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ARTIST STATEMENTS
Tyler Woodruff
"Della-Mae"
▦ Photograph
Tyler Woodruff is an African-American photographer. Originally born in San Diego, California, he spent his childhood years moving all over the U.S due to his parent's occupation. At the age of ten, Tyler moved to Dallas, Texas, with his mother and brother, residing there until graduating high-school, after which he went on to study art and design in Los Angeles. Tyler has since moved back to Dallas and works as a photographer while self-producing his clothing line.
"My work as a photographer is a result of lived experience and personal philosophy. I solely shoot with film, which forces me to be slow and intentional while shooting, and enhances my approach to picture making. Editorial-esque photoshoots with stylists and designers, album covers for musicians, and most recently, collage, make up much of my portfolio."
Shayna Sutton
"Saartjie"
▦ Recycled Cardboard, Organic Fibers, Wood Paper, Found Objects
Shayna is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Texas. She will graduate with her BFA at University of Texas at Arlington with a concentration in sculpture this spring 2023. She strives to explore various mediums' intersections with sculpture while collaborating research, art history, and cultural identity within her artwork. Through her family experiences, the African diaspora, and African American culture, she learns about herself. She plans to continue to combine the experiences, culture, and history of people who look like her throughout her work.
"As a multidisciplinary artist, my work centers on the intersectionality of women of color and the ability to work through the black woman's perspective. I focus on black womanhood, spirituality, beauty, and historical preservation within African American culture through various mediums, materials, colors, patterns, and textures. My practice incorporates creating a new history with African American women's narrative, replacing stereotypes of black female identity. I strive to create visual power figures of the black female body, combining their experiences of the past till the 20th century and beyond.
I have selected these works because of the history that is tied to each one of them: sharing history, reimagining, resilience, and beauty within."
Juametta Terrell
"Eastside McKinneyopoly: A Black History of East McKinney"
▦ Digital Art
"I am a graduate from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Legal Studies who originally had plans of becoming a Criminal lawyer. I drifted away from that dream once I realized art was the perfect peace to my busy life. Placing me in a specific medium hasn’t been easy because I enjoy painting, drawing, and even photography. I’m somewhat an all around chick in the art world. Any form of art brings me peace and allows me to meditate!
The purpose of this art piece is to showcase this board game I created. It highlights some of the Black History in McKinney in a fun and educational way. The names used in this game were inspired by true names of black owned businesses and people from McKinney."
Shayna Sutton
"Makeda"
▦ Recycled Cardboard, Paper, Metal, Organic fibers and Found Object
Shayna is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Texas. She will graduate with her BFA at University of Texas at Arlington with a concentration in sculpture this spring 2023. She strives to explore various mediums' intersections with sculpture while collaborating research, art history, and cultural identity within her artwork. Through her family experiences, the African diaspora, and African American culture, she learns about herself. She plans to continue to combine the experiences, culture, and history of people who look like her throughout her work.
"As a multidisciplinary artist, my work centers on the intersectionality of women of color and the ability to work through the black woman's perspective. I focus on black womanhood, spirituality, beauty, and historical preservation within African American culture through various mediums, materials, colors, patterns, and textures. My practice incorporates creating a new history with African American women's narrative, replacing stereotypes of black female identity. I strive to create visual power figures of the black female body, combining their experiences of the past till the 20th century and beyond.
I have selected these works because of the history that is tied to each one of them: sharing history, reimagining, resilience, and beauty within."
Ebony Lewis
"The Wise One"
▦ Acrylic on canvas
Ebony Lewis was born in Greenville, Mississippi and has lived most of her life in Cedar Hill Texas. She attended Texas A&M Commerce University where she received her BFA with an emphasis in painting, as well as an M.Ed. Ebony currently lives in Dallas, TX where she continues to pervade her works in art shows and galleries around the metropolis and the US.
"Through my art I want the viewer to transcend to a world of self reflections. My overall goal is to subdue the audience into a space of consciousness where they reflect on their own human conditions, through acrylic paintings and mixed media elements. Whenever I start a piece of work I tend to go through a fairly in depth process. I gather information from books or a story. I selected this work because I want the viewer to embrace the idea of their own journey to their colossal selves. In the end I hope they find the confidence to heal trauma, overcome their own circumstances, and triumph over the exasperating presence of negative self-talk, but most importantly understand their own self-worth."
Shayna Sutton
"Dahomey"
▦ Recycled Cardboard, Organic Fibers, Kanekalon Fibers, Wood, Fabric, Charcoal, Acrylic and Found Object
Shayna is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Texas. She will graduate with her BFA at University of Texas at Arlington with a concentration in sculpture this spring 2023. She strives to explore various mediums' intersections with sculpture while collaborating research, art history, and cultural identity within her artwork. Through her family experiences, the African diaspora, and African American culture, she learns about herself. She plans to continue to combine the experiences, culture, and history of people who look like her throughout her work.
"As a multidisciplinary artist, my work centers on the intersectionality of women of color and the ability to work through the black woman's perspective. I focus on black womanhood, spirituality, beauty, and historical preservation within African American culture through various mediums, materials, colors, patterns, and textures. My practice incorporates creating a new history with African American women's narrative, replacing stereotypes of black female identity. I strive to create visual power figures of the black female body, combining their experiences of the past till the 20th century and beyond.
I have selected these works because of the history that is tied to each one of them: sharing history, reimagining, resilience, and beauty within."
Demetri Cotton
"Homage: To the Black Townships Destroyed By Hate"
▦ Digital Art
"I displayed an interest in art at an early age, as early as four or five. Born in Ft. Worth Texas, my mother nurtured my interest and knowledge in art when she was taking an art by mail class during my childhood. Later on, I would read her books. This gave me a great foundation in the principles of art. I graduated from East Texas State University with a degree in fine art. From there, I taught art in Dallas ISD for thirty years at Woodrow Wilson H.S., from which I have retired from going on seven years. Last year I was one of five artists selected by the State of Texas to submit a sample oil painting of Ms. Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. The selected artist’s painting will hang in the State Capital.
The passion of my artwork is to show and validate the experience, value and presence of the black men and women in America and in this world. Having a religious background, I also choose to illustrate the biblical characters within a more Afrocentric view."
Demetri Cotton
"Quiet Strength, Ms. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth"
▦ Oil Painting
"I displayed an interest in art at an early age, as early as four or five. Born in Ft. Worth Texas, my mother nurtured my interest and knowledge in art when she was taking an art by mail class during my childhood. Later on, I would read her books. This gave me a great foundation in the principles of art. I graduated from East Texas State University with a degree in fine art. From there, I taught art in Dallas ISD for thirty years at Woodrow Wilson H.S., from which I have retired from going on seven years. Last year I was one of five artists selected by the State of Texas to submit a sample oil painting of Ms. Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. The selected artist’s painting will hang in the State Capital.
The passion of my artwork is to show and validate the experience, value and presence of the black men and women in America and in this world. Having a religious background, I also choose to illustrate the biblical characters within a more Afrocentric view."
