights the finger patterns on his subjects. Darryl majored in Art at the University of Louisville and learned to use charcoal from Mark Priest, an enthusiastic professional artist. His artwork has been exhibited at The Moreman Gallery, the KMAC Museum, the Gateway Regional Art Center, and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. Additionally, Darryl was selected to design two Gallopalooza events. He also teaches kids and adults at painting parties.
“
I love my connection with the canvas as I finger-paint with acrylics to create my art. I draw out the strength of what I see and use bright, bold colors that make my painting stand out. I’ve discovered my passion for finger painting.
— Darryl Tucker
BROADWAY ROLLER RINK
Acrylic paint
48” x 60”
$5,500
DEBRA HARLEY
Debra Harley, born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1958, has practiced fiber and textile arts since her grandmother placed a crochet hook in her hands as a child, teaching her how to create a chain stitch. Growing into womanhood in Africa, she became captivated by embroidery counted cross-stitch, tie-dye, batik, and indigo. The African patterns, Adinkra stamps, and the role of women as artists inspired her during her time as a Peace Corps volunteer and Fulbright Scholar in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Upon her arrival in New Orleans, Louisiana, as a wife and mother, she was introduced to weaving through the New Orleans Weavers Guild and arts educators in the public school system. After attending workshops on inkle, rigid heddle, four-harness, and tapestry looms, she enrolled in a hand quilting class. This is where she settled while raising two children and pursuing a career spanning over thirty years in special education, Montessori classrooms, teacher training, and curriculum development. Her very first textile arts show took place in May 2024 in New Orleans. She has gifted her quilts and handcrafted tapestries and sold them to collectors. Self-taught and incorporating a distinctly African-American style in geometry, balance, fabric, and color, she views needle and thread as an undeniable balm for the head and heart.
“
Creating from my heart’s vision, threaded through time, I am influenced by original designs and patterns derived from natural observations.
Channeling the energies of both my maternal and paternal greatgrandmothers, who stitched with a spirit of self-sufficiency, my fiber art maintains an ancestral continuity of creating textiles that will outlast me.
— Debra Harley
ORIGINAL DESIGN
Cotton fabric, batting, perle cotton thread
32” x 28”
$600
DEREK KING JR.
Derek King Jr. is a multidisciplinary artist based in Lexington, KY. Using the human figure, Derek creates narratives that celebrate and challenge while simultaneously raising awareness about a plethora of American subcultures, including hip-hop/rap, anime, film, and lower-income American family life. Drawing from personal and shared community experiences, he tells the stories of the voiceless, with representation being a key component. While various techniques are combined throughout Derek’s work, his distinct pictorial style is consistently preserved. Derek studied at the University of Kentucky, where he received his BFA focusing on drawing and painting. Since completing his BFA, Derek has held solo shows in Kentucky and has been accepted into numerous group shows across the Midwest. He currently works in Lexington, KY, wearing many hats as a tattoo artist, muralist, graphic designer, and commissioned artist while showcasing his work in different galleries throughout central Kentucky.
“I use the human figure to create narratives celebrating the black American family. I want to tell the story of the voiceless, with representation being a key component. Using multiple mediums and techniques, I want to create “windows” for the audience to connect, challenge, or explore.
— Derak King Jr.
HOW MY HAIR LOOK
Colored pencil, marker, and acrylic paint
10” x 12”
GRACEFUL
Colored pencil, marker, and acrylic paint
16” x 20”
$960
CRANES FLYING BY
Graphite and acrylic paint
20” x 28”
$1,260
DONYALLE JACKSON
Donyalle Jackson is an artist from Louisville, Kentucky. It was in this community that her love for creative expression first blossomed, influenced by the culture and people around her. Her passion for art developed through years of exploration in various fields before she focused on Art Education. As a first-generation college graduate, she earned her BA in Visual Arts from the University of Louisville. Donyalle has since dedicated herself to community engagement, public art, and education. Her work has created numerous opportunities to collaborate with other artists, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations such as the Speed Art Museum, Boys & Girls Club, Bridge Kids International, Louisville Free Public Library, and Louisville Visual Art. By developing enriching programs and projects, she aims to continue using creative exploration as a means of artistic healing. Through her work, she seeks to amplify her experience as a Black woman and highlight the rich spiritual foundation that has grounded her. The artist’s work conveys her perspective on the colorful layers of life and the complex emotions that emerge from creating with intention. Donyalle views art as a tool for celebrating the inner light present in all people, especially during adversity. She is committed to helping others recognize their own divinity and nourish that light within through her creative endeavors.
