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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Amira Rogers is a contemporary artist with a life-long passion for creating art in multiple mediums, who began exploring art at a very young age. Amira formally studied art for the first time at the acclaimed Arts High School in Newark, NJ, then went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with a minor in graphic design, from Seton Hall University. Amira considers herself an interactive artist working in various mediums (photography, glass, acrylic paint, pencil, and marker to name a few). To Amira, art is incomplete without the engagement of the viewer. To add to the traditional art skills, Amira has flameworking, kiln forming/mosaic, and glass blowing skills. She creates glass mosaics as works of art that often double as functional items. Her art is influenced by music, nature and her everyday experiences. Amira was granted the opportunity to work with 3 different glass demos at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington, for the national Glass Art Society Conference in 2022. She was also one of the speakers for the community panel at the conference, speaking about her time teaching and making glass art in Newark, New Jersey, as a woman of color. She shared her voice again, speaking to the young women of Sadie Nash Leadership Project 2023.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
oklyn, New York, Andrew Nichol's passion for art ignited at an early age. Growing up in a culturally diverse environment, he became acutely aware of the struggles and triumphs of the African diaspora. This awareness, combined with a love for painting, shaped his artistic journey. Andrew Nichols work delves into the multifaceted experiences of the African diaspora, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and cultural heritage. Through his paintings, he aims to capture the essence of these narratives, shedding light on the rich tapestry of African American history and its impact on contemporary society. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy of New York City and the allure of Hollywood, Nichols art reflects the convergence of these two influential cultural hubs. He seeks to bridge the gap between the urban grit of Brooklyn and the glamour of Hollywood, creating a visual dialogue that resonates with viewers from all walks of life. Using a combination of bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and intricate details, Andrew strives to evoke emotions and provoke thought. Each stroke on the canvas is a deliberate attempt to capture the essence of struggle, resilience, and triumph that defines the African diaspora. Through art, Andrew Nichols aims to challenge societal norms, confront stereotypes, and celebrate the beauty and strength of the African American community. By highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the African diaspora, he hopes to inspire dialogue, foster understanding, and promote social change
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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 abstractexpressionist 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.
THE ARTIST
whose focus has e earned his BFA FA 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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
B king in Montclair, New
J oductory series without a c o arts, thus its apt, yet v ecame intrigued with the capsule shape prevalent in the series and its multiform ability on the two-dimensional plane. Each composition communicates resource and substance despite limits or restriction while supporting their individual subjects. Her use of black and white, textured medium not only extends this message, but amplifies its expression.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Brya d 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!"
ABOUT THE ARTIST 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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
a assemblage artist from Jersey City, xpression of politically and socially e was honored with the Artist of the een 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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
New Jersey-based artist Daniel Jenkins creates artwork that combines figurative work and abstraction. He purposely merges opposites, producing a unique and distinct style he consistently delivers. Shortly after finishing art school at duCret Center of Art, Daniel began experiencing vision problems. After multiple tests and doctor visits, he found out he had a tumor that was causing him to go blind slowly. Following a successful surgery, Daniel’s eyesight was fully restored. Taking this as a sign not to neglect his artistic talents, Daniel set out to reclaim his focus by pursuing his craft every day for an entire year. This endeavor led him to merge his classically trained figurative work with his life experiences and love for abstraction. Daniel’s goal is to bring polar opposites together, fusing figurative work with abstraction to create something entirely new and original.
DDEMETRIC DENMARK ABOUT THE ARTIST
n Winter Haven, Florida, first d rt 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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
A nat lle 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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Every eone ’ 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 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 selfpreservation. What we learn from these beautiful images is the joy of life and living everyday 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. July 2025 Glenda had a solo exhibition of her Omo Valley photos for the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in celebration of HBCU week. The month of August her Omo Valley photographs were on display at the Martha’s Vineyard Library where she held an Artist talk and reception.