Demetri Cotton
"Tulsa"
▦ Digital Art
"I displayed an interest in art at an early age, as early as four or five. Born in Ft. Worth Texas, my mother nurtured my interest and knowledge in art when she was taking an art by mail class during my childhood. Later on, I would read her books. This gave me a great foundation in the principles of art. I graduated from East Texas State University with a degree in fine art. From there, I taught art in Dallas ISD for thirty years at Woodrow Wilson H.S., from which I have retired from going on seven years. Last year I was one of five artists selected by the State of Texas to submit a sample oil painting of Ms. Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. The selected artist’s painting will hang in the State Capital.
The passion of my artwork is to show and validate the experience, value and presence of the black men and women in America and in this world. Having a religious background, I also choose to illustrate the biblical characters within a more Afrocentric view."
Jessica Bell
"Don’t Shoot"
▦ Mixed Media
Jessica Bell is a contemporary sculptor and socially engaged artist. Focusing on using traditional techniques mixed with contemporary designs, Bell’s work addresses race, identity, and social issues. Bell uses smaller units to construct larger works and installations.
Bell's work employs playful iconography and everyday – typically innocuous – items to lure the viewer into a closer examination and then deeper understanding of the messages embedded in my art. Bell’s work is visually arresting, playful, and sumptuous in its use of materiality.
Bell is a recipient of the Red Bull Artist Grant, Priscilla Art Award, Juanita Craft Artist Residency, along with several municipal artist grants over the course of her career. Bell has participated in an artist talk at the Dallas Museum of Art and teaching workshops at the Dallas Contemporary. Working in the public and private sector, Bell’s work is in private collections including UT Southwestern Medical Center and Amli Fountain Place Dallas.
Bell holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Ceramics and Curriculum Writing, a Bachelor in Art Education and Fine Arts degree, and certifications in Graphic Design and Welding. Additionally, Bell is the sculptor professor for Booker T. Washington School of the Performing and Visual Arts. Her work has been shown in a variety of galleries, and she has presented her work as a national leader in art education in urban environments at conferences across the country.
"The pieces selected represent "grit and perseverance" to me. Don't Shoot shows the hardships that African Americans have to face just leaving your home, yet we are still able to overcome and achieve, showing perseverance. We have to be aware of our surroundings at schools, grocery stores, etc."
Jessica Bell
"Wealth"
▦ Ceramic
Jessica Bell is a contemporary sculptor and socially engaged artist. Focusing on using traditional techniques mixed with contemporary designs, Bell’s work addresses race, identity, and social issues. Bell uses smaller units to construct larger works and installations.
Bell's work employs playful iconography and everyday – typically innocuous – items to lure the viewer into a closer examination and then deeper understanding of the messages embedded in my art. Bell’s work is visually arresting, playful, and sumptuous in its use of materiality.
Bell is a recipient of the Red Bull Artist Grant, Priscilla Art Award, Juanita Craft Artist Residency, along with several municipal artist grants over the course of her career. Bell has participated in an artist talk at the Dallas Museum of Art and teaching workshops at the Dallas Contemporary. Working in the public and private sector, Bell’s work is in private collections including UT Southwestern Medical Center and Amli Fountain Place Dallas.
Bell holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Ceramics and Curriculum Writing, a Bachelor in Art Education and Fine Arts degree, and certifications in Graphic Design and Welding. Additionally, Bell is the sculptor professor for Booker T. Washington School of the Performing and Visual Arts. Her work has been shown in a variety of galleries, and she has presented her work as a national leader in art education in urban environments at conferences across the country.
Wealth, the series of golden revolvers, shows grit as a representation of wealth.
Jessica Bell
"Series # 3"
▦ Mixed Media
Jessica Bell is a contemporary sculptor and socially engaged artist. Focusing on using traditional techniques mixed with contemporary designs, Bell’s work addresses race, identity, and social issues. Bell uses smaller units to construct larger works and installations.
Bell's work employs playful iconography and everyday – typically innocuous – items to lure the viewer into a closer examination and then deeper understanding of the messages embedded in my art. Bell’s work is visually arresting, playful, and sumptuous in its use of materiality.
Bell is a recipient of the Red Bull Artist Grant, Priscilla Art Award, Juanita Craft Artist Residency, along with several municipal artist grants over the course of her career. Bell has participated in an artist talk at the Dallas Museum of Art and teaching workshops at the Dallas Contemporary. Working in the public and private sector, Bell’s work is in private collections including UT Southwestern Medical Center and Amli Fountain Place Dallas.
Bell holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Ceramics and Curriculum Writing, a Bachelor in Art Education and Fine Arts degree, and certifications in Graphic Design and Welding. Additionally, Bell is the sculptor professor for Booker T. Washington School of the Performing and Visual Arts. Her work has been shown in a variety of galleries, and she has presented her work as a national leader in art education in urban environments at conferences across the country.
"Series #3 show grit and perseverance for me. With hard work and dedication, it shows what we are able to accomplish generating wealth for ourselves and families."
Imani Black
"Skyline Silhouette 1" & "Skyline Silhouette 2"
▦ Photography
Imani Black is a fine art photographer and consultant based in Dallas, TX. She originally hails from Fayetteville, NC and has been passionate about photography since she was 11 years old. She photographs beautiful scenic moments, then adds her imaginative touch with surreal hues and colors. Imani’s work has been displayed throughout galleries in Dallas. She’s had a sold-out solo exhibition at Flying Horse Cafe and has curated virtual 3D art galleries with her work as well. Imani also enjoys giving back to the community. She has helped advance the Dallas art scene by founding the Drink Coffee. Do Art. group exhibition at LTH Deep Ellum. You can view more of Imani’s work on her portfolio site: imaniblack.com
Nicholas E. Gully
"Harmony, Black Male" & "Surrender Or"
▦ Photography
Nicholas E. Gully is a self taught photographer born in Chicago, IL. After only two years of practicing photography, he has earned gallery representation in DFW, exhibited work in Rome, Italy and is currently expanding his artwork portfolio.
"These men represent conversations within my Black community. The enforcement of law & the importance of nudity coexisting with nature."
Gerald Bell
"By any means necessary"
▦ Handmade screen print on archival cardstock
Gerald is a self taught artist that has been creating all his life. He remembers as a little boy sitting at the kitchen table to watch his father paint with charcoal and oils. So his first works as a little boy were either in pencil or oils. But over the decades, his creative process has evolved from folk art to abstract to his current fascination and love of both pop art and shock art.
"I have been creating all my life. But over the decades, my creative process has evolved from folk art to abstract to my current fascination and love of both pop art and shock art. I have Asperger's. So unless the interaction AND situation is exactly like a previous one, I have trouble interpreting Interaction, cues, and emotions. I have both a natural curiosity of and fascination for interactions. So for me, people, sayings and colors are subjects... even the most trivial of emotions, slogans and sayings. I also have a fascination with phones and how people communicate using them, because non-Asperger people find it easy (and unreasonably necessary in my opinion) to communicate with them. I am fascinated to see how others react to my interpretation of human behavior and interaction, my version of aspergeristic humor and my use of color and the combinations thereof in my works. It is human complacency that frustrates me. But it is human interaction that tires, compels and fascinates me.
