Work samples

  • Who Am I? Featuring Larry Poncho Brown
    Positive imaging and artist advocacy are at my core as an artist. I can not claim one without claiming the other. In a world where the imaging of people of color has been exploitive, degrading, and even absent , I long to fill that void as an image maker. One of my crowning achievements as an artist has been my dedication to the documentation of African American social and cultural issues. My focus has been to express my interest in positive imaging through afrocentric themes, and ethnocentric culture. These creations are a reflection of my personal values and pay homage to ongoing themes of unity, family, and spirituality. My intention is to create positive imagery that brings attention to the issues that concern our community by illustrating health topics which effect our community such as HIV and AIDS, breast cancer, sickle cell disease, black mental health, etc., to social issues regarding education, fatherlessness, endangered youth, family hardship, or homelessness.
  • Poncho
    NAACP ACT-SO Gold Award winning short film by student filmmaker Reigna Wren. Candid Interview with the artist in his Baltimore studio 2016
  • Larry Poncho Brown @ The Walters Art Museum 2015
    Interview with the artist at The Walters Art Museum for African American Family Week 2015 by Joseph A. Beasley
  • House of Cards-Light City Baltimore Featuring Larry Poncho Brown
    For those of you that missed the "House of Cards" by OGE Group, an art and light installation featuring six works by renowned artist Larry Poncho Brown during Light City Baltimore.

About Larry Poncho

Baltimore City

Larry “Poncho” Brown is a native of Baltimore, MD. He started his first business at the age of 17 as a signwriter and has been a full time artist ever since. Poncho received his Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art, in Baltimore, MD. His art, both fine and commercial, has been published nationally in Art Trends, U.S. Art Gallery, Images, Upscale, Ebony, Ebony Man, Essence, and Jet Magazines. His work is also featured in the UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural… more

Building Community Identity: "Raising the Arts Series"

Positive imaging. In a world where the imaging of people of color has been exploitive, degrading, and even absent , I long to fill that void as an image maker. One of my crowning achievements as an artist has been my dedication to the documentation of African American social and cultural issues. I have created over 74 images to assist non-profit organizations and African American organizations with artistic documentation and fundraising opportunities. My focus has been to express my interest in positive imaging through afrocentric themes, and ethnocentric culture. These creations are a reflection of my personal values and pay homage to ongoing themes of unity, family, and spirituality. My intention is to create positive imagery that brings attention to the issues that concern our community by illustrating health topics which effect our community such as HIV and AIDS, breast cancer, sickle cell disease, black mental health, etc., to social issues regarding education, fatherlessness, endangered youth, family hardship, or homelessness. Always celebrating our diversity, encouraging unification, or recognizing perseverance in my subjects. See additional images below in Musical Interludes: "The Jazz Series"

  • Transcendence
    Transcendence
    Acrylic canvas collage 30" x 40".This image is commissioned by the Association of Black Psychologists to commemorate their 40th Anniversary –Washington, DC 2008 Concept: An African American Family, with the child reflecting on the past, while mother and father are looking toward their future.
  • The Spirit of Fatherhood
    The Spirit of Fatherhood
    Acrylic on watercolor paper 29" x 44" This image was commissioned by Mbrace Fatherhood to benefit the Maarifa Elementary & Middle School’s Student Scholarship Fund –Baltimore, MD 2005 Concept: Purposely depicting paternal nurturing, guidance and protection of the children with a backdrop of city life.
  • Heavy Burdens
    Heavy Burdens
    Acrylic Canvas Collage 30" X 40" This image was commissioned by Wholeness Development, Inc. to benefit homeless veterans -Atlanta GA 2008 Concept: To capture the essence of homelessness, while contrasting a feeling of hope.
  • Metamorphosis
    Metamorphosis
    Acrylic Canvas Collage 30" X 40" Acrylic Canvas Collage. This image is commissioned by NDUTime Youth & Family Services, Inc. - Richmond, VA 2009 Concept: Capturing the curiosity of children as they all rise in confidence... from a caterpillar, to a butterfly.
  • A Legacy Of Love And Learning
    A Legacy Of Love And Learning
    Acrylic canvas collage 30" x 40" This image was commissioned by The Caring Center to commemorate the their 20th Anniversary- Philadelphia, PA 2011 Concept: Curious children of diversity in a lesson of transformation
  • Faithful Family
    Faithful Family
    Acrylic on Watercolor paper 29" x 44" This image was commissioned by the First Church of God Christian Life Center – Evanston, IL 2005 Concept: The family that prays together, stays together.
  • Sisters Journey
    Sisters Journey
    Acrylic mixed media collageon watercolor paper 29" x 44" This image was commissioned by Sister’s Journey of New Haven, CT 2002 Concept: African American breast cancer survivors celebration of life.
  • Sowing Seeds for a Lifetime Harvest
    Sowing Seeds for a Lifetime Harvest
    Acrylic canvas collage 30" x 40" This image is commissioned by Sowing Empowerment and Economic Development-Riverdale, MD 2009 Concept: A generational circle of support of mother, father, grandmother and children.
  • Love Links & Lineage
    Love Links & Lineage
    Acrylic on watercolor paper 29" x 44" This image was commissioned by The Sickle Cell Association of America – Hartford, CT 2001 Concept: Parental nurturing and protection of a child living with sickle cell anemia.
  • When The Ribbon Is Red
    When The Ribbon Is Red
    Acrylic canvas collage 38" x 38"This image is commissioned by the National AIDS Education & Services For Minorities, Inc.-Atlanta, GA 2009 Concept: A celebration of survivorship and support of HIV and AIDS

