Visual Literacy: Exhibition

Visual Literacy offers an ideal opportunity for African American vendors to showcase products and services during Black History Month. Confirmed featured art exhibitors, photographers, crafters and creatives include, but are not limited to:

• Millennials Making Boss Moves: A group of young Black female entrepreneurs that independently craft African jewelry and garments, design and produce art in all mediums, consult on Black wellness and non-surgical body contouring, and develop natural hair care, soap and candle products.
• Chanelle Diaz is a 29 year old serial entrepreneur & proud mother of a 2 year old daughter. She is the owner & operator of Skin Tight Beauty Bar & an independent travel agent for M.M.B.M Millennials Making Boss Moves.Ebony McKelvey: Ebony B. is a creative personality who passionately blends art and life. She is a professional-trained lifestyle photographer best known for the impressive capture of life and special moments. https://www.ebonybphotography.com
• Katro Storm: A true son of New Haven and a force of positivity, Katro’s painting style has been described by Ely Center of Contemporary Art as “full frontal figuratism.” His unmistakable technique employs layers of drips and tonal modifications, creating an active surface in which figures seem to emerge (Ely Center of Contemporary Arts, 2009).
• Brooke Jones: The custom of watching women make beautiful vibrant items during Brooke’s formative years, led her to explore the origins of traditional craft and the interaction of colors. She is most at home working with minimalist shapes and bold colors when creating beautiful yet useful quilts, afghans and wearable accessories. Brooke lives and creates in New Haven. 
• Rodney Dabney: Contemporary photographer with a hip-hop edge, Dabney’s eye for detail brings realism to vogue images reflective of African American culture and lifestyle.
• Shaunda Holloway (Sekai) is painter, printmaker and writer. Born in New Haven, CT, her published pieces appeared in ESSENCE, CT Post, Inner-City, & in Stand Our Ground Poems for Trayvon Martin and Marissa Alexander. Exhibition of paintings and prints have been displayed throughout the East coast and in New Delhi, India.
• Enolda J is a published author, and has been writing poetry since she was a little girl. She truly loves to write and her book, “My Art of Letting Go,” is currently on sale. Writing has changed Enolda J’s view of the world and has aligned her with finding her true self.
• Lauren Simone Publishing (LSP) House, founded in 2016, is a publishing company birthed by two sisters, Olivia Lauren John and Alyssa Simone John. Mission is to publish the works of diverse authors and illustrators, thereby creating literature for all to enjoy. https://www.laurensimonepubs.com
• Dolls of Beautiful Shades by Nancy Jean-Baptiste, MSW, LCSW will be on display at the exhibition. Nancy wants people to know that dolls of color are important and can be a tool used to boost self-confidence. Dolls of color should be made more widely available so everyone has a chance to enjoy and appreciate their beauty. Visit her work at: https://www.dollsofbeautifulshades.com/about.