We are celebrating the legacy of one of the greatest leaders of all time. But the fact that black on black crime and gun violence in general has increased is not worth celebrating. We are killing our leaders that could have been. Would have been. Should have been. But will never be if this cycle of violence continues. We must remember the true meaning, mission and measure of dr King’s efforts by being strong enough to persevere and reverse the disturbing trends of violence
I want the viewer to imagine how things would have been if King did not promote non-violence. Things would be different. If he was able to get his message across without violence, we should at least be able to coexist without its existence… by any means necessary."
Gerald Bell
"Opal Lee cakes (better than Sara Lee cakes)"
▦ Handmade screen print on archival cardstock
Gerald is a self taught artist that has been creating all his life. He remembers as a little boy sitting at the kitchen table to watch his father paint with charcoal and oils. So his first works as a little boy were either in pencil or oils. But over the decades, his creative process has evolved from folk art to abstract to his current fascination and love of both pop art and shock art.
"I have been creating all my life. But over the decades, my creative process has evolved from folk art to abstract to my current fascination and love of both pop art and shock art. I have Asperger's. So unless the interaction AND situation is exactly like a previous one, I have trouble interpreting Interaction, cues, and emotions. I have both a natural curiosity of and fascination for interactions. So for me, people, sayings and colors are subjects... even the most trivial of emotions, slogans and sayings. I also have a fascination with phones and how people communicate using them, because non-Asperger people find it easy (and unreasonably necessary in my opinion) to communicate with them. I am fascinated to see how others react to my interpretation of human behavior and interaction, my version of aspergeristic humor and my use of color and the combinations thereof in my works. It is human complacency that frustrates me. But it is human interaction that tires, compels and fascinates me.
This painting puts Opal Lee’s name in the national and even international headlights. It’s befitting especially because opal is so humble and down to earth, but to so many of us she is larger than life. I want the black community to see such humble heroes to be glorified on products which have been so long associated with mainstream non minority culture for so many decades. I want them to see themselves on mainstream goods which have so often been associated with thoughtless consumption and elevate it into a relevance and importance WE can relate to."
Emilie Akua Opoku
"Ama Martha Gambrah"
& "Maame Serwah"
▦ Prismacolor colored pencils and mixed media on chipboard
"My name is Emilie Opoku, I’m 19 years old and I grew up in McKinney, Texas. I come from a family of immigrants and I would say they are one of my biggest inspirations for pursuing art. Growing up in my household, we were taught to endure. Taught to face whatever came our way head on. Taught to be respectful human beings. Taught to be independent, self-sufficient beings capable of navigating their way towards success. So naturally, it was no surprise that I learned to take on these characteristics in my life without a second thought.
That’s not to say I didn’t have my fair share of struggle along the way. There were countless times where I faced adversity and found it difficult to push forward. Yet, I come from a long line of people who have endured greater than one could imagine in life. They have taught me how to be resilient and how to push against the winds. With that said, I found comfort in expressing these values through my art.
Over the past year, I did an investigation on how vivid, colorful patterns reveal one's cultural identity. I went for a non-traditional approach in style, using different patterns and colors to depict the complexities of my Ghanaian heritage. There’s something special about being Ghanaian, and my approach was to make each piece as vibrant as possible which reflects the pride I carry for my culture. My process for each piece was a contour drawing, using colored pencils, and gluing cardstock kente cloth onto the figures. Materials used include Prismacolor colored pencils and mixed media on chipboard. I wanted to create depth in these monochromatic pieces by using a variety of shades to add dimension. Then I used an exacto knife to cut out the fabrics and glue it on. I decided to include portraits of my late grandmother, my mother, and my baby cousins. I chose these pieces because they each carry its own uniqueness and I wanted the viewers to feel an emotional connection to the roots behind my culture.
Picture walking through the streets of Akyawkrom, Ghana; a small village, with absolutely nobody to rely on except yourself, having to provide for your children with no money, and making the best out of an unfortunate situation. That person was Martha, my grandmother. Martha was an incredible woman who spoke absolutely no English but handled herself with pride. She grew up with very little education, but her mind was as sharp as a slice of cheese. My grandmother taught me how to stay true to oneself, to never forget where we come from, and take pride in it. The color purple is often recognized for its richness and associated with royalty. It’s ironic because my grandmother came from poverty, but she is a royal queen in her own way. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor her than through my artworks. Through use of the color purple, it conveys the wisdom and grace of my late grandmother.
Similarly, my mother is the epitome of a Ghanaian woman. She’ll change for no one and carries so much pride for her culture. She came to the States with nothing but a dollar and a dream. This girl has a temper like nobody’s business, but also an incredible love for her family. My mother is filled with passion, a burning passion for her children to go out into the world & make something of themselves. Through use of the color red, it conveys the powerful strength of my mother. My mother is a champion, warrior, and my hero.
To reinstate my point, I’m here today because of my cultural heritage. My family endured the burden that came with being immigrants, and sacrificed so much in life to ensure we could have more opportunities than they were given. Despite this, they never forgot their roots when it counted the most. It truly impacted my love and passion for the arts because it speaks to how resilient and determined black people are as a collective, no matter the odds. There's undeniably a shared black freedom struggle that we all hope to attain some day."
Guinn Powell
"Pocket Fulla Posies"
▦ Acrylic on board
Guinn’s paintings and artwork explore a range of topics from an honest and thoughtful perspective. A native of Terrell, Texas, he is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with a BFA in graphic design. His paintings are characterized using everyday themes seen through the eyes of an African American for whom recognition and a conceptual approach play an important role. His art reveals an opportunity to explore life in a picturesque east Texas rural community through the eyes of his ancestors. His focus is on the multi-layered nature of art, aiming to depict the complications of life through a combination of color, texture, and symbolism. He has exhibited at various venues in the D/FW area and his work has been frequently awarded and recognized.
"I do not limit myself to one medium, style or concept. Inspiration and ideas change. Knowledge changes. Each piece I create is simultaneously an extension of my heritage, where I’ve come from and what I’ve learned, as well as a reflection of the challenges we still face and the hope we hold for the future.
I've selected art that speaks to the wide aspect of an Afro-centric experience hoping to drive a conversation of how we identify and exist in the current culture."
Leslie Montena
"Gems of Golden Soul" &
"Progression of Seven Jewels of Golden Soul"
▦ Textiles and gems on canvas
The artist, Leslie Horton Montena, spent 20 years of her career as an Engineer and Program manager at Raytheon, located in Dallas and McKinney. In 2019, she decided to pursue her long-time hobby and love of art and created her company, Colors For The Soul. Leslie is a contemporary painter, silhouette-ist and resin design artist. She is best known for her multimedia renditions of cultural and abstract creativity. She is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and currently lives in Rowlett, Texas with her husband, teenaged daughter and son and dachshund.