Black Lives DO Matter: "Collage Series"

Black Lives DO Matter. A current term that has the power to unify and divide. This black and white collage series brings light to the ugliness of racism and bigotry that we have witnessed in the past, and unfortunately to the present. Hard to believe that we are still divided in the 21st century as our country claims a path of diversity and inclusion. These images depict the pain, the struggle, and the perseverance of a people as they triumph over adversity through the subjects of African American civil rights, police brutality, black male identity, women's rights, the miseducation of our children, or image degradation at the hands of the media. It is my hope that they will open dialogue on the subject of self validation.  There is nothing more powerful than a black and white image. The past decade I began doing collage works again. Most are acrylic based mixed media collages on paper or canvas composed with civil rights periodicals from the 60's and 70's, articles, and newspaper features. The words draw you in closer. The newspaper symbolically represents all the topics we deal with day to day. I also use U.S. currency, lottery tickets, and book manuscripts. Plans are underway to extend this series to one day do a solo exhibition of the collection. "In between the contrast of black and white, unity can be found in the grays."-Larry Poncho Brown
  • The Power Within
    The Power Within
    Mixed media collage on canvas 30" x 40" Concept: An introspective overview of self assessment, and self validation.
  • A Pondered Future
    A Pondered Future
    Mixed media collage on watercolor paper 22" x 30" Concept: A young mind striving for perfection in a political climate that is senselessly closing schools.
  • Always Reading Between The Lines
    Always Reading Between The Lines
    Mixed media collage on paper 29" x 43" Concept: Addressing the false perceptions and plight of the Black male.
  • In His Hands
    In His Hands
    Mixed media collage on watercolor paper 30" x 60" Concept: Disenfranchised African American Male reaching for a glimmer of faith, through adversity. (The hidden image above his hands is a Gye Nyame symbol from Ghana)
  • Refugee, Evacuee?
    Refugee, Evacuee?
    Mixed media collage on canvas 30" x 40" Concept: Capturing the moment when reporters made reference to US citizens as refugees, instead of evacuees during hurricane Katrina, while at the same time referencing blacks as looters and whites as survivors in simular circumstances.
  • Face of Innocence
    Face of Innocence
    Mixed media collage on paper 22" x 32" Concept: An image composed of actual pages written by Alice Walker, from her book The Color Purple.
  • The Man
    The Man
    Mixed media collage on canvas 30" x 40" Concept: A reimagining of young Emmitt Till who was murdered for supposedly speaking to a white woman, had he lived to he an adult.
  • A Radical View
    A Radical View
    Mixed media collage on canvas 18" 2015 Concept: Composed of 70s civil rights publications and newspapers, a depiction of revolt and defiance.
  • Armed With Skittles
    Armed With Skittles
    Mixed media collage on canvas 24" x 36" Concept: A commentary on the senseless murder of teenager Travon Martin
  • Apartheid
    Apartheid
    Mixed media collage on canvas 18" x 24" 2011 Concept: Recognizing the many who lost their lives in the struggle of apartheid in South Africa.