BLISS
Acrylic on canvas
24” x 36”
$1,000
“Through experimentation with paint, I discovered a fluidity within the medium that reflects aspects of my own lived experience. This symbolizes life’s constant flow and the continuity of joy, even amidst trauma. Each piece evokes a sense of movement and vitality, embodying the rhythms of everyday life.
— Donyalle Jackson
BURST YOUR BUBBLES
Acrylic and cellophane
45” x 45”
$3,500
EDWARD “NARDIE” WHITE
Edward “Nardie” White is a native of Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Shawnee High School, earned an Associate Degree in Commercial Photography from Jefferson Community College, and attended West Kentucky Technical and Vocational School. Ed’s studies in Commercial Photography at Jefferson Community College launched him on his artistic journey and provided a medium to express the images harbored deep in the crevices of his mind. His job at Paul Schulz Companies strengthened his foundation and refined Ed’s photographic eye. Empowered by the medium, he used his camera to capture the images that surfaced in his mind. In addition to photography, Ed honed his techniques for creating unique mixed-media sculptures. He enjoys retirement while actively participating in numerous exhibitions that showcase his photography and sculptures, continuing to express his creativity through photography, wood sculpture, and ceramics. He has exhibited his artwork in various exhibitions, including “Portland Now,” 1619 Flux, 2017; the Louisville Free Public Library Foundation’s “Art in Library” at Shawnee Library featuring the sculpture “The People” in 2021; Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Owensboro, Kentucky; Artful Connections in Louisville and Owensboro, 2022; Kore Gallery in Louisville, KY, 2022; and Schweitzer – Bourne in New Albany, IN, 2022. Ed’s artwork has also been displayed in the Celebrating the Black Experience exhibitions in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
“
Creating art awakens my Ancestral African Creative Spirit, enabling my hands to express what my eyes have seen and my soul has felt, releasing joy and fulfillment that surpasses words.
— Edward “Nardie” White
FREEDOM FIGHTER DENMARK VESSEY
Mixed media
56” x 22” x 10”
$10,000
JES ALLEN
Jes Allen is a multidisciplinary artist and curator based in Louisville, KY. Born in New York City, she spent her early childhood in North Carolina before moving to Kentucky, while maintaining strong ties to New York. With a lifetime of exposure to professional artists in her family, Allen utilizes pareidolia—the tendency to find meaning in random visual patterns—in her mixed media works. She employs controlled chaos and gravitates toward faces and the female form. Her materials include acrylic, ink, markers, colored pencils, water-based and wax crayons, oil pastels, watercolor, gouache, ballpoint pen, and colored pencils. She also incorporates craft items, gems, found objects, and various other materials into her sculptures. Allen’s work explores themes of race, femininity, identity, retrospection, and transformation. Her educational background, family connections, interest in cultural research, environment, and life experiences inform her creative output. Allen’s artistic influences include her uncles, Powell Burns and Ron Hansford, as well as Alphonse Mucha, Gordon Parks, Kara Walker, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley. Group exhibitions include shows in Louisville, KY, and Southern Indiana, such as “Mothering Me” at The Cultural Center, “KMAC Material Obsession,” “Girl Crush,” and “Murderous Millinery” at ArtPortal. She has participated in exhibitions at Aurora Gallery, Bad Cat Boutique, Tim Faulkner Gallery, and Chestnuts and Pearls Gallery and Boutique. Allen also curated “Blacks Against the Wall.” Her pieces are showcased at Luigi’s Pizzeria in Louisville, KY, and in local and regional collections, including those in Detroit, Brooklyn, and North Carolina.
EXPANSION
Acrylic, marker, collage, graphite on canvas
16” x 20”
$650
“
I create random patterns and discover images within them through pareidolia. My life experiences, along with my interests in race, gender, history, and art, converge to form a thematic connection. I aim to evoke emotions in the viewer. I am a multidisciplinary artist who enjoys vibrant colors and controlled chaos.
— Jes Allen
WATCHING
Acrylic and marker on canvas.