Colors For The Soul specializes in unique, luxurious works of art. The artist, Leslie Horton Montena, goes beyond simple paintings and artwork to creations of colorful, multimedia splendor. Leslie’s love for art shines through in her work. Her goal is to have her paintings speak for themselves and to the SOULs of others.
The work(s) included in this submittal were carefully designed with rich textiles, gems, stones and other textures to symbolize bold transitions of family and loved one. Each art piece enkindles an inner sense of power, progression, boldness, beauty, and togetherness. A viewer should be able to draw inspiration and guidance on their journey to greatness. We may all start in bondage but once we raise our heads and the chains are broken, we move into the greatness together that our father has for us.
Stephen Adkins
"Sacred Milky Way"
▦ Photography
Stephen has been a DFW-based Photographer for over 10 years. He has a wide range of photography subjects, and he teaches classes and leads workshops.
"I photograph the Night Sky, Landscapes, Cityscapes, Nature, people, and more. I enjoy capturing the natural beauty around us. These are some of my favorite images."
Deyjah Stewart
"Curious Memories"
▦ Acrylic, collage, and graphite on quilt top and canvas
Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Spring Hill, Florida, Deyjah Stewart is a mixed-media artist based in North Texas. Deyjah studied studio art with a concentration in painting and drawing at Texas Woman’s University where she received her BFA in May 2022.
Her work is deeply rooted in experiences of loss and a sense of place inspiring her to explore the theme of solitude as a human condition in relation to personal experiences through mixed media processes including drawing, painting, fibers, collage, and installation.
Stewart’s work has been exhibited across North Texas including, Arts Fort Worth, the John Weinkein Student Exhibition juried by Deedra Baker, the 500x Gallery, TWU’s Student Union Gallery in Hubbard Hall, the VALA Gallery in McKinney, TX, and the Patterson Appleton Arts Center in Denton, TX. She was part of the New Texas Talent Exhibition XXIX at the Craighead Green Gallery in Dallas, TX. She is currently one of the selected local artists to showcase work at Kinfolk House for the Spring 2023 exhibition.
"My work is deeply rooted in experiences of loss and a sense of place and it has since expanded. Inspired by mixed media materials and techniques, I primarily incorporate fiber processes, collage, and installation with painting. As an intuitive process, I aim to express the expansion of myself and represent more than the typical struggles related to race, gender, and culture. I am interested in the concepts of past and present, home and family, memory, imagination, childhood, and the self. I am inspired by how the subtle traits we carry, objects, actions, and conversations show up in our lives–such as associating the little things with our departed loved ones as another form of their presence and how our experiences link and add strength to our deepest selves and our way of being. I connect these concepts to the larger theme of solitude and it's relation to our personal experiences."
Trey Wilder
"Gesture"
▦ Spray paint and acrylic on canvas
Trey started spray painting because there weren’t many Black folks doing it in his area.
Expressing the idea of reaching. We are all reaching for something. Reaching to bridge the gap from fine art to street art.
U Crosby
"Karo" & "Support"
▦ Acrylic
Artist, U. Crosby, was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He has resided in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since 1978. His unique ability to create mosaic art in vivid colors of patterns, designs and shapes delivers an essence of pride and heritage. He uses the oldest forms of ornamentation to create a keen sense of alertness and emotion in his large scale pieces. His primary medium is acrylic paint. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Project Management, Associate of Fine Arts, and Associate of Graphic Arts. He studied sculpture in France and color mixing in Germany. He has received many awards for his art work. He has permanent works at the African American Museum of Art, Dallas and Art For Life Traveling Exhibition in Baltimore, Maryland.
"I have an unique ability to create mosaic artwork in acrylic paint with vivid colors of pattern, shapes, and designs that permeate an essence of pride and heritage. I have selected these paintings because they portray the culture, life, and experiences."
Letora Fortune Anderson
"Billie Holiday" & "Tuskegee Airmen"
& "Jackie Robinson"
▦ Mixed Media: Digital Painting with Acrylic Overlay
Letora is an artist, designer, and educator with a background in sustainable design, park master planning, comprehensive planning, and community development. She is an Assistant Professor in the Landscape Architecture Program at the University of Texas Arlington’s College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs (CAPPA).
Broadly, her research focuses on planning and design approaches that foster environmental reconnection, equitable engagement, and cultural community development in minority neighborhoods. Her current research examines issues of displacement and a lost sense of place in gentrifying communities and historically disinvested neighborhoods.
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Letora is passionate about art and placemaking. As a landscape architect, public art is emphasized in her designs for projects such as the planned MLK Park in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and in city planning projects such as the Greenville Forward Comprehensive Plan. As an educator, artistic thinking serves as a framework for design approaches. Letora is a painter at heart but has an appreciation for diverse media and art expressions.
"My art provides a picture of the past, celebrating history and the contribution of Black Americans. As a designer of spaces, I appreciate the intersection of memory and place. A connection is formed through experiences. Photographs and paintings help to connect memories to the nostalgia of the past.
All subjects chosen for consideration in the art show represent grit and determination as pioneers in history. Billie Holiday, Jackie Robinson, and the Tuskegee airmen faced great odds to achieve history. As a pioneer, there is no blueprint for the journey ahead. It took individuals like them to persevere despite racism to trailblaze a path for future generations."
Michael E. Johnson
"Most of My Heroes" & "The Catch - Dez Bryant"
& "Opal Lee - Juneteenth - Celebrate Freedom"
▦ Acrylic Painting
Michael E. Johnson is a Dallas based professional artist and illustrator with a career spanning over 20 years. He is a graduate of Prairie View A & M University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising Art. After his undergraduate studies were completed, Michael went on to study painting at the University of Houston in their post-baccalaureate art program. As a student growing in his artistic studies at U of H, he was able to further explore and develop his career as a fine artist and illustrator.
As a Black artist growing up it was always Michael's desire to tell stories through his work that were reflections of his own personal experiences. As he grew in his ability to create narrative pieces, his desire evolved to create dialogue pieces that would hopefully inspire thought and intellectual conversation.
The style of paintings that Michael produces are a mix of Pop Art, graphic design, history and moments in Black popular culture. These paintings, otherwise known as “The Chronicles”, attempt to act as time capsules of moments in Black History. The intent of these pieces are to tell stories that help to educate and engage audiences about the Black influence on American culture.
As an African American artist, it is Michael’s hope that his work fosters inspiration and an awareness of the various aspects of Black culture in America. It is his desire to create intellectual dialogue concerning our existence, experience and powerful legacy as Black people in America.
Similolu Fadel
"Connection" & "Solitude"
▦ Charcoal and graphite pencil
"My name is Simi Fadel and I am a current senior at Lovejoy High School in Lucas, TX. My body of work largely focuses on my familial experiences and the various diverse perspectives that make up my identity. Often choosing to document me and my family members alongside written phrases and impermanent materials, I've found that creating work about my life has given me the space to reflect. As I continue to create, my focus on fleeting moments has led me to appreciate the mundane."