Throughout Glenda’s photographic career, she has pursued her desire to make sure we have a photographic record of the phenomenal people who have who have crossed her path as they pursued their life’s dreams and have been successful in this endeavor.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
disciplinary artist born in St. Croix, n, NY. She uses abstract painting, lore dualities, and complexities within relationships such as damage and repair. She sculpts faces that are called Witnesses to the past, present and future. They serve as guardians and are quiet, raw, and imperfect yet powerful in their presence. Her abstract work is layered and textured. Figures emerge on the canvas as Williams pushes the material in an intuitive, organic manner, exploring relationships between one form to another. Her video work is in response to current social issues.
Heather earned a Master’s degree in Fine Art from the School of Visual Arts in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. She has been awarded 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 in Chicago. She has also been awarded residencies at Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation (ESKFF) at Mana Contemporary, ArtCrawl Harlem at Governors Island, NY and a sustainable Arts Fellowship at Gallery Aferro, NJ. She has exhibited in many group exhibitions including Peel off the Surface, Tribeca Loft, and solo shows Damage and Repair at Akwaaba Gallery and Protective Spirits at The Bridge Art Gallery. Her sculptures and abstract paintings are in many private collections.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jada Nicole Tuffin (b. 2005) is a multimedia artist from South Florida. Her work uses mixed media (watercolor, acrylic, oil, charcoal, found materials) to study passion, identity, and the portrayal of complex emotions in different atmospheres, often switching mediums and support materials. Jada is a self‑taught artist whose practice began in high school and evolved through independent study and experimentation through college. Her 2022 oil painting “Looking Forward” was awarded a silver key by Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Alliance for recognizing emerging young artists.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
New Jersey based sculptor Jerome China was born in Richmond, Virginia and is best known for his abstract metal sculptures made from rusted and discarded scrap metal, automobile gears and other industrial detritus. The pieces are a fusion of found metal, impulsive ideation and life context. At times his work is inspired by external context, and other times, by the innate story he interprets from the metal object. Jerome started his career in 2012 and received his early training as the first artist in residence at All Iron Works commercial welding and fabrication shop currently located in Hoboken, NJ. In addition, he studied with blacksmith Paul Januz at Gravity Line Forge. These residence experiences provided a balanced foundation in welding, Blacksmithing and metallurgy. He has lived in New York, Bermuda and Virginia and currently resides in Jersey City, NJ.
ABOUT THE ARTIST JIMMY JAMES GREENE
Since his childhood in Xenia, Ohio, Jimmy James Greene has shown exceptional artistic ability. After apprenticing with acclaimed Afrocentric muralist Jon Onye Lockard in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Greene graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design. Since then, he has gone on to become an accomplished collagist, painter, draftsman, and designer who also works with stained glass, printmaking, and mosaic tile. For more than forty-five years, his work has explored the communal expressions of the African diaspora in general, and those of the African American experience in particular. “I see myself as a visual storyteller,” says Greene. “The styles I use range from tight representation to abstracted forms, depending upon my intent, but the bottom line is communication. Ideally, my work will act as a springboard for the viewer into their own imagination, their own experiences, memories, and aspirations.”
As a fine artist, Greene has executed over 30 one-person exhibitions and innumerable group showings. As a commercial artist, he has theater posters, Continued CD covers, and many newspaper, magazine, and book cover illustrations to his credit. Greene has also been commissioned to do public works of art by The New York City Transit Authority, New York’s City Parks Foundation, Met Life, and St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Brooklyn. “Public commissions are like coming full circle,” says Greene. “I started as a mural apprentice, and now I’m doing similar large-scale works that have to be fabricated to last for centuries, to be seen by thousands of people yearly!”
“Art isn’t like sports – it’s not about the fastest run or the most points scored in a game. Art is about expressing a point of view, oneself, and there are a whole lot of points of view,” Greene says. “There are many ways of seeing life’s experiences. There hasn’t been a culture on the face of the earth that didn’t express itself through art. I believe there isn’t a person who doesn’t respond to art on one level or another. We’re just wired that way, thank God.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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.