16” x 20”
$650
MASKING
Acrylic, ink, marker on canvas
8” x 8”
$350
�
JESSIE CARTER
Jessie Carter’s studio is located in her home, where she creates mixed-media sculptures and paintings using recycled materials. Carter enjoys giving new life to discarded items like wood, fabric, jewelry, and more. Her black sculptures carry special significance for her, as she believes there aren’t enough Black artists or Black art available in her area. Each piece is unique, with no two exactly alike. Carter’s art provides her with a sense of peace and happiness. She graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and worked for over 30 years as a Recreation Director in nursing homes. During that time, she was voted the Best Recreation Director in western Kentucky. As a member of the Owensboro Art Guild, Carter’s art has been juried into the Owensboro Art Guild Art Exhibition four times, and one of her driftwood angels is a permanent piece at the Owensboro Fine Art Museum. Her art and life have been featured in Owensboro Living Magazine. I’m a self-taught artist with no formal art lessons.
ROYALTY
x 16”
“
I focus
on using natural materials and giving new life to discarded items such as driftwood, wooden pallets, and fabric; each piece of art is unique and created from what is available at that moment.
No two pieces are identical, but all are created with the same passion.
�— Jessie Carter
WARRIOR
JUDY LAYNE-BANKS
Judy Layne-Banks was introduced to the Fiber Arts during her high school years in Barbados. Her artistic style includes designing picture batiks that showcase Caribbean culture and creating tie-dye and batik lengths of fabric for clothing or wall hangings. In Barbados, Judy served as the Second Vice President of the Barbados Arts Council, where she was responsible for researching and curating local and international exhibitions for the council. She was awarded a scholarship to study Art Education and Fiber Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, graduating with honors in Fiber Arts. Several years later, she relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, to teach Art and Humanities. Ms. Layne-Banks has exhibited in over fifty group exhibitions and solo shows. Her artwork has been displayed in Canada, Washington, D.C., New York City, Queens, New York, China, and Boston. As recently as the summer of 2024, Judy toured Belgium, Paris, and London, where she exhibited her textile designs. In 1990, one of her fabric designs was purchased by Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, during her visit to Barbados. Ms. Layne-Banks has received numerous awards for her designs both in Barbados and abroad. At the Kentucky State Fair, she received several awards, including three First Place awards, three Second Place awards, the Alma Lesch Award for color and creativity in 2013, and Best in Show in 2024. The designs celebrate the history and culture of Barbadian folklore, which is part of the African diaspora. The two art pieces visually and artistically interpret this folklore and culture. The medium used is Traditional Batik, which employs wax and dyes to create images on fabric. The images feature web-like patterns, a characteristic of the batik process, that enhance the design.
CULTURAL DANCER: MOTHER SALLY
Traditional batik
36” x 18”
KAYLA MORGAN-GREEN
Kayla Morgan is from the West End of Louisville, Kentucky. She has been creating art since she was nine years old. Currently, her medium is acrylic paint on stretched canvas. She uses painting to express the beautiful aspects of Black life, including tragedy, love, fashion, and history. She believes that more attention should be given to these subjects to help inspire and guide our youth. Presently, she serves as the Event Coordinator and CFO of Who Don’t Love Art. She enjoys creating art (over three thousand paintings), hosting events (16 paintand-sips, three art festivals, and six exhibits), painting murals (seven acrylic murals and thirteen chalk murals), and teaching (to five hundred Girl Scouts and over one thousand kids from various museums, schools, and events) alongside her husband, Ci’Vaughn Green.
“I’m a black female artist who uses acrylic paint and hot glue to create images of black people with a mix of color and/or fantasy. Hopefully, my art makes the world see us in a different light.
— Kayla Morgan
ISN’T SHE LOVELY
POWER OF A WOMAN: MOVING PIECES
Acrylic on canvas
16” x 20”
$300
KELLY JOHNSON
Kelly U. Johnson, a self-taught artist from Louisville, KY, who now lives in Richmond, VA, honed her artistic skills at the University of Louisville. Her artwork profoundly reflects her perspective on the world, whether capturing the inspiring wonders of nature or highlighting the beauty and resilience of African Americans. She creates with a variety of mediums, from graphite to paint and repurposed objects. Naturally, mixed media allows her to incorporate color, texture, and layers to convey powerful stories and ideas through her work. This multifaceted approach to art has become her preferred method of creative expression. She has exhibited at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, the Black History Museum and Cultural Center, the Griffen Museum of Science and Industry, the Slate Wall Gallery at the Cultural Art Center at Glen Allen, the Taubman Museum, the Liberated Art Flow Foundation Annual Gala, and the 25th African American Exhibit at Actor’s Theatre. Her work is part of corporate and private collections across the U.S.