"Della-Mae"
▦ Photograph
Tyler Woodruff is an African-American photographer. Originally born in San Diego, California, he spent his childhood years moving all over the U.S due to his parent's occupation. At the age of ten, Tyler moved to Dallas, Texas, with his mother and brother, residing there until graduating high-school, after which he went on to study art and design in Los Angeles. Tyler has since moved back to Dallas and works as a photographer while self-producing his clothing line.
"My work as a photographer is a result of lived experience and personal philosophy. I solely shoot with film, which forces me to be slow and intentional while shooting, and enhances my approach to picture making. Editorial-esque photoshoots with stylists and designers, album covers for musicians, and most recently, collage, make up much of my portfolio."
Shayna Sutton
"Saartjie"
▦ Recycled Cardboard, Organic Fibers, Wood Paper, Found Objects
Shayna is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Texas. She will graduate with her BFA at University of Texas at Arlington with a concentration in sculpture this spring 2023. She strives to explore various mediums' intersections with sculpture while collaborating research, art history, and cultural identity within her artwork. Through her family experiences, the African diaspora, and African American culture, she learns about herself. She plans to continue to combine the experiences, culture, and history of people who look like her throughout her work.
"As a multidisciplinary artist, my work centers on the intersectionality of women of color and the ability to work through the black woman's perspective. I focus on black womanhood, spirituality, beauty, and historical preservation within African American culture through various mediums, materials, colors, patterns, and textures. My practice incorporates creating a new history with African American women's narrative, replacing stereotypes of black female identity. I strive to create visual power figures of the black female body, combining their experiences of the past till the 20th century and beyond.
I have selected these works because of the history that is tied to each one of them: sharing history, reimagining, resilience, and beauty within."
Juametta Terrell
"Eastside McKinneyopoly: A Black History of East McKinney"
▦ Digital Art
"I am a graduate from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Legal Studies who originally had plans of becoming a Criminal lawyer. I drifted away from that dream once I realized art was the perfect peace to my busy life. Placing me in a specific medium hasn’t been easy because I enjoy painting, drawing, and even photography. I’m somewhat an all around chick in the art world. Any form of art brings me peace and allows me to meditate!
The purpose of this art piece is to showcase this board game I created. It highlights some of the Black History in McKinney in a fun and educational way. The names used in this game were inspired by true names of black owned businesses and people from McKinney."
Shayna Sutton
"Makeda"
▦ Recycled Cardboard, Paper, Metal, Organic fibers and Found Object
Shayna is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Texas. She will graduate with her BFA at University of Texas at Arlington with a concentration in sculpture this spring 2023. She strives to explore various mediums' intersections with sculpture while collaborating research, art history, and cultural identity within her artwork. Through her family experiences, the African diaspora, and African American culture, she learns about herself. She plans to continue to combine the experiences, culture, and history of people who look like her throughout her work.
"As a multidisciplinary artist, my work centers on the intersectionality of women of color and the ability to work through the black woman's perspective. I focus on black womanhood, spirituality, beauty, and historical preservation within African American culture through various mediums, materials, colors, patterns, and textures. My practice incorporates creating a new history with African American women's narrative, replacing stereotypes of black female identity. I strive to create visual power figures of the black female body, combining their experiences of the past till the 20th century and beyond.
I have selected these works because of the history that is tied to each one of them: sharing history, reimagining, resilience, and beauty within."
Ebony Lewis
"The Wise One"
▦ Acrylic on canvas
Ebony Lewis was born in Greenville, Mississippi and has lived most of her life in Cedar Hill Texas. She attended Texas A&M Commerce University where she received her BFA with an emphasis in painting, as well as an M.Ed. Ebony currently lives in Dallas, TX where she continues to pervade her works in art shows and galleries around the metropolis and the US.
"Through my art I want the viewer to transcend to a world of self reflections. My overall goal is to subdue the audience into a space of consciousness where they reflect on their own human conditions, through acrylic paintings and mixed media elements. Whenever I start a piece of work I tend to go through a fairly in depth process. I gather information from books or a story. I selected this work because I want the viewer to embrace the idea of their own journey to their colossal selves. In the end I hope they find the confidence to heal trauma, overcome their own circumstances, and triumph over the exasperating presence of negative self-talk, but most importantly understand their own self-worth."
Shayna Sutton
"Dahomey"
▦ Recycled Cardboard, Organic Fibers, Kanekalon Fibers, Wood, Fabric, Charcoal, Acrylic and Found Object
Shayna is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Texas. She will graduate with her BFA at University of Texas at Arlington with a concentration in sculpture this spring 2023. She strives to explore various mediums' intersections with sculpture while collaborating research, art history, and cultural identity within her artwork. Through her family experiences, the African diaspora, and African American culture, she learns about herself. She plans to continue to combine the experiences, culture, and history of people who look like her throughout her work.
"As a multidisciplinary artist, my work centers on the intersectionality of women of color and the ability to work through the black woman's perspective. I focus on black womanhood, spirituality, beauty, and historical preservation within African American culture through various mediums, materials, colors, patterns, and textures. My practice incorporates creating a new history with African American women's narrative, replacing stereotypes of black female identity. I strive to create visual power figures of the black female body, combining their experiences of the past till the 20th century and beyond.
I have selected these works because of the history that is tied to each one of them: sharing history, reimagining, resilience, and beauty within."
Demetri Cotton
"Homage: To the Black Townships Destroyed By Hate"
▦ Digital Art
"I displayed an interest in art at an early age, as early as four or five. Born in Ft. Worth Texas, my mother nurtured my interest and knowledge in art when she was taking an art by mail class during my childhood. Later on, I would read her books. This gave me a great foundation in the principles of art. I graduated from East Texas State University with a degree in fine art. From there, I taught art in Dallas ISD for thirty years at Woodrow Wilson H.S., from which I have retired from going on seven years. Last year I was one of five artists selected by the State of Texas to submit a sample oil painting of Ms. Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. The selected artist’s painting will hang in the State Capital.
The passion of my artwork is to show and validate the experience, value and presence of the black men and women in America and in this world. Having a religious background, I also choose to illustrate the biblical characters within a more Afrocentric view."
Demetri Cotton
"Quiet Strength, Ms. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth"
▦ Oil Painting
"I displayed an interest in art at an early age, as early as four or five. Born in Ft. Worth Texas, my mother nurtured my interest and knowledge in art when she was taking an art by mail class during my childhood. Later on, I would read her books. This gave me a great foundation in the principles of art. I graduated from East Texas State University with a degree in fine art. From there, I taught art in Dallas ISD for thirty years at Woodrow Wilson H.S., from which I have retired from going on seven years. Last year I was one of five artists selected by the State of Texas to submit a sample oil painting of Ms. Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. The selected artist’s painting will hang in the State Capital.
The passion of my artwork is to show and validate the experience, value and presence of the black men and women in America and in this world. Having a religious background, I also choose to illustrate the biblical characters within a more Afrocentric view."
