Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists

This week will mark one year since the announcement of the inaugural class of Philadelphia Mural Arts Fellows.

Included in the group of artists who were selected were a number of painters, collage makers, mosaic artists, and a lone interior designer…moi!

I had the distinct honor of being a part of this group. The ability to be introduced to other artists in the class whose work I wasn’t familiar with was a true highlight. Yannick Lowery and Simone Holland are two other fellows whose work I have enjoyed during this time.

Though portfolio building, networking opportunities, and the grant were touted as benefits, to me the real gift is in the inspiration I received from fellow artists. My own practice has deepened as a result of the fellowship. I converted my garage into a paint studio  (Check out the Domino magazine article where it was featured!) and used this space to work through the ebbs and flows of being socially isolated during the pandemic. Some of this art now hangs in client spaces!

On Tuesday February 9 from 5:30-6:30pm EST, join me for an intimate conversation with a few other Fellows from the 2020 cohort as we discuss art-making over the past year and plans for our creative futures. Visit the Mural Arts Philadelphia website here to sign up for the free virtual event. And if you are an artist and wondering if you should apply for the 2021 cohort, you should!