Musical Interludes: "The Jazz Series"

Truly a soundtrack to the background of my studio life. I have a spiritual connection to all music,  but specifically jazz,  jazz contemporary, and blues. Musical subjects excite me, stimulate me, and spiritually immerse me while providing me an opportunity to appeal to diverse audiences with universal appeal. Many of my musical images have been commissioned as official posters in several  music festivals across the country which have garnered me many "Featured Artist" invitations. Let the music play!
  • Mood Indigo
    Mood Indigo
    Acrylic canvas collage 62" x 70" 2017
  • The Jazz Dimension
    The Jazz Dimension
    Acrylic Canvas Collage 30" X 40" This image was commissioned by the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation to commemorate the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival- Philadelphia, PA 2008
  • The Creative Process #1
    The Creative Process #1
    This image shows some of the conceptual process. Two of three rough sketches, and the final printed poster. I was capturing the feel of Historic Jackson Ward in Richmond Virginia and the festive spirit of their cultural community festival.
  • Street Songs
    Street Songs
    Acrylic canvas collage 30" x 40" This image is commissioned by Venture Richmond to commemorate the 21st Anniversary of the 2nd Street Festival – Richmond, VA 2009
  • The Creative Process #2
    The Creative Process #2
    This image shows some of the conceptual process. Two of three rough sketches, and the final printed poster. I was capturing the feel of Historic Jackson Ward in Richmond Virginia and the festive spirit of their cultural community festival.
  • Two Street Sounds
    Two Street Sounds
    Acrylic canvas collage 36" x 48" This image is commissioned by Venture Richmond to commemorate the 22nd Anniversary of the 2nd Street Festival –Richmond, VA 2010
  • On the Main Stage
    On the Main Stage
    Acrylic on canvas 30" x 40" This image is commissioned by Venture Richmond to commemorate the 19th Anniversary of the 2nd Street Festival - Richmond, VA 2008.
  • Soundscape
    Soundscape
    Acrylic on canvas 30" x 40" This image was commissioned by Venture Richmond to commemorate the 2nd Street Festival – Richmond VA 2007
  • To The Beat On 2nd Street
    To The Beat On 2nd Street
    Acrylic canvas collage 30" x 40" This image is commissioned by Venture Richmond to commemorate the 23rd Anniversary of the 2nd Street Festival – Richmond, VA 2011
  • Blue Notes
    Blue Notes
    Acrylic canvas collage 30" x 40" This image was commissioned by East River Jazz for the “Let There Be Jazz” Series-Washington, DC 2013

Passport Inspiration: "Across the Diaspora Series"

Of African Descent. A portfolio of  larger works inspired by my travels to abroad to Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, and the Caribbean. These works are reflections dealing with spiritual and ancestral connections, as well as the middle passage and the impact of slave migrations to the Caribbean and Americas. Works are intentionally primitive in approach and graphically complex. I plan to extend this series, and organize an exhibition of the works in the countries I have traveled.
  • Light Of The Ancestors
    Light Of The Ancestors
    Acrylic on Canvas 50” x 60” 2015
  • Earthen Spirit
    Earthen Spirit
    Mixed Media Collage on Canvas 41” x 44” 2014
  • Kayayo
    Kayayo
    Acrylic on Canvas 30" 2016
  • My Sisters Keeper
    My Sisters Keeper
    Acrylic on Canvas 18" 2016
  • Whispers In The Wind
    Whispers In The Wind
    Acrylic on Canvas 18" 2016
  • Indigo Soul
    Indigo Soul
    Acrylic on Canvas 30" circle 2016
  • Indigo Magic
    Indigo Magic
    Digital mixed media on canvas 40" x 60" 2016
  • Sacrosanctity
    Sacrosanctity
    Mixed media on paper 22” x30” 2016