Demetri Cotton
"Tulsa"
▦ Digital Art
"I displayed an interest in art at an early age, as early as four or five. Born in Ft. Worth Texas, my mother nurtured my interest and knowledge in art when she was taking an art by mail class during my childhood. Later on, I would read her books. This gave me a great foundation in the principles of art. I graduated from East Texas State University with a degree in fine art. From there, I taught art in Dallas ISD for thirty years at Woodrow Wilson H.S., from which I have retired from going on seven years. Last year I was one of five artists selected by the State of Texas to submit a sample oil painting of Ms. Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. The selected artist’s painting will hang in the State Capital.
The passion of my artwork is to show and validate the experience, value and presence of the black men and women in America and in this world. Having a religious background, I also choose to illustrate the biblical characters within a more Afrocentric view."
Jessica Bell
"Don’t Shoot"
▦ Mixed Media
Jessica Bell is a contemporary sculptor and socially engaged artist. Focusing on using traditional techniques mixed with contemporary designs, Bell’s work addresses race, identity, and social issues. Bell uses smaller units to construct larger works and installations.
Bell's work employs playful iconography and everyday – typically innocuous – items to lure the viewer into a closer examination and then deeper understanding of the messages embedded in my art. Bell’s work is visually arresting, playful, and sumptuous in its use of materiality.
Bell is a recipient of the Red Bull Artist Grant, Priscilla Art Award, Juanita Craft Artist Residency, along with several municipal artist grants over the course of her career. Bell has participated in an artist talk at the Dallas Museum of Art and teaching workshops at the Dallas Contemporary. Working in the public and private sector, Bell’s work is in private collections including UT Southwestern Medical Center and Amli Fountain Place Dallas.
Bell holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Ceramics and Curriculum Writing, a Bachelor in Art Education and Fine Arts degree, and certifications in Graphic Design and Welding. Additionally, Bell is the sculptor professor for Booker T. Washington School of the Performing and Visual Arts. Her work has been shown in a variety of galleries, and she has presented her work as a national leader in art education in urban environments at conferences across the country.
"The pieces selected represent "grit and perseverance" to me. Don't Shoot shows the hardships that African Americans have to face just leaving your home, yet we are still able to overcome and achieve, showing perseverance. We have to be aware of our surroundings at schools, grocery stores, etc."
Jessica Bell
"Wealth"
▦ Ceramic
Jessica Bell is a contemporary sculptor and socially engaged artist. Focusing on using traditional techniques mixed with contemporary designs, Bell’s work addresses race, identity, and social issues. Bell uses smaller units to construct larger works and installations.
Bell's work employs playful iconography and everyday – typically innocuous – items to lure the viewer into a closer examination and then deeper understanding of the messages embedded in my art. Bell’s work is visually arresting, playful, and sumptuous in its use of materiality.
Bell is a recipient of the Red Bull Artist Grant, Priscilla Art Award, Juanita Craft Artist Residency, along with several municipal artist grants over the course of her career. Bell has participated in an artist talk at the Dallas Museum of Art and teaching workshops at the Dallas Contemporary. Working in the public and private sector, Bell’s work is in private collections including UT Southwestern Medical Center and Amli Fountain Place Dallas.
Bell holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Ceramics and Curriculum Writing, a Bachelor in Art Education and Fine Arts degree, and certifications in Graphic Design and Welding. Additionally, Bell is the sculptor professor for Booker T. Washington School of the Performing and Visual Arts. Her work has been shown in a variety of galleries, and she has presented her work as a national leader in art education in urban environments at conferences across the country.
Wealth, the series of golden revolvers, shows grit as a representation of wealth.
Jessica Bell
"Series # 3"
▦ Mixed Media
Jessica Bell is a contemporary sculptor and socially engaged artist. Focusing on using traditional techniques mixed with contemporary designs, Bell’s work addresses race, identity, and social issues. Bell uses smaller units to construct larger works and installations.
Bell's work employs playful iconography and everyday – typically innocuous – items to lure the viewer into a closer examination and then deeper understanding of the messages embedded in my art. Bell’s work is visually arresting, playful, and sumptuous in its use of materiality.
Bell is a recipient of the Red Bull Artist Grant, Priscilla Art Award, Juanita Craft Artist Residency, along with several municipal artist grants over the course of her career. Bell has participated in an artist talk at the Dallas Museum of Art and teaching workshops at the Dallas Contemporary. Working in the public and private sector, Bell’s work is in private collections including UT Southwestern Medical Center and Amli Fountain Place Dallas.
Bell holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Ceramics and Curriculum Writing, a Bachelor in Art Education and Fine Arts degree, and certifications in Graphic Design and Welding. Additionally, Bell is the sculptor professor for Booker T. Washington School of the Performing and Visual Arts. Her work has been shown in a variety of galleries, and she has presented her work as a national leader in art education in urban environments at conferences across the country.
"Series #3 show grit and perseverance for me. With hard work and dedication, it shows what we are able to accomplish generating wealth for ourselves and families."
Imani Black
"Skyline Silhouette 1" & "Skyline Silhouette 2"
▦ Photography
Imani Black is a fine art photographer and consultant based in Dallas, TX. She originally hails from Fayetteville, NC and has been passionate about photography since she was 11 years old. She photographs beautiful scenic moments, then adds her imaginative touch with surreal hues and colors. Imani’s work has been displayed throughout galleries in Dallas. She’s had a sold-out solo exhibition at Flying Horse Cafe and has curated virtual 3D art galleries with her work as well. Imani also enjoys giving back to the community. She has helped advance the Dallas art scene by founding the Drink Coffee. Do Art. group exhibition at LTH Deep Ellum. You can view more of Imani’s work on her portfolio site: imaniblack.com
Nicholas E. Gully
"Harmony, Black Male" & "Surrender Or"
▦ Photography
Nicholas E. Gully is a self taught photographer born in Chicago, IL. After only two years of practicing photography, he has earned gallery representation in DFW, exhibited work in Rome, Italy and is currently expanding his artwork portfolio.
"These men represent conversations within my Black community. The enforcement of law & the importance of nudity coexisting with nature."
Gerald Bell
"By any means necessary"
▦ Handmade screen print on archival cardstock
Gerald is a self taught artist that has been creating all his life. He remembers as a little boy sitting at the kitchen table to watch his father paint with charcoal and oils. So his first works as a little boy were either in pencil or oils. But over the decades, his creative process has evolved from folk art to abstract to his current fascination and love of both pop art and shock art.
"I have been creating all my life. But over the decades, my creative process has evolved from folk art to abstract to my current fascination and love of both pop art and shock art. I have Asperger's. So unless the interaction AND situation is exactly like a previous one, I have trouble interpreting Interaction, cues, and emotions. I have both a natural curiosity of and fascination for interactions. So for me, people, sayings and colors are subjects... even the most trivial of emotions, slogans and sayings. I also have a fascination with phones and how people communicate using them, because non-Asperger people find it easy (and unreasonably necessary in my opinion) to communicate with them. I am fascinated to see how others react to my interpretation of human behavior and interaction, my version of aspergeristic humor and my use of color and the combinations thereof in my works. It is human complacency that frustrates me. But it is human interaction that tires, compels and fascinates me.