“My artwork celebrates the Black experience, highlighting its beauty, resilience, and strength. Through mixed media—blending paint, paper, and fabric—I create layered pieces rich with meaning, honoring the complexities and triumphs of Black life in America. Each work tells a story, inviting reflection and connection.
— Kelly Johnson
FREQUENCY
Acrylic mixed media
24” x 24”
$1,400
KENNETH BURNEY
Ken Burney was born and raised just outside Detroit, Michigan. He moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where he currently resides in the Artist Village on the historic East End. Ken’s artistic journey began when his mother took him to Saturday morning art classes at the Detroit Institute of Art. While at the DIA, Ken discovered the Diego Rivera murals and fell in love with art, aspiring to become a painter. He primarily works with acrylics on canvas, creating bold images with brushes and palette knives. After studying art at City College of San Francisco, he returned to Michigan and launched a career in graphic design. In 2021, Ken became a full-time artist, establishing a studio in the Artists’ Studios in Lexington. In 2022, he was recognized as a Kentucky Crafted artist. His artwork is currently displayed at Arthouse, Kentucky, the Richmond Area Arts Center, and the Kentucky Artisan Center. In recent years, Ken was honored to be commissioned for the Governor’s Derby Celebration Poster/Painting for the 150th Anniversary of the Kentucky Derby. His work has been showcased in numerous galleries throughout Kentucky and Ohio. Ken received an NEA grant to complete two large paintings honoring Lexington native musicians. In a full-circle moment for the young boy who drew inspiration from those massive Diego murals, Ken was awarded a large-scale mural honoring Ellis Wilson and Helen La France from Mayfield, KY, in 2024.
EARTH
Acrylic on canvas
24” x 24”
$400
“
I’m inspired
to share cultural stories through my artwork. My goal is to create images that spark conversation and foster connections. I utilize bold colors and strokes to express sound and movement. My subjects often include African American musicians, athletes, and historical figures.
�
— Kenneth Burney
WANDERING
Acrylic on canvas
12” x 16”
$300
THE ROAD HOME
Acrylic on canvas
18” x 24”
$350
KUDAKWASHE KAGUDU
Kudakwashe Kagudu (Kuda), born on March 25, 1999, in Harare, Zimbabwe, is a self-taught contemporary visual artist. He grew up in the small town of Gwanda, Zimbabwe, and is now based in Harare. His primary mediums are acrylic paint and charcoal. Kuda began drawing at a very young age. At 12, he was the third runner-up in the 2011 World Population Day Art Competition, sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund in Zimbabwe. He recently completed a four-month residency at the House of Friends Gallery located in the Kibera Art District in Nairobi, Kenya. His work was part of the Figurative Figures exhibit there. The four paintings submitted for this exhibition will be included in a multimedia exhibit entitled “Healing and Restorative Justice” at California Lutheran University in February. Kuda grapples through his paintings with the process of self-healing after the death of his mother and various hardships in his home country. Through his art, Kuda aims to inspire growth, bring hope, create positivity, and raise awareness.
“My paintings, influenced by life cycles in an African community, use figurative surrealism to explore personal healing, cultural pride, and postcolonialism. I navigate struggles of the Black experience while seeking self in a traumatic world, exploring relationships between broad cultural narratives and individual stories of loss and resilience.
— Kudakwashe Kagudu
VOICELESS COLOR
Acrylics on canvas
43.3” x 35.4”
NURTURING
Acrylics on canvas
19.7” x 19.7”
NFS
RESETTING OF JOY
Acrylics on canvas
27.6” x 21.7”
NFS
LAURISSA KABITHE
Laurissa Kabithe is a visual artist based in Louisville, KY. She was born in Cleveland, OH, on September 8, 2001. As a child, she always had a creative and outgoing spirit. Kabithe first began practicing art in high school through a few studio art courses. However, it wasn’t until she attended the University of Louisville that she truly immersed herself in various artistic mediums, experimenting with graphite, conte crayon, ink, and both oil and acrylic paints to express her thoughts and emotions. Much of the imagery in her early work features modified versions of portraits taken by her favorite photographers. These modifications are often characterized by dreamlike imagery, which led her to explore surrealistic art. Kabithe’s work has been showcased in the Governor’s Derby Exhibit in 2022, as well as the KCAAH Celebrating the Black Experience Exhibit in both 2022 and 2023.