In the Studio: Experimentation and Exploration

I am an imagemaker. I DO take that responsibility very seriously. My sole purpose is to enlighten, inspire and uplift through my imagery. This portfolio shows the broad range of my image spectrum. I use all mediums wet or dry, oil or acrylic, pastel or graphite. I can do realism or abstraction. I love layering, texture and collage. I love to experiment with mixing mediums. My artistic approach is rarely traditional.  Next stop...Afrofuturism!
  • The Consequence of Change
    The Consequence of Change
    Acrylic on Canvas 30" x 40"
  • The Forgotten Journey
    The Forgotten Journey
    Mixed Media on Watercolor Paper 29" x 44"
  • Faith Totem
    Faith Totem
    Acrylic on watercolor paper 18" x 52"
  • The Blackness
    The Blackness
    Mixed Media on Watercolor Paper 36" x 42"
  • Peace of Mind
    Peace of Mind
    Acrylic on watercolor paper 28" x 42"
  • Surrender
    Surrender
    Mixed Media on Watercolor Paper 42" x 42"
  • Spirit You All
    Spirit You All
    Acrylic on Canvas 38" x 38"
  • Black Butterfly
    Black Butterfly
    Acrylic on Canvas 30" x 40"
  • B'more Flava
    B'more Flava
    Acrylic on Canvas 30" x 40"
  • The Culture Keepers
    The Culture Keepers
    Acrylic on Canvas 30" x 40"

Commemorative Posters: Past & Present

Poster Art Is Alive and Well! This is a portfolio of commissioned commemorative poster projects. Documenting the efforts of community cultural festivals and events has become a central focus for me as an artist over the past years. Many of these commemoratives served as a visual archive of the missions of these organizations. This is a cross section of commemoratives dating back to the mid 80's into the new millennium. This overview shows an evolution in technique and stylization.  Most of them have become collectibles.
  • Bill Cosby Live
    Bill Cosby Live
    This image was commissioned by the Morgan State University Foundation–Baltimore, MD 1987
  • Anita Baker Live
    Anita Baker Live
    This image was commissioned by the Winston Salem State University Student Government–Winston Salem, NC 1987
  • Legacy
    Legacy
    This image was commissioned by Kunte Kinte Celebrations, Inc. for the Kunta Kinte Commemoration and Heritage Festival–Annapolis, MD 1991
  • Rejoice
    Rejoice
    This image was commissioned by ASBHM for the 11th Annual Artist Salute To Black History Month–Los Angeles, CA 1993
  • Each One, Teach One
    Each One, Teach One
    This image was commissioned by the Black Atlanta Transplants to commemorate the 5th Annual Black History Month Celebration–Atlanta, GA 1994
  • Ujima Cinci-bration
    Ujima Cinci-bration
    This image was commissioned by the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce for The Ujima Cinci-bration–Cincinnati, OH 1999
  • Sankofa
    Sankofa
    This image was commissioned by Sankofa Fine Art Plus to commemorate the Cleveland Fine Art Expo–Cleveland, OH 2001
  • To The Beat Of The Drum
    To The Beat Of The Drum
    This image was commissioned by UMOJA African Arts Company to commemorate the 1st Annual African Arts In The Park Festival–Pittsburgh, PA 2004
  • MusicFest
    MusicFest
    This image was commissioned by Festival513 to commemorate Macy’s Music Festival–Cincinnati, OH 2007
  • Freedom Fest
    Freedom Fest
    This image was commissioned by the Underground Railroad Freedom Center for their 1st Annual FreedomFest–Cincinnati, OH 2007

Behind the Lens: "Standards of Beauty Series"

A journey behind the lens with Poncho. Studio photography has always been one of my first loves since my college years at MICA. Comprised of a portfolio of creative women of color, who are NOT professional models, or have even been considered as models, and in most cases would rather not be in front of the camera. The series is celebration of black beauty, which challenges the notion of standards of beauty in America. All of the subjects selected  are all artists and craftswomen.
  • Behind the Lens with Poncho
    A journey behind the lens with Poncho. Studio photography has always been one of my first loves since my college years at MICA. Comprised of a portfolio of creative women of color, who are NOT professional models, or have even been considered as models, and in most cases would rather not be in front of the camera. The series is celebration of black beauty, which challenges the notion of standards of beauty in America. All of the subjects selected are all artists and craftswomen.
  • Ebony Eyes
    Ebony Eyes
    Digital photography Model: Mahogany Colbert
  • Flora
    Flora
    Digital photography with digital effects Model: Linda Tucker, Photographer
  • Contemplation
    Contemplation
    Digital photography Model: Carren Clark Mcadoo, Ceramacist
  • Fertile Ground
    Fertile Ground
    Digital photography with digital effects Model: Mahogany Colbert
  • Viewfinder
    Viewfinder
    Digital photography Model: Linda Tucker, Photographer
  • Quest
    Quest
    Digital photography Model: Quest Skinner, Artist
  • Blossom
    Blossom
    Digital photography with digital effects Model: Linda Tucker, Photographer
  • Precious Jewel
    Precious Jewel
    Digital photography Model: Shawn Livers, Jewelry Designer
  • Gifted Hands
    Gifted Hands
    Digital photography with digital effects Model: Carren Clark Mcadoo, Ceramacist