We are celebrating the legacy of one of the greatest leaders of all time. But the fact that black on black crime and gun violence in general has increased is not worth celebrating. We are killing our leaders that could have been. Would have been. Should have been. But will never be if this cycle of violence continues. We must remember the true meaning, mission and measure of dr King’s efforts by being strong enough to persevere and reverse the disturbing trends of violence
I want the viewer to imagine how things would have been if King did not promote non-violence. Things would be different. If he was able to get his message across without violence, we should at least be able to coexist without its existence… by any means necessary."
Gerald Bell
"Opal Lee cakes (better than Sara Lee cakes)"
▦ Handmade screen print on archival cardstock
Gerald is a self taught artist that has been creating all his life. He remembers as a little boy sitting at the kitchen table to watch his father paint with charcoal and oils. So his first works as a little boy were either in pencil or oils. But over the decades, his creative process has evolved from folk art to abstract to his current fascination and love of both pop art and shock art.
"I have been creating all my life. But over the decades, my creative process has evolved from folk art to abstract to my current fascination and love of both pop art and shock art. I have Asperger's. So unless the interaction AND situation is exactly like a previous one, I have trouble interpreting Interaction, cues, and emotions. I have both a natural curiosity of and fascination for interactions. So for me, people, sayings and colors are subjects... even the most trivial of emotions, slogans and sayings. I also have a fascination with phones and how people communicate using them, because non-Asperger people find it easy (and unreasonably necessary in my opinion) to communicate with them. I am fascinated to see how others react to my interpretation of human behavior and interaction, my version of aspergeristic humor and my use of color and the combinations thereof in my works. It is human complacency that frustrates me. But it is human interaction that tires, compels and fascinates me.
This painting puts Opal Lee’s name in the national and even international headlights. It’s befitting especially because opal is so humble and down to earth, but to so many of us she is larger than life. I want the black community to see such humble heroes to be glorified on products which have been so long associated with mainstream non minority culture for so many decades. I want them to see themselves on mainstream goods which have so often been associated with thoughtless consumption and elevate it into a relevance and importance WE can relate to."
Emilie Akua Opoku
"Ama Martha Gambrah"
& "Maame Serwah"
▦ Prismacolor colored pencils and mixed media on chipboard
"My name is Emilie Opoku, I’m 19 years old and I grew up in McKinney, Texas. I come from a family of immigrants and I would say they are one of my biggest inspirations for pursuing art. Growing up in my household, we were taught to endure. Taught to face whatever came our way head on. Taught to be respectful human beings. Taught to be independent, self-sufficient beings capable of navigating their way towards success. So naturally, it was no surprise that I learned to take on these characteristics in my life without a second thought.
That’s not to say I didn’t have my fair share of struggle along the way. There were countless times where I faced adversity and found it difficult to push forward. Yet, I come from a long line of people who have endured greater than one could imagine in life. They have taught me how to be resilient and how to push against the winds. With that said, I found comfort in expressing these values through my art.
Over the past year, I did an investigation on how vivid, colorful patterns reveal one's cultural identity. I went for a non-traditional approach in style, using different patterns and colors to depict the complexities of my Ghanaian heritage. There’s something special about being Ghanaian, and my approach was to make each piece as vibrant as possible which reflects the pride I carry for my culture. My process for each piece was a contour drawing, using colored pencils, and gluing cardstock kente cloth onto the figures. Materials used include Prismacolor colored pencils and mixed media on chipboard. I wanted to create depth in these monochromatic pieces by using a variety of shades to add dimension. Then I used an exacto knife to cut out the fabrics and glue it on. I decided to include portraits of my late grandmother, my mother, and my baby cousins. I chose these pieces because they each carry its own uniqueness and I wanted the viewers to feel an emotional connection to the roots behind my culture.
Picture walking through the streets of Akyawkrom, Ghana; a small village, with absolutely nobody to rely on except yourself, having to provide for your children with no money, and making the best out of an unfortunate situation. That person was Martha, my grandmother. Martha was an incredible woman who spoke absolutely no English but handled herself with pride. She grew up with very little education, but her mind was as sharp as a slice of cheese. My grandmother taught me how to stay true to oneself, to never forget where we come from, and take pride in it. The color purple is often recognized for its richness and associated with royalty. It’s ironic because my grandmother came from poverty, but she is a royal queen in her own way. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor her than through my artworks. Through use of the color purple, it conveys the wisdom and grace of my late grandmother.
Similarly, my mother is the epitome of a Ghanaian woman. She’ll change for no one and carries so much pride for her culture. She came to the States with nothing but a dollar and a dream. This girl has a temper like nobody’s business, but also an incredible love for her family. My mother is filled with passion, a burning passion for her children to go out into the world & make something of themselves. Through use of the color red, it conveys the powerful strength of my mother. My mother is a champion, warrior, and my hero.
To reinstate my point, I’m here today because of my cultural heritage. My family endured the burden that came with being immigrants, and sacrificed so much in life to ensure we could have more opportunities than they were given. Despite this, they never forgot their roots when it counted the most. It truly impacted my love and passion for the arts because it speaks to how resilient and determined black people are as a collective, no matter the odds. There's undeniably a shared black freedom struggle that we all hope to attain some day."
Guinn Powell
"Pocket Fulla Posies"
▦ Acrylic on board
Guinn’s paintings and artwork explore a range of topics from an honest and thoughtful perspective. A native of Terrell, Texas, he is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with a BFA in graphic design. His paintings are characterized using everyday themes seen through the eyes of an African American for whom recognition and a conceptual approach play an important role. His art reveals an opportunity to explore life in a picturesque east Texas rural community through the eyes of his ancestors. His focus is on the multi-layered nature of art, aiming to depict the complications of life through a combination of color, texture, and symbolism. He has exhibited at various venues in the D/FW area and his work has been frequently awarded and recognized.
"I do not limit myself to one medium, style or concept. Inspiration and ideas change. Knowledge changes. Each piece I create is simultaneously an extension of my heritage, where I’ve come from and what I’ve learned, as well as a reflection of the challenges we still face and the hope we hold for the future.
I've selected art that speaks to the wide aspect of an Afro-centric experience hoping to drive a conversation of how we identify and exist in the current culture."
Leslie Montena
"Gems of Golden Soul" &
"Progression of Seven Jewels of Golden Soul"
▦ Textiles and gems on canvas
The artist, Leslie Horton Montena, spent 20 years of her career as an Engineer and Program manager at Raytheon, located in Dallas and McKinney. In 2019, she decided to pursue her long-time hobby and love of art and created her company, Colors For The Soul. Leslie is a contemporary painter, silhouette-ist and resin design artist. She is best known for her multimedia renditions of cultural and abstract creativity. She is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and currently lives in Rowlett, Texas with her husband, teenaged daughter and son and dachshund.