KIYOMI
QUINN TAYLOR
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kiyomi Quinn Taylor (b.1995) is a multimedia artist from New Jersey. Taylor received her BFA from New York University in 2017 and her MFA from Columbia University in 2020. Her work examines iconographies of her mixed heritage (Black and Japanese), identity, faith, and power. Taylor uses collage and mixed media (painting, collage, drawing, textiles, stop-motion animation, performance, and installation) to examine genealogical memory and interiority through allegory. Her work leverages magical realism against the sociopolitical landscape of today as a foil, a mirror, and an escape. She has exhibited in galleries in New York, Boston, Martha's Vineyard, Chicago, and Los Angeles (including, but not limited to Steve Turner Gallery) - and, internationally. Her work is included in several major domestic and international collections. Taylor's work was included in an exhibition at Christie’s New York showroom and exhibited at the Armory Show with a collective of artists shown by For Freedoms. Taylor is the recipient of the Helen Frankenthaler painting award in 2019 and an artist grant from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts in 2022. She currently lives and works in Brooklyn.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Second Generation visual artist Laura R. Gadson explores and blends mediums, techniques, and materials based on her love of textiles, paper, glass and other materials. She is a graduate of the renowned Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and holds a BFA from the City College of New York. Her work has been widely exhibited, reproduced as public art in her community, and is proudly part of various public and private collections, including the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery. She is a native New Yorker living and creating in Harlem, NYC since 1993.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Leila Rose Fanner is a painter and illustrator. Born to a South African artist and an African American musician, she was raised in South Africa and currently works from her studio close to Cape Town. In her work, Leila is “depicting the gentle, natural feminine presence, the spirit of Mother Nature or the essence and potential of the Soul” as she states it.
Leila’s subject matter explores the symbolic language of dreams and the subconscious landscape of emotions from a very personal, distinctly feminine perspective. Through her art, she unfolds a story about the soul's journey within the material world, often referencing African flora and fauna, fabric patterns and folklore.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
n 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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Mason Archie, originally from Dayton, Ohio, now proudly calls Indianapolis, Indiana, his home. His artistic journey unfolded while serving over 15 years as the Art Director and pictorial artist for Lamar Outdoor Advertising where he cultivated his skills. He later founded Vital Sign, a commercial sign company. In 2005, Mason transitioned to work as a full-time fine artist, 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. He 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 National African American Museum Cultural Center, The Indianapolis Art Center, The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, and Herron Galleries. 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, Artist of Distinction Award in the Indiana Artist Club Members Exhibit (both are two of the oldest competitions in the country), and his most recent recognition as the 2023 and 2025 Haan Museum "Generations" Invitational Best of Show Award and 2024 Hoosier Art Salon, Clowes Collaborative Best of Show Award recipient.
TTHE ARTIST
d used her drawings tory of life in collages, einforce the images s, even smoke from candles, to create vibrant images of contemporary women in Zimbabwe today. One of her goals is to use her art to showcase the beauty of African women, be they from the village or the capital city of Harare, portraying the real African woman – in her long skirts, fuller figure, with her head covered abiding by the norms and rules of the typical African way of life. In 2006, Mercy became the first woman artist to win the National Arts Merit Award for two-dimensional work in Zimbabwe. She is a celebrated artist with global stature, and has received several prestigious residencies.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Nefe Ogodo’s was born in Delta state Nigeria. Ogodo discovered his passion for art at an early age and has pursued with relentless dedication. He trained at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State- one of Nigeria’s foremost art schools. Nefe Ogodo’s paintings are defined by a playful yet profound uniqueness.