Two Curated Exhibitions: "Celebrating the Legacy of African American Artists in Baltimore"

In my core, I am an artist advocate. I am completely inspired by the wealth of creative talent in Baltimore, specifically within the African American community.  How do I recognize an underserved, unsupported, unrecognized art community?  This became my personal mission. While the art community in Baltimore has grown in the past decade, I believe a cross section of our cities creatives are being excluded. I embarked on a journey to do something rather than just complain by partnering with two community spaces to curate two exhibitions. One of living artists in Baltimore "Baltimore's Unsung", and the other of deceased artists from Baltimore "Baltimore MASTERS Art of the Ancestors". Both drew hundreds of supporters who have longed to see artists of color unify.

First, I organized and curated an exhibition of "LIVING" Baltimore African American Artists titled "Baltimore's Unsung". The exhibition was one of the largest assemblages of Baltimore African American Visual Artists on display at The Downtown Cultural Arts Center during Black History Month. 
Exhibition was held in 2014 during Black History Month.

Was the largest assemblage of Baltimore African American Artists including: Tommy Roberts, Aaron Maybin, Karen Y. Buster, Charles Cooper, Eric Briscoe, Ernest Shaw, Laura Benson, Belle Massey,Winston Harris, Matthew Rice, James Myrick, Jeffrey Kent, Jerry Prettyman, Brandon Lee, Laurence Hurst, Maurice “Moe” Bradford, Dallin Smith, Larry Poncho Brown, Phillip Snead, Ram Brisueño, Ed Towles, James E Murphy Jr., Derek McGowan, Sean Anthony Vass, Sr., Linda Gray, Matthew "Bay Bay" Williams, Kylis P Winborne, Randy Walters, Ursula Cain-Jordan, Eljay Elijah McBride, Guy Jones, Brianna Faulkner, Valerie Smith, Hasani Claxton, Kyle Hackett, Francine Harris, Anndell V. Banks, James Edward Jones, James Redd, Nelson Taylor, Yolanda Redd, Robert "Kaki" McQueen, Nathaniel Gibbs, Tracy Stevens, and Wendell Shannon-Supreme. Unsung - Baltimore’s Own In the world of art there is often a stigma and/or issues associated with supporting local artists; particularly artist of color.

Baltimore has a rich legacy of visual artist whose contributions represent the very fabric of the city. These artists may have national and/or international acclaim, yet they often go unrecognized within their own community. Their works decorate our great city, however only a few local galleries validate their contributions. In addition local institutions rarely utilize these artists wealth of experience and knowledge. They often face the continued challenges of biased selection in several local art exhibitions and festivals. The Unsung exhibit will feature the artist, designers, crafts creators and entrepreneurs that actively represent the Baltimore art scene. The exhibition is a reunion of sorts of these artisans that evolved during the development of the city. This will be a rare gathering of visionary and dynamic creators, who use art to heal, uplift and empower. Photography by Anderson Ward.


Second, I organized and curated an exhibition of "DECEASED" Baltimore Artists that have joined the ancestors.

In honor of Black history month The Fredrick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum hosted an exhibition entitled "Baltimore MASTERS Art of the Ancestors", a salute to historical Baltimore African-American visual artists. Exhibition was held in 2016

Baltimore has a rich legacy of visual artists. Their contributions are the very fabric of Baltimore City. Many of these artists acquired national and international acclaim, yet often have mostly gone unrecognized within the art community. Only a few Local galleries have validated their contributions, and most local institutions have yet to acknowledge their contributions.

