Aleathia Brown

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

Anthony Boone

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.”

Anthony Gartmond

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

Antoinette Ellis-Williams

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

BAi

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

Ben Jones

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

Bola Obatuyi

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.

Bryant Small

Bryant Small, an acclaimed artist residing in Jersey City, NJ, seamlessly juggles a career in social media and marketing based in New York City. His 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!"

Cassandra Martin

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

Chantal Gesse

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 art, inviting them to explore their associations and emotions. Chantal Gesse brings a distinctive and captivating perspective to the world of art.

Daniel Jenkins

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

Danielle Scott

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

Demarcus McGaughey

Demarcus McGaughey, born in 1975, is a Texas native and New York-based mixed media artist renowned for his passionate portrayal of the beauty, strength, and vibrancy of people of color. Inspired by his mother's artistic influence during his childhood, McGaughey initially honed his talents by coloring within her tracings. However, he soon embraced his unique creativity, breaking free from conventional boundaries to chart his own artistic course. 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. Despite finding success in corporate advertising, McGaughey discovered his true calling in painting, using vibrant portraits to encapsulate his world travels, family experiences, and community connections. He 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.

Demetric Denmark

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

Dodji Gbedemah

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.

Donte Stokes

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 where he has worked on several graphic design and art projects. Donte Stokes is a creative that loves bringing his ideas to life. He is currently focused on expanding his business and developing new techniques, with a long-term goal of owning a design firm for musician artwork.

Earlene Hardie Cox

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

Floyd Strickland

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

Gabrielle Baker

A native New Yorker, Gabrielle Baker’s interest in art began at age 10, and continued through 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.

Glenda Jones

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

Glendora Simonson

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-a-flutter.” 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.

Heather Williams

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

Jimmy James Greene

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

Kortez

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.

K. Scott Cosme

Kevin Scott Cosme is a creative 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 skill set to the next level through proper training. In 1995, Kevin enrolled in SUNY Purchase’s BFA program and graduated in ’99 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.

Louella Jones

At the age of 4, Louella Jones discovered her passion for playing with clay and paint, a calling 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.

Maria Estrela

Maria Estrela was born in Cascais, 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 self-healing, 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.

Martryce Roach

Martryce Roach is a visual artist from New Brunswick, NJ. She first introduced her work in 2014 at The 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 Art in the Atrium.

Mason Archie

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

Melanie McAllister

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

N Carlos Jefferson

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.

Papa Tall

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

Patrick Alston

Patrick Alston, born and raised in the Bronx, New York, channels his energetic creativity into works of art that delve into thought-provoking 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.

Philip Smallwood

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

Robert Graham Carter

Robert Graham Carter, a Long Island resident for decades, has been a celebrated artist and illustrator for more than 60 years. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he was receptive to line, color, and form and had an intuitive feeling for design at an early age, winning the Scholastic Art & Writing Award at age 17. His passion became a profession driven by a sensitivity to detail that serves as the legacy and abiding thread connecting the continuum of his art. The dignity of the human spirit reigns within the people of Robert’s compositions, uplifted by the virtuosity of his hand and his profound understanding of the human experience. Robert received his Master of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute in New York in 1966 and was an illustrator for McGraw Hill and Simon & Schuster. His work is in the permanent collection of various institutions/museums across the United States, including the Denver Art Museum, The Heckscher Museum of Art, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, The Long Island Museum, and Yale Law School. 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.

Robin Holder

Robin Holder has developed innovative approaches to layering forms and colors as stated by President Emerita and Life Trustee of the Museum of Modern Art, Agnes Gund. In 2021 she presented a one-person exhibition at the Lagrange Museum. She has presented solo exhibitions at the Mobile Museum of Art, The Spelman College Museum, The David Driskell Center, the American Labor Museum and The North Carolina Central University Art Museum. Robin Holder was awarded an Individual Visual Artist Grant by The Brooklyn Arts Council and was interviewed for the Hatch Billops 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 included 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.

Sandra White

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

Stanley Cadet

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

Susan Ragland

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

Thomas Heath

Thomas Heath is the co-founder of Heath Gallery in New York. Heath believes that “African-American culture is rich in color, texture, history and value.” He uses 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.

Tolu Ayorinde

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

Wilhelmina Grant Cooper

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

William Daniels

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