“I use my art to explore my thoughts and feelings and the experiences of those around me. My work explores the human mind, focusing on themes such as identity, mental health, dreams, time, reality, and the subconscious. Through my work, I aim to evoke emotions and spark introspection.
— Laurissa Kabithe
ON MY BLOCK
Acrylic on canvas
30” x 40”
LESSIE VENARDO DIXON
Lessie Venardo Dixon, from Illinois, is a versatile and dedicated artist who explores various artistic styles to refine his craft continually. With a deep commitment to being an artist first and foremost, Dixon’s work blends influences from both classical and contemporary art forms. Drawing inspiration from the masterful brushstrokes of John Singer Sargent, the bold and vibrant aesthetics of Gullah art, and the dynamic energy of pop and street art, Dixon creates pieces that resonate with a diverse range of visual traditions. Known for his distinctive use of brushstrokes, Dixon’s style captures movement, texture, and emotional depth, inviting viewers into a world where traditional techniques meet modern expression. His work reflects a passion for experimentation, persistently pushing boundaries while remaining rooted in the principles of fine art. Dixon’s talent has gained recognition both domestically and internationally, with numerous awards and accolades acknowledging his contributions to the art world. Each of his pieces is a testament to his ongoing journey as an artist, driven by a desire to hone his skills and engage with the world through visual storytelling. Whether in the studio or on the streets, Lessie Venardo Dixon is devoted to his craft, continuously evolving as an artist.
“My work explores the journey of my ancestral history through both contemporary and traditional mediums. I focus on the figure, blending painting, drawing, and other techniques to express the beauty and complexity of the visual arts. Dedicated to growth, I aim to provide a unique, captivating glimpse into my creative process.
— Lessie Venardo Dixon
36” x 48”
on canvas
$10,000
LJ BRYANT
LJ Bryant, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, emerged as a portrait artist at the young age of 15. His journey, however, transcended mere brushstrokes. After serving in the United States Air Force, LJ pursued formal artistic education at the esteemed Art Institutes of Cincinnati and Las Vegas. Here, he refined his craft, blending technique with intuition, and embarked on a quest to unravel the mysteries of existence. LJ’s work has graced prestigious venues such as Boulevard 3 in Hollywood, California, and the local Mercury Ballroom and Roots 101 in Louisville, KY. His art speaks of vulnerability, whispered secrets, and profound truths. Each stroke is deliberate—a step toward understanding the universe.
DEAR MAMA
Charcoal & oil paint
My canvas is a sacred space where symbolism thrives. My monochrome subjects exude elegance and simplicity, yet beneath their surface lies a universe of emotion and spirituality. Whether it’s a solitary figure bathed in chiaroscuro or an abstract landscape, I invite viewers to explore their inner sanctums.
— LJ Bryant
MEGAN JORDAN
Dr. Megan Jordan, also known as Dr. Meg, is a self-taught artist from the South who works at the intersection of art, social justice, and research in Nashville, TN, originally hailing from Huntsville, AL. With a PhD in Sociology from Vanderbilt University, Dr. Meg is a National Award-Winning multidisciplinary artist, community organizer, and researcher. Her creative practice focuses on whimsy, imagination, well-being, and the interconnectedness of all people, intertwining these elements to explore themes of justice, healing, and collective action. Dr. Meg employs art as a medium for storytelling, engaging communities in collective problem-solving, firmly rooted in the belief that creativity can drive social change. She has received fellowships from prestigious foundations, including the 2021 Tanne Foundation National Award, the 2023 W.K. Kellogg Foundation Fellowship, and the 2022 Soho House Creative Futures Collective Fellowship. Dr. Meg has showcased her artwork at significant venues such as the United Nations COP27 in Egypt, the Nashville International Airport (BNA), and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). Her overarching goals are to amplify marginalized voices, create spaces for healing, and promote deep, collaborative engagement around social justice and climate change.