This was a rare gathering of visionary and dynamic creators who utilized art to heal, uplift, and empower. Baltimore “MASTERS” Art of the Ancestors featured the visual artists that represented the Baltimore African American art scene. The exhibition was the first of its kind to recognize this legacy of artists, activists, and entrepreneurs that were the very fabric of the inner city. Over 15 visual artists will be represented in this landmark exhibition including the likes of Thomas Stockett, Larry O. Brown, Sr., William Joyner, Robert Torrence, Tom Miller, Bill Strong, Pontella Mason, Leroy “Miki” Jones, Irving Phillips, Sr., Elizabeth Scott, Cary Beth Cryor, Luke Shaw, O’Neill Hammond, Anderson Piagett, Gerald Hawks, James Barefoot, Larry Stevens, Roy Cross, Chenal Alford, Carl Clark and Hosea Solazaro, to name a few. Photography by Anderson Ward.

  • Baltimore's Unsung Participants @ The Downtown Cultural Arts Center
    Baltimore's Unsung Participants @ The Downtown Cultural Arts Center
    Baltimore’s Unsung Exhibition “Salute to Visual Artists” at the Downtown Cultural Art Center (Top Row) Nathaniel Gibbs, Linda Gray, James Myrick, Karen Y. Buster, Eric Briscoe, Anndell V. Banks, Laura Benson, Phillip Snead, Larry “Poncho” Brown, Valerie Smith, Charles Cooper, Francine Harris, Ursula Cain-Jordan, Kylis Winborne, Wendell “Supreme” Shannon, Lenee Freeman, and Matthew “Bay Bay” Williams (Seated) Matthew Rice, Randy Walters, Tommy Roberts, Laurence Hurst, Guy Jones, Kyle Hackett and James E. Murphy, Jr. at the Downtown Cultural Art Center. Organized by Baltimore artist Larry Poncho Brown. Photography by Anderson Ward 2014
  • Baltimore's Unsung Artist Reception @ The Downtown Cultural Arts Center
    The exhibition was one of the largest assemblages of Baltimore African American Visual Artists on display at The Downtown Cultural Arts Center during Black History Month. Organized by Baltimore artist Larry Poncho Brown. Photography by Anderson Ward.
  • Baltimore's Unsung (A Salute To Baltimore Visual Artists) Panel Discussion
    This video courtesy of Joseph A. Beasley, Jr. of Once Touched Production represents a segment of an art expose' and talk that showcased In Baltimore at the Downtown Cultural Art Center; the executive Director, Adrian Bobb. This non juried show included many visual artists apart of the Baltimore visual art scene. . . from the well known and acclaimed to the obscure. The art represented wide and varied styles and subjects. The theme was "hang your best work'. There was a better than expected turn out for a Saturday afternoon sparking lively conversation and enthusiasm . Hosting the panel is well known and celebrated artist, Larry Poncho Brown. The largest assemblage of Baltimore African American Artists including: Tommy Roberts, Aaron Maybin, Karen Y.
  • Baltimore's Unsung Promotional Ad
    Baltimore's Unsung Promotional Ad
    Baltimore's Unsung online promotion graphic for the exhibition..
  • Baltimore's Unsung Postcard
    Baltimore's Unsung Postcard
    Baltimore's Unsung promotional postcard for the exhibition.
  • Baltimore “MASTERS” Art of the Ancestors @ The Fredrick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum
    In honor of Black history month The Fredrick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum will be hosting an exhibition entitled Baltimore “MASTERS” Art of the Ancestors, a salute to historical Baltimore African-American visual artists. Baltimore has a rich legacy of visual artists who all have joined the ancestors circle. Their contributions are the very fabric of Baltimore City. Many of these artists acquired national and international acclaim, yet often have mostly gone unrecognized within the art community. Only a few Local galleries have validated their contributions, and most local institutions have yet to acknowledge their contributions. This will be a rare gathering of visionary and dynamic creators who utilized art to heal, uplift, and empower. Baltimore “MASTERS” Art of the Ancestors will feature the visual artists that historically represent the Baltimore African American art scene.
  • Baltimore “MASTERS” Art of the Ancestors Promotional Video
    In honor of Black history month The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum will be hosting an exhibition entitled Baltimore “MASTERS” Art of the Ancestors, a salute to historical Baltimore African-American visual artists.
  • Baltimore MASTERS Art of the Ancestors Reception
    In honor of Black history month The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum will be hosting an exhibition entitled Baltimore “MASTERS” Art of the Ancestors, a memorium to historical Baltimore African-American visual artists.
  • Baltimore Masters Exhibition Catalog
    Baltimore Masters Exhibition Catalog
    Baltimore Masters Exhibition Catalog featuring 15 Baltimore legends in the arts.
  • Baltimore Masters Logo
    Baltimore Masters Logo
    Logo developed for the event and promotional materials

