Mural Arts’ annual exhibition for the Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists brought together some of the city’s most dynamic multimedia talents. This was the second year that the exhibition found its home in Germantown at the beautiful Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery. The program provides critical support to Black artists, showcasing the powerful impact of community within the creative process.
Chelsey Luster on the Power of Community
This exhibition was curated by Chelsey Luster, a previous fellow from the 2022 cohort and an esteemed artist-curator based in Philadelphia. Reflecting on her experience, Luster expressed gratitude for the program’s role in shaping her practice and emphasized the importance of unity in the art world. “A common thread that I saw when curating this exhibition was the sense of human connection and the connection to the world around us,” Luster shared. “This fellowship is about coming together, focusing on our similarities rather than our differences, and fostering a creative support system.”
Each year, the Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists selects 15 fellows, offering them a $2,000 unrestricted stipend, career development workshops, and access to curators, mentors, and exhibition opportunities. The program is dedicated to empowering Black artists by creating sustainable pathways for success in the industry. Luster underscored the necessity of breaking traditional barriers, encouraging artists to own all of their titles and lean into creative collaboration.
Inside the Minds of Featured Artists
The opening night featured artists spanning multiple disciplines, from painting and sculpture to mixed media. Among them was Lusmerlin, a multidisciplinary artist whose self-portrait, A Move Across the Ocean, reflects themes of migration, womanhood, and identity.
She described her process as deeply interactive, beginning with creating the background by painting with her feet while dancing in public spaces. “I want people to feel the energy and movement in my work,” she said, emphasizing the kinetic dialogue between body and space.
Another brilliant artist, Nasir Young, spoke about the shared visual language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, which he illustrates in his oil paintings. “No matter where you come from or what language you speak, art creates a universal entry point for connection,” he explained.
A similar sentiment was echoed by Kyle Mello Dixon, a trailblazing designer and artist, who highlighted the intersection of art and wellness. “Art brings a calmness to people - it creates thought and space for deep conversation,” he reflected.
There was a beautiful display of the full spectrum of human experience throughout this exhibition. Terrell Halsey, a talented visual artist and photographer, presented a piece including two photographs that juxtapose one another. One photo is from the George Floyd protest in 2020, and the other features a Juneteenth celebration in 2023. “I didn’t want to just portray black death, so we have pain and celebration - using real, everyday moments to spark liberation,” explained Halsey.
This entire cohort of artists and their collective artworks inspired the viewers in transformative ways. Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery was the perfect venue for this experience. An uplifting atmosphere permeated the space, and the future of Black art in Philadelphia now feels brighter than ever.
Cultural Impact and Looking Ahead
This exhibition was an affirmation of the fellowship’s mission: to cultivate an ecosystem where artists can thrive beyond the gallery walls. Gallery owner, Steven CW Taylor, emphasized the importance of accessibility and visibility for Black artists. “To have a coalition of all these artists with their dynamic work, bringing their networks to this space; we’re putting on not just for the city, but for Germantown more specifically. It embodies the Ubuntu philosophy of ‘I am because we are.”
As attendees immersed themselves in the artwork, one message resonated throughout the space - Black artists must continue to uplift and support one another. Luster’s hope for the exhibition was clear: “I want people to walk away knowing that we are more similar than we are different, and that Black artists need to stick together. Community is everything,”
The Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists continues to be a cornerstone for emerging talent, fostering creative excellence through mentorship, collaboration, and resource sharing. By celebrating artists at every stage of their journey, the fellowship ensures that Black art remains a thriving, vital force in Philadelphia and beyond.
Support the Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists
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