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My work seeks to create visual depictions of dreams of freedom, reminding people of our strengths within the community and grounding individuals in our connection to the natural world. I use hands and portraiture to convey my hopeful themes, as hands and faces evoke the emotions of human striving.
— Dr. Megan Jordan
$8,500
DECOLONIAL SANKOFA
Mixed media on recycled monks cloth
72” x 60”
MICHAEL MUCKER
Michael “Ol Skool” Mucker, a self-taught artist with a passion for creativity, began his artistic journey at the age of 7. Despite facing challenges in school art classes, he pursued his passion through graffiti, eventually transitioning to airbrushing in high school. Mike’s dedication and natural talent enabled him to build a successful career without formal training, operating airbrush shops in various cities and exploring diverse artistic mediums. After serving overseas, Mike relocated to Tennessee in 1995, where he expanded his repertoire to include graphic design, animation, automotive painting, murals, textured canvases, and body art. His work has been prominently showcased around Nashville, featuring a Bruce Lee mural at Kung-Fu Coffee and a Dr. Seuss-themed mural on Glenrose Avenue. Mike has also exhibited alongside renowned artists like James Threalkill and Michael McBride and participated in projects such as the Art of the Lost Boys of Sudan and Norf Wall Fest. Passionate about teaching, Mike has shared his skills through various Nashville art programs, including AmunRa Performance Arts Camp and the Boys and Girls Club. For over 19 years, he has been the resident airbrush instructor at Plaza Artist Materials, leading workshops for beginners and intermediates. Mike has recently been honored to have several pieces of his work archived on video by the Smithsonian Institute. He continues to refine his craft in his studio and at One Drop Ink Tattoo Studio and Gallery, leaving a lasting impact on Nashville’s artistic community.
“My current collection is an exploration of hiphop through the dynamic use of spray paint and other acrylic mediums. By layering colors, I create an immersive experience that resonates with the human experience. I want viewers to feel the raw emotion I experience when listening to my favorite tracks.
— Michael Mucker
MOMENT OF TRUTH
Acrylics
30” x 40”
$5,000
Nahla grew up in South Louisville and draws inspiration from landscape paintings, primarily using acrylics to create cityscapes. She graduated with a BFA in 2024 and then returned to the University of Louisville for her MFA. While an undergraduate, she received the Winthrop Allen Memorial Prize in Creative Art. One of her paintings is currently featured in a group exhibition in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.
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As an African American painter with an Arabic name in Louisville, Kentucky, I express my memories throughout the city to embrace my surreal reality with optimism. My cityscapes highlight the significance of placing water in a desert in Kentucky.
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— Nahla Joy
GO PAST THAT FRONT PORCH
DON’T
Acrylic paint
78” x 48” x 1”
NFS
NZINGHA BEVERLEY SWEENEY-SHEPPARD
Nzingha Beverley Sweeney-Sheppard was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and moved to New York City in 1967 before later relocating to Upstate New York. She has traveled throughout Europe and Africa, eventually moving back to Louisville in 2003. Nzingha is an artist, an advocate for women and minority rights, and a champion for young people. Her resume includes illustrating a clothing line for a dress house in New York City, creating a jobs manual for General Motors, modeling, moderating a forum for couples, and teaching art to children. She served on the Board of Directors for The Kentucky Foundation for Women for seven years and has also served on the Board for the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. Currently, she is on the Board of Directors for RPOP, Russell A Place of Promise, in the Historic Russell neighborhood. In 2008, Nzingha and her husband opened Nzingha Creations Gallery at 1800 Muhammad Ali Blvd in Russell. Her exhibits feature a solo exhibit at Wayside Gallery and Six Mile Lane YMCA, a collaboration at The Jewish Community Center with Ms. Elmer Lucille Allen, and a group exhibit at The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage Center and Kore Gallery. Additionally, there is a piece dedicated to those who have lost their lives to police brutality at Roots 101.
“My work is mainly influenced by my feelings toward an image, a thought, or a person’s eyes or posture. It has to say to me, I want to see this on canvas.
