Hana Johnson

Atlanta, Georgia

I spend a lot of time dreaming about a world where there is freedom for Black beauty to exist in any and all forms, in any and all decades, without restrictions or critique.

I have always been in love with the vintage world, but when I flip through old magazines that fueled beauty standards and not a single image of black women is presented, I know that there has always been a gap in capturing the image of black beauty in the past. For that reason, I dedicate my time as an artist towards illustrating Black beauty as I know it from the past and present.

Jillian Hooper

Hendersonville, NC

I am an artist from Hendersonville, NC. I find inspiration all around me in the people I see and meet. When I see someone who has a unique appearance or style, I try to capture the moment. My goal is to highlight the inner aspects of a person through my drawings.

I believe represenation is important and I try to showcase the beauty in a diverse group of people.

I specialize in pencil, acrylic paint, and digital media.

Jerrie Settles

Asheville, NC

Jerrie’s art is an expression of being blessed, by God through her family, beyond measure.

In 2007 she authored and illustrated her first children’s book, A Prayer for Wings – A Journey of Nipaerilla the Caterpillar.

Over the years her art has taken on new dimensions, where she has tutored art students, taught art therapy classes, and expanded to digital art. No matter what the medium or the platform, the grace and love of God is always expressed in every creative work.

She signs all her work with JEMS

J- Jerrie her nick name
E- Essie her middle name from her grandmother, her childhood hero
M- Mae her grandmother’s middle name, Jerrie selected on adoption day
S- Settles her last name she received when marrying the love her life.

And the Lord said to me; “your signature means Jesus Eternally Making Sketches.” Now God is still working in her life behind the scenes; ensuring the sketches will never stop.

Alexandra Antoine

Chicago, IL

Alexandra Antoine is an interdisciplinary visual artist and cultural apprentice based in Chicago, IL. Her work acknowledges the influences of her Haitian culture and interest in portraiture, food, farming and the physical labor that goes into traditional artistic practices of the Afrikan diaspora. She honors her ancestors always and is currently growing food in several community gardens on the West side of Chicago!

She received an undergraduate degree from a fancy art school and exhibited her work in many places but collaborating with folks throughout the Afrikan diaspora is her life’s work.

Jenny Pickens

Asheville, NC

Jenny Pickens is an Asheville, NC area native. She is a self-taught artist who has been making art all her life. Working in mediums including fiber arts, pencil, pen & ink, pastels, oils, as well as hand built pottery and repurposed jewelry, Jenny’s work has been featured in a variety of articles, galleries & festivals around the community.Jenny also works with children in afterschool programs, such as YTL, IRL and Asheville City Schools TAPAS program, to help young artists curate their talent and love for creating. She creates and designs custom artwork pieces for private buyers as well as the Noir Collective AVL, also known as the Block, where her work can be viewed and purchased as she curates art and provides mentorship to other up & coming artists.

Arzell Thompson

Atlanta, GA

This dingy coffee pot is a vessel of my past, present, and future history. From my first painting that I sold to my elementary school Assistant Principal, a junior high painting that was displayed at the White House, to Germany, where, while enlisted, I became the first Black graphics illustrator in the Air Force, it was there. The paint and watermarks on this vessel are remnants of certified originals at Princeton University, with Former President Jimmy Carter, generations of art collectors, and more than 70 years of passion. My mom was, is, and forever will be my inspiration, sacrificing this coffee pot that has held my brushes since childhood. She gave me a key to what is my lifeblood. I don’t just make art. I dream about it, I breathe it, I can’t live without it! And now, I share it with you. May you enjoy my creations, discover your inspirations, and carry your “coffee pot” wherever you go.