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O Neil Scott is a Jamaican born, Pennsylvania-based representational oil painter whose work explores the emotional, cultural, and social dimensions of the human experience. Rooted in portraiture, Scott uses the figure to examine identity, resilience, and the layered realities shaping marginalized communities, creating paintings that invite connection across social and cultural boundaries.
His practice is grounded in storytelling through the human form, balancing realism with expressive surface handling to convey psychological depth and presence. His subjects often carry a quiet intensity, reflecting both personal and collective experiences, and encouraging moments of reflection, empathy, and shared understanding.
Scott has exhibited widely since 2016, with recent exhibitions including the Zillman Art Museum 2025, University of Maine, the National Gallery of Jamaica 2025, and the Morris Museum 2026, as well as presentations at SCOPE Miami and EXPO Chicago 2026. His work has been featured in Fine Art Connoisseur, American Art Collector, and Artist Magazine, and is held in public and private collections across the United States and internationally, including the Henson Art Museum, Wingate University, Villanova University Permanent Collection, the NAACP Permanent Collection, and the Petrucci Family Foundation.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Ra master abstract artist whose work explores the transformative power of color, texture, and abstract form.
Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Raphael immigrated to the United States in 1978 and later refined his artistic practice through studies at the Brooklyn Museum Art School and the Manhattan School of Printing, with concentrations in painting and graphic art photography.
With more than two decades of professional artistic experience, Raphael creates paintings that serve as visual journals—capturing emotion, memory, and reflection through richly layered compositions. Using acrylic paint, modeling paste, and gesso, he builds textured surfaces that invite introspection and dialogue. Deeply inspired by his surroundings and personal journey, Raphael views painting as both meditation and expression, striving to create a universal visual language that resonates with viewers on an emotional level.
His vibrant and richly textured works have been exhibited throughout the Tri-State area and acquired by numerous private collectors. Each painting invites viewers to pause, reflect, and discover their own meaning within the layers of color, movement, and form.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Ryan Cosbert (b. 1999 Brooklyn, NY) is a first-generation AfricanAmerican (of Haitian & Guyanese descent) conceptual artist who’s work approaches and focuses on her own humanistic experiences, self-expression, political issues and historical narratives. Cosbert aims to bring her viewers to see things from an internal / external perspective to explore and ignite conversations while encouraging higher consciousness. Cosbert rigorously researches the history and people of the African diaspora that she uses as inspiration for the subjects of her work. Cosbert is also interested in the consequences of subjugation and oppression along with their historical and generational impact on the Black community.
When it comes to Cosbert’s abstract paintings she creates a sense of control using the grid format to apply what she calls “tiles” which creates a geometrical balance. She forms different layers using the tiles, paints, and physical objects giving the work more depth and a three-dimensional composition. Both color and materiality play an important role in her work. She often incorporates physical objects and colors that tie directly to the subject matter of the painting. Cosbert graduated from The School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City with a BFA in Fine Arts (Class of 2021).
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Serron Green: Raised in Newark, New Jersey at the height of the Black Power Movement, and during the eighties, as became the newest form of self-expression, Serron Green aka xplorefreedom, realized early on, the joining of these ideals would be the inspiration for his work.
The self-taught artist began experimenting with graffiti during the eighties and nineties. He began incorporating different mediums such as markers, watercolor, and even house paint—with spray paint always remaining a constant. Since that time, he has broadened his scope of work to now include materials such as, reclaimed wood, rich textiles, and many other unconventional items.
2009 was a pivotal year for the artist. At the urging of friends, fellow artists, and collectors, he began creating work for formal exhibition. Pieces created in the years prior were sold by word-of-mouth through a broadening circle that created an increasingly steady demand.
He currently lives and works in Newark—a limitless source of inspiration. His travels across Europe, The Caribbean, North and South America, have greatly impacted the way he sees the world around him, and with each discovery of a new locale, its traditions, and culture, it strengthens his belief that art truly has the power to invoke change in the world.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Stanley Cadet is a New York based photographer. He received his Masters Degree in Digital Photography at the School of Visual Arts. He has showcased his work in local galleries, community art exhibitions, and public spaces in effort to share his work. Some spaces include Soho Photo Gallery with APA, Montclair Art Museum with ETV, Kente Royal Gallery, South Hampton Cultural Center and many more.