— Nzingha Beverley Sweeney-Sheppard
REFLECTIONS
Oil and watercolor on canvas
16” x 20”
$4,000
RONNITA NANCE
Her Essence Unveiled Hailing from the west end of Louisville, Kentucky, in the late 1960s, Ronnita is an artist with a lifelong passion for drawing and a newfound love for painting. Ronnita began her artistic journey as a young child, discovering a deep connection with colored pencils. This natural talent encouraged her to take figure drawing classes during her college years. While drawing was her first inspiration, in 2019, Ronnita bravely ventured into the world of painting, a shift that revitalized her artistry. Ronnita believes that art is the language of the soul, reflecting personal thoughts, emotions, and experiences. She views each canvas as an opportunity to share stories, evoke feelings, and connect with viewers. Having exhibited in galleries such as the John G. Irvin Gallery for the “Looking at You” exhibit, the Garfield Park Arts Center for the SALI National Abstract Art showcase, and the Kore Art Gallery for the “Black and White” show, Ronnita’s paintings have earned admiration for their vibrant colors, intricate compositions, and fluidity. As the COLLIDER Artist-in-Residence for January 2024, Ronnita continues to push the boundaries of creativity. This residency not only showcased her commitment to artistic exploration but also marked another chapter in a journey that beautifully blends the structured lines of figurative art with the free expressions of the abstract—a testament to the harmonious coexistence of the past, present, and future in Ronnita’s artistic narrative.
“My work uses a unique blend of spontaneity and intention, inviting viewers to explore the depths of their imagination as they navigate the patterns and chaos present in each creation.
— Ronnita Nance
HER ESSENCE UNVEILED
Acrylic paint on canvas
16” x 20”
$250
SHARARD SADDLERS
Sharard “X” lives and works in Lakeland, FL. He was the 2022-2023 winner of JCPenney’s Young Gifted and Black design contest, earning a seven-session apprenticeship with the company’s design team along with a $5,000 award. He has held solo exhibitions at St. Joseph’s Museum in Missouri and the Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery at Florida A&M University. His many group exhibitions include “African Americans and Labor” at the Orlando City Hall Terrace Gallery and “Creative Tallahassee” at the Tallahassee City Hall Chambers. Sharard was honored as the winner of the Pinellas County Suncoast Transit Authority’s Juneteenth Bus Wrap Competition, receiving a cash prize and having his hand-painted design showcased on an active city bus for six months in 2023. His most recent public work, titled “Basketball is World Language,” is a mural at the South Orlando YMCA, commissioned by the Orlando Magic. He is currently working on various projects with the Orlando Magic and Detroit Tigers, developing mural proposals for different teams, preparing his clothing line for local retailers’ shelves, and possibly being featured in this year’s Essence Festival.
“I am Sharard “X,” a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, born and raised in Lakeland, FL. I am a self-taught visual artist, muralist, and designer with a passion for painting, education, and community. With every painting, mural, or design I create, I aim to empower and enlighten my viewers through meaningful images and creations.
— Sharard Saddlers
NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN
Acrylic on Canvas
24” x 30”
$650
SHEILA FOX
Sheila Fox, artistically known as Godiva Goddess, is based in Louisville, Kentucky, but has roots in Chicago. Drawing inspiration from her rich cultural heritage and passion for vintage fashion, hair, and beauty, Sheila creates vibrant, textured works that celebrate the elegance and resilience of Black women. Her art combines materials such as fabric, lace, resin, and hot glue to produce unique pieces reminiscent of stained glass or mosaic designs. A self-taught artist with over 20 years of creative experience, Sheila left a career in welding to pursue her passion full-time. Her art blends technical skill with emotional depth, sparking conversations about the richness and complexity of Black identity. Through her ever-evolving techniques, Sheila invites viewers into a world of beauty, history, and meaning, reminding us of the power and importance of cultural expression.
LEGACY OF LOVE
Acrylic, oil pastel, jewelry, fabric, hot glue, clay and resin on canvas
x 40”
“As a self-taught mixed-media artist, I passionately capture the essence of Black individuals using unconventional materials. With two decades of drawing and eight years of painting, my dynamic pieces challenge art norms and spark conversations about the complexity of the Black experience. In my portraiture, I skillfully blend themes of history, race, and power.
