NEW YORK CITY

The team and I are excited about artists who are pushing the boundaries of their mediums and expanding the concept of art. Karina Sharif sculpts with paper, while Daveed Baptiste, designer in residence at Materials for the Arts, works across photography, set design, and fashion. Mark Anthony Wilson Jr. is a self-taught sculptor and installation artist using found objects, Maya Beverly crafts stunning ceramics, and Braden A. Hollis captures romance through her evocative paintings.

TENNESSEE
When I’m in East Tennessee, I begin with a visit to the University of Tennessee Downtown Gallery to catch their latest exhibition, “Lore: What We Were Told | What We Saw | What We Tell Ourselves,” featuring Black Women of Print and a new media showcase by Cecelia Condit. I also make sure to stop by Tri-Star Arts, where Executive Director Brian Jobe curates exciting shows.

In Chattanooga, I always swing by Stove Works, an incredible organization. When I’m in Nashville, I schedule studio visits with artist Dylan Camp, drop by the Frist Art Museum, and catch up with my friends Katie Shaw and Ashley Layendecker at Red Arrow Gallery to see their latest exhibition.

And in Memphis, it’s a must to visit TONE and the Brooks Museum. I’m also planning studio visits with emerging artists Ahmad George and Rahn Marlon.

TEXAS
In Texas, there are two cities that truly make my heart beat: Austin and Houston. The first thing I do in Austin is call my friend and curator, Dr. Phillip Townsend, who also teaches at The University of Texas at Austin. I already know he’ll have a list of must-see exhibitions, events, and artist studios. One of the highlights is his recent exhibition Patron Saints of a Black Bey featuring artist Rashuan Rucker, on view at the Art Galleries at Black Studies until December 16th, 2024. I also highly recommend visiting Martha’s gallery. They have a fantastic program.

Houston is just as rich in art and culture. We recently had a screening of our docu-series Who’s Behind Black Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. You should also visit The Reading Room, a bookstore opened by Amarie Cemone Gipson.

My friend, architect Kirby Liu, has developed an incredible project called POST Houston, which is part of his vision to reinvigorate Houston’s downtown neighborhoods. Kirby’s work bridges culture and innovation by creating arts, entertainment, dining, and retail spaces that celebrate Houston’s diversity. Definitely go!

And no trip to Houston is complete without stopping by Project Row Houses, founded by artist Rick Lowe. Located in the Third Ward, this development includes a series of restored shotgun houses from the 1990s, with eight serving as studios for artists focusing on African-American themes. There’s also a row of houses dedicated to single mothers, combining art and community in a meaningful way.

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