Stanley received community recognition and was awarded with the Mahogany Exhibit Award by Generations + /Northern Manhattan Health Network for art installed in Harlem Hospital's permanent art collection.
He is a Breathing Color “Featured Artist”, on Communication Arts “Photography” shortlist, “Up Next Photographers” with Diversify Photo, and Create Change Fellow with the Laundromat Project. His imagery is his expression and visual language of familiar subjects, social engagements, historical data references and personal exploration summed up from his life experiences and journey.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Su areer creating and initially selling art largely outside of the conventional art circuits. Through private exhibits and by word of mouth, her art found its way into the permanent acquisitions of major art collectors throughout the U.S. including the Colored Girls’ Museum; a long-time host of ABC’s The View; professional athletes; George Washington University, Temple University; various on-air news pundits, and in the homes of regular folks.
Recent exhibits include : The Woodmere Museum Annual 83rd Juried Exhibition, Philadelphia; “The Politics of Joy”, Main Line Unitarian Church gallery, Devon, PA; “Soft Light”, Luster Gallery + Studio, Hyatt Centric, Philadelphia; “Classically Black: Beauty in the Cracks”, Honeysuckle Restaurant, Philadelphia; “I’m Black and I’m Proud”, The Colored Girls Museum, Philadelphia; “ Inaugural Show”, Museum of African American Art Collections, Awbury Arboretum, Philadelphia; “May Safe Arms Find Me”, Station 3510 Gallery, Mt.Ranier, Maryland; “For the Love of Art”
Juneteenth exhibit at the Montclair Art Museum, Montclair, New Jersey; Harlem Fine Arts Show via Moody Jones Gallery, New York City; Touchstone Gallery, “District 51 Show”, Washington, DC, and the Woodmere Museum Annual 82nd Juried Exhibition, Philadelphia, during which she won the Hugh and Marian Scott Prize. Susan was also a 20242025 Black Artist Fellow with the Philadelphia Mural Arts. Upcoming, her art will display among original designs in the 2026 South Street Corridor’s Banner Art Initiative.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
V n visual artist and founder of Veda Studio, based in New Jersey. Working primarily through abstraction, his paintings explore themes of memory, resilience, displacement, healing, and human connection.
Deeply shaped by the experience of surviving the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Kagabo transforms personal and collective histories into layered visual landscapes that invite reflection rather than direct narration. Through textured surfaces, intuitive markmaking, and emotionally charged color relationships, his work examines the unseen psychological spaces between trauma and renewal.
Kagabo’s practice is rooted in the belief that art can serve as both witness and restoration — a space where silence, memory, and transformation coexist. His paintings often blur the boundaries between inner and outer worlds, creating compositions that feel at once intimate, atmospheric, and universal.
As both an artist and mental health worker, he is especially interested in the relationship between art, emotional recovery, and the reconstruction of identity. His work has been featured in solo online exhibitions and international contemporary art platforms, where it continues to engage audiences through its emotional depth and contemplative abstraction.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
William graduated from SUNY Empire State College, earning his B.A. in Visual Arts/Curatorial Studies and earned his Ph.D. in Art Theory, Philosophy, & Aesthetics from the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts. William is a multidisciplinary artist who works primarily in textile. His art quilts and accessories feature traditional quilt blocking and paper piecing techniques and occasionally incorporate nontraditional components. His inspiration derives from urban art practice that confront contemporary issues. He often integrates modern archetypes with historical, societal, or spiritual topics. From 2014 to the present, he has received numerous awards including both the 2019 Male Quilt Artist of the Year Award from the National African American Quilt Convention, and the Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed by the African American Quilt Museum.