B'more Artscene Project: "A Great Day In Baltimore"

Bringing artists of color together is a task that has many challenges. Artists are mostly individual in their spiritual and physical existance, so imagine the energy generated by pulling them together. As part of my artist advocacy agenda, I organized a historic photograph of the African American visual artists of Baltimore on the steps of the Baltimore Museum of Art.  Titled "A Great Day In Baltimore" inspired by "A Great Day In Harlem" and "A Great Day In Chicago". Photographed by Lawrence A. Randall

A true Who's Who of the Baltimore art scene, this was the largest assemblage of professional Baltimore African American Artists.

In the world of art there is often a stigma and/or issues associated with supporting local artists; particularly artist of color. Baltimore has a rich legacy of visual artist whose contributions represent the very fabric of the city. These artists may have national and/or international acclaim, yet they often go unrecognized within their own community. Their works decorate our great city, however only a few local galleries validate their contributions. In addition local institutions rarely utilize these artists wealth of experience and knowledge. They often face the continued challenges of biased selection in several local art exhibitions and festivals. B'more ArtScene featured the artists, and Artrepreneurs that actively represent the Baltimore art scene. This gathering is a reunion of sorts for these artisans that evolved during the development of the city. This will be a rare gathering of visionary and dynamic creators, who use art to heal, uplift and empower.

Front Row Sallah Jenkins, Kylis P. Winborne, Darren Guest, Ernest M. Kromah, Tommy Roberts, Grandmother Edna Lawrence, Matthew "Bay Bay" Williams, Robert Sonny Wood, and Reigna Wren Second Row Alyshia Niko Williams, Linda Gray, Jerome Chester, Jimi Fardan, Monique Mahogany Mercer, Espi Frazier, E. Lyle Henderson, Arthur C. Brown, Valerie A. Smith, Ursula Cain-Jordan, Kibibi Ajanku, Mandela E. Brown, and Larry Poncho Brown Third Row Shawn Livers, Tracy Stevens, Raymond Lucas, Jose J. Mapily, Lavonda "Sofresh" Johnson, Leslie King Hammond, Linda Tucker, Brianna Faulkner, Jasmin Manning, Carol Ann Morgan, Karen Y. Buster, R. Francine Harris, and James E. Murphy Jr. Fourth Row Ariston Jacks, Denise J. Bell, Paula Phillips, Adonica Hull, Dallin F. Smith, II, Ernest E. J. Shaw, Jr., Nathaniel Kato Gibbs, Nikia Kigler, Arin Mitchell, Christina Cook, Randy Walters, and Jerry Prettyman Fifth Row Kalifah Jehaan, Anndell V. Banks, Artlisia Bibbs, Judy Waddy, Gloria Mack, Gabrielle Lynn McLemore, Kamau Sennaar, Tiffany D. Jones, Kafi A. D'Ambrosi, and Phillip Snead Sixth Row Jonathan Greene, E. L. Briscoe, Gary A. Mullen , Mark Cottman, Asanji Chofor, Brandon Lee, Lavon Gardner Wilkens, Cheryl Lynn Terrell, Guy Jones, Earl Jones, Edward Taylor, Schroeder Cherry, and Stephen Towns.
  • B'more Artscene Project
    B'more Artscene Project
    A HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPH OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN VISUAL ARTISTS OF BALTIMORE. A true Who's Who of the Baltimore art scene. This will be the largest assemblage of professional Baltimore African American Artists. In the world of art there is often a stigma and/or issues associated with supporting local artists; particularly artist of color. Baltimore has a rich legacy of visual artist whose contributions represent the very fabric of the city. These artists may have national and/or international acclaim, yet they often go unrecognized within their own community. Their works decorate our great city, however only a few local galleries validate their contributions. In addition local institutions rarely utilize these artists wealth of experience and knowledge. They often face the continued challenges of biased selection in several local art exhibitions and festivals. B'more ArtScene will feature the artists, and Artrepreneurs that actively represent the Baltimore art scene. This gathering is a reunion of sorts for these artisans that evolved during the development of the city. This will be a rare gathering of visionary and dynamic creators, who use art to heal, uplift and empower
  • B'more Artscene Photograph Call for Artists
    A historic photograph of the African American Visual Artists of Baltimore on the stepd of the Baltimore Museum of Art. Photograph by Lawrence A. Randall
  • A Great Day In Baltimore
    B'more ArtScene featured the artists, and Artrepreneurs that actively represent the Baltimore art scene. This gathering is a reunion of sorts for these artisans that evolved during the development of the city. This will be a rare gathering of visionary and dynamic creators, who use art to heal, uplift and empower.
  • B'more Artscene Project-Artist Call
    B'more Artscene Project-Artist Call
    B'more ArtScene featured the artists, and Artrepreneurs that actively represent the Baltimore art scene. This gathering is a reunion of sorts for these artisans that evolved during the development of the city. This will be a rare gathering of visionary and dynamic creators, who use art to heal, uplift and empower.
  • A Great Day In Baltimore
    A Great Day In Baltimore
    A Great Day In Baltimore. This gathering is a reunion of sorts for these artisans that evolved during the development of the city. This will be a rare gathering of visionary and dynamic creators, who use art to heal, uplift and empower.
  • South Side Community Art Center
    South Side Community Art Center
    Inspiration Photo #1: This image is the South Side Community Art Center that was discussed in DuSable to Obama. It was one of few venues that was available to southern migrant artists to showcase their art. Every black artist in the area that wanted to display their art, used this this center as well as using their art as a way of conveying their feelings about social injustices and racial disparity.
  • A Great Day in Harlem
    A Great Day in Harlem
    Inspiration Photo #1: A Great Day in Harlem 1958. Photo by Art Kane A Great Day in Harlem Survivors. 1996 Photo by Gordon Parks. People leave, things change but the memory is still there...
  • B'more Artscene Poster
    B'more Artscene Poster
    The official B'more Artscene poster featuring the names of all participants.