Colors For The Soul specializes in unique, luxurious works of art. The artist, Leslie Horton Montena, goes beyond simple paintings and artwork to creations of colorful, multimedia splendor. Leslie’s love for art shines through in her work. Her goal is to have her paintings speak for themselves and to the SOULs of others.
The work(s) included in this submittal were carefully designed with rich textiles, gems, stones and other textures to symbolize bold transitions of family and loved one. Each art piece enkindles an inner sense of power, progression, boldness, beauty, and togetherness. A viewer should be able to draw inspiration and guidance on their journey to greatness. We may all start in bondage but once we raise our heads and the chains are broken, we move into the greatness together that our father has for us.
Stephen Adkins
"Sacred Milky Way"
▦ Photography
Stephen has been a DFW-based Photographer for over 10 years. He has a wide range of photography subjects, and he teaches classes and leads workshops.
"I photograph the Night Sky, Landscapes, Cityscapes, Nature, people, and more. I enjoy capturing the natural beauty around us. These are some of my favorite images."
Deyjah Stewart
"Curious Memories"
▦ Acrylic, collage, and graphite on quilt top and canvas
Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Spring Hill, Florida, Deyjah Stewart is a mixed-media artist based in North Texas. Deyjah studied studio art with a concentration in painting and drawing at Texas Woman’s University where she received her BFA in May 2022.
Her work is deeply rooted in experiences of loss and a sense of place inspiring her to explore the theme of solitude as a human condition in relation to personal experiences through mixed media processes including drawing, painting, fibers, collage, and installation.
Stewart’s work has been exhibited across North Texas including, Arts Fort Worth, the John Weinkein Student Exhibition juried by Deedra Baker, the 500x Gallery, TWU’s Student Union Gallery in Hubbard Hall, the VALA Gallery in McKinney, TX, and the Patterson Appleton Arts Center in Denton, TX. She was part of the New Texas Talent Exhibition XXIX at the Craighead Green Gallery in Dallas, TX. She is currently one of the selected local artists to showcase work at Kinfolk House for the Spring 2023 exhibition.
"My work is deeply rooted in experiences of loss and a sense of place and it has since expanded. Inspired by mixed media materials and techniques, I primarily incorporate fiber processes, collage, and installation with painting. As an intuitive process, I aim to express the expansion of myself and represent more than the typical struggles related to race, gender, and culture. I am interested in the concepts of past and present, home and family, memory, imagination, childhood, and the self. I am inspired by how the subtle traits we carry, objects, actions, and conversations show up in our lives–such as associating the little things with our departed loved ones as another form of their presence and how our experiences link and add strength to our deepest selves and our way of being. I connect these concepts to the larger theme of solitude and it's relation to our personal experiences."
Trey Wilder
"Gesture"
▦ Spray paint and acrylic on canvas
Trey started spray painting because there weren’t many Black folks doing it in his area.
Expressing the idea of reaching. We are all reaching for something. Reaching to bridge the gap from fine art to street art.
U Crosby
"Karo" & "Support"
▦ Acrylic
Artist, U. Crosby, was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He has resided in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since 1978. His unique ability to create mosaic art in vivid colors of patterns, designs and shapes delivers an essence of pride and heritage. He uses the oldest forms of ornamentation to create a keen sense of alertness and emotion in his large scale pieces. His primary medium is acrylic paint. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Project Management, Associate of Fine Arts, and Associate of Graphic Arts. He studied sculpture in France and color mixing in Germany. He has received many awards for his art work. He has permanent works at the African American Museum of Art, Dallas and Art For Life Traveling Exhibition in Baltimore, Maryland.
"I have an unique ability to create mosaic artwork in acrylic paint with vivid colors of pattern, shapes, and designs that permeate an essence of pride and heritage. I have selected these paintings because they portray the culture, life, and experiences."
Letora Fortune Anderson
"Billie Holiday" & "Tuskegee Airmen"
& "Jackie Robinson"
▦ Mixed Media: Digital Painting with Acrylic Overlay
Letora is an artist, designer, and educator with a background in sustainable design, park master planning, comprehensive planning, and community development. She is an Assistant Professor in the Landscape Architecture Program at the University of Texas Arlington’s College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs (CAPPA).
Broadly, her research focuses on planning and design approaches that foster environmental reconnection, equitable engagement, and cultural community development in minority neighborhoods. Her current research examines issues of displacement and a lost sense of place in gentrifying communities and historically disinvested neighborhoods.
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Letora is passionate about art and placemaking. As a landscape architect, public art is emphasized in her designs for projects such as the planned MLK Park in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and in city planning projects such as the Greenville Forward Comprehensive Plan. As an educator, artistic thinking serves as a framework for design approaches. Letora is a painter at heart but has an appreciation for diverse media and art expressions.
"My art provides a picture of the past, celebrating history and the contribution of Black Americans. As a designer of spaces, I appreciate the intersection of memory and place. A connection is formed through experiences. Photographs and paintings help to connect memories to the nostalgia of the past.
All subjects chosen for consideration in the art show represent grit and determination as pioneers in history. Billie Holiday, Jackie Robinson, and the Tuskegee airmen faced great odds to achieve history. As a pioneer, there is no blueprint for the journey ahead. It took individuals like them to persevere despite racism to trailblaze a path for future generations."
Michael E. Johnson
"Most of My Heroes" & "The Catch - Dez Bryant"
& "Opal Lee - Juneteenth - Celebrate Freedom"
▦ Acrylic Painting
Michael E. Johnson is a Dallas based professional artist and illustrator with a career spanning over 20 years. He is a graduate of Prairie View A & M University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising Art. After his undergraduate studies were completed, Michael went on to study painting at the University of Houston in their post-baccalaureate art program. As a student growing in his artistic studies at U of H, he was able to further explore and develop his career as a fine artist and illustrator.
As a Black artist growing up it was always Michael's desire to tell stories through his work that were reflections of his own personal experiences. As he grew in his ability to create narrative pieces, his desire evolved to create dialogue pieces that would hopefully inspire thought and intellectual conversation.
The style of paintings that Michael produces are a mix of Pop Art, graphic design, history and moments in Black popular culture. These paintings, otherwise known as “The Chronicles”, attempt to act as time capsules of moments in Black History. The intent of these pieces are to tell stories that help to educate and engage audiences about the Black influence on American culture.
As an African American artist, it is Michael’s hope that his work fosters inspiration and an awareness of the various aspects of Black culture in America. It is his desire to create intellectual dialogue concerning our existence, experience and powerful legacy as Black people in America.
Similolu Fadel
"Connection" & "Solitude"
▦ Charcoal and graphite pencil
"My name is Simi Fadel and I am a current senior at Lovejoy High School in Lucas, TX. My body of work largely focuses on my familial experiences and the various diverse perspectives that make up my identity. Often choosing to document me and my family members alongside written phrases and impermanent materials, I've found that creating work about my life has given me the space to reflect. As I continue to create, my focus on fleeting moments has led me to appreciate the mundane."