Inspired by the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens located in Washington DC, Darrelynne created the Lotus Dance. This piece features hints of copper metallic, watercolor pencil and ink pen. Image size including frame is ~19” x 20”. Image size only: 9” x 12”.

Freedom is a piece for dissection and careful examination. One can determine the essence of the painting by studying the dark profile in contrast to the surrounding values. Brought to the forefront by Strother’s usage of ink pen and acrylic paint is a woman with an audacious disposition. With focus comes purpose, making way for presence. An idea that is brought into perspective here as colors made with alcohol ink flow from one side of the frame onto others. This free-flow of intentional artistry is synonymous to the political weight of the afro, the shape that these puddles of colors in fact create. What some may perceive as unkept or restrictive, others view as a mark of liberation.

The old adage of ‘nothing is perfect’ has been shared for many years, taking on many forms and interpretations. Although the sentiment is valid, the feel and especially the look of perfection is ultimately subjective. Perfectly Imperfect suggests that it is absolutely okay to be flawed because that is where the true beauty of everything resides. We learn to accept and adapt to ourselves and our environments through our adversities and differences. We are encouraged to appreciate what is versus what isn’t for many reasons, one having to deal with being okay when things are not in our control. The act of accepting this phenomenon in itself is the predecessor to growth.

This kids’ art workshop introduced young artists to mixed-media storytelling through clay, watercolor, and shadow box construction. Inspired by shadow boxes we observed during a museum visit, the project encouraged participants to explore how art can create depth, narrative, and imagination within a contained space.

Students began by creating two separate art pieces: a watercolor-painted background to set the scene, and a clay element to serve as the focal subject. After completing both projects, the children brought their work together by assembling their own shadow boxes using affordable picture frames sourced from a discount store. This final step transformed their individual creations into a unified three-dimensional artwork. The workshop combined museum inspiration with hands-on creativity, helping kids build artistic confidence while learning about layering, composition, and mixed-media design. (Student Work 2023)