Artists 2 Africa: Artisan Pilgrimages to Senegal & Ghana

Hand Made. Artists 2 Africa has been a wonderful experience for the many that have participated. I have been organizing artisan tours to Africa namely Senegal and Ghana for artistic tours beyond the normal tourist experience. Imagine a trip to Africa with acclaimed African American artists structured for cultural exchanges with African artisans.  Our first trip was to Senegal and the Gambia, our second was to Ghana. These tours were designed exclusively for artists and art lovers. Everything from sand painting, kente cloth weaving, wood carving, lost wax process, textile stamping, beadwork, etc.  We travel into the villages where creating art is a way of life. So if you think you would love to experience an historical pilgrimage and artistic cultural exchange in the motherland...JOIN US!
  • Artists to Africa- Ghana
    A group of artists and art lovers on an artistic tour of Ghana
  • Artists to Africa- Senegal
    A group of artists and art lovers on an artistic tour of Senegal and the Gambia
  • Artists 2 Africa- Ghana
    Artists 2 Africa- Ghana
    An intimate group of artists and art lovers experiencing the artistic side of Ghana
  • Artists 2 Africa- Senegal
    Artists 2 Africa- Senegal
    Our group of artists and art lovers touring on Gorée Island, Senegal
  • Adinkra Stamps
    Adinkra Stamps
    Ghana: Fabric stamps made from calabash
  • Sand Painting
    Sand Painting
    Senegal: The art of sand painting
  • Wood Carving
    Wood Carving
    Senegal: The art of wood carving
  • Batik Fabric Dying
    Batik Fabric Dying
    Dakar: The art of batik and tie dying
  • The Artists
    The Artists
    Meet the artisans participating in Artists 2 Africa-Senegal and The Gambia Carren Clarke Mcadoo (VA), Larry Poncho Brown (MD), Karen Y. Buster (MD), and Jerome White (OH)
  • A2A Logo
    A2A Logo
    The Artist 2 Africa logo