— Sheila Fox
Acrylic, oil pastel, jewelry, hot glue, and resin on canvas
24” x 36”
$1,600
ABOUT ELMER LUCILLE ALLEN GALLERY
The main gallery at the Heritage Center is named in honor of Elmer Lucille Allen, a hometown hero from Louisville, Kentucky. She paved the way for women in science, the arts, and community building. In 1966, after years of overcoming barriers in her field, she became the first African American woman chemist at Brown-Forman. After retiring in 2002, she pursued her lifelong passion for art and textile design. At the age of 71, Allen earned a Master’s Degree in Creative Arts from the University of Louisville, specializing in textiles, ceramics, and mixed media. With her work displayed throughout Kentucky, Allen’s life journey seamlessly combined science and the arts, establishing her as a pioneer before the STEM/STEAM education movement aimed at preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
The Elmer Lucille Allen Gallery features a bronze bust of Elmer Lucille Allen, crafted by artist and sculptor Terri Gilmore. Elmer Lucille Allen is a devoted and selfless mentor, as well as a highly esteemed member of our community. She deserves the recognition this sculpture will provide, both now and for future generations. Allen exemplifies excellence in both the sciences and the arts. Her life serves as a beacon of inspiration for everyone, especially for future generations entering the 21st-century workforce.
ABOUT THE CURATORS
Aukram Burton’s extensive career as a photographer and producer has led him on a global journey, capturing the essence of diverse cultures across continents. His portfolio spans an array of destinations, including Barbados, Brazil, Benin, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ghana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nigeria, Panama, Senegal, South Africa, Tibet, and various locales throughout the United States. His work serves as a visual narrative of humanity’s rich tapestry. Aukram holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art, a Master of Education in Instructional Design, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in International Education. He further honed his expertise as a research fellow at the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Aukram has curated numerous exhibitions both nationally and internationally. Notable national exhibitions include “Glimpses of the Middle Kingdom” at the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Boston, Massachusetts (1986), “Images From Nigeria” at the Cone Center Gallery, University of North Carolina, Charlotte (1998), and “Journeys Through the African Diaspora” at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (2012). Internationally, Aukram has curated exhibitions such as the “Boston Collective Group Exhibition” at the Guangzhou Fine Arts Academy in Guangzhou, China, as part of a bilateral cultural exchange between Massachusetts and Guangdong Province (1986), and “Journeys Through the African Diaspora,” a permanent photography exhibition at Universidad del Valle Sede Pacifico in Buenaventura, Colombia (2018). In recognition of his dedication to cultural exploration, in January 2023, Aukram received a curator travel grant from the Great Meadows Foundation, enabling him to conduct curatorial research in Benin, West Africa, and explore opportunities for art and cultural exchange. Aukram’s approach to curation is characterized by his profound understanding of cultural nuances and his unwavering commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.
ABOUT THE CURATORS
Julia Youngblood, founder of Youngblood Harmonizing Arts, is recognized in the arts and social justice communities for her multifaceted contributions and commitment to fostering creativity and cultural equity. She has received the 2024 Fund for the Arts Community Event Grant, the 2023 Curate, Purchase, Inspire award from Louisville Visual Art, and the 2022 Indiana Arts Commission On-Ramp fellowship. Julia’s academic journey includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bennington College and a Master of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute. Her broad skill set encompasses arts education, photography, Jin Shin Jyutsu practice, and multidisciplinary artistry, showcased in solo and group exhibitions across Kentucky, Vermont, New Mexico, and California. Her recent solo exhibition, “Held in the Sway,” featuring captivating paintings and printed textiles, was hosted at Lodgic Loft Gallery in 2022. With a rich history of community engagement, Julia dedicated sixteen impactful years to directing ArtsReach, a renowned community arts program at Kentucky Performing Arts. Her commitment to advancing cultural equity extends beyond local initiatives, as evidenced by her participation in panels for esteemed institutions such as the National Endowment for the Arts and The Kentucky Arts Council. Julia is an advisor on cultural equity for the Kentucky Peer Advisory Network. Driven by a deep belief in the healing and transformative power of art, she is truly passionate about promoting individual and community well-being.
Julia actively engages with various community organizations, including KCAAH’s Samuel Plato Industrial and Creative Arts Institute, JCPS Elev8, Molo Village, Maryhurst, BluePrint 502, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, and Dreams with Wings, facilitating arts-based programming aimed at empowering individuals and fostering connection. Alongside her community involvement, Julia plays a crucial role in supporting exhibitions and curation at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, further demonstrating her commitment to amplifying diverse voices and narratives within the arts landscape. Julia’s relentless advocacy for cultural equity inspires and uplifts communities, reflecting her vision of harmonizing mind, body, and spirit for a better world.