P. Muzi Branch
Donna Frostick
Sean Kane
Ohiyah
Sukenya Best – Sukenya Best is a printmaker, painter, and dancer. In 2007, she received a Master of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). She is an alumnus from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Department of Painting and Printmaking, having received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2001. She was an Instructor at Virginia Union University, where she taught in the Fine Arts Department. As faculty she published a travel cartoon book called Chocolate Bella. Currently she is working at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts as an On the Road Coordinator, where she travels around Virginia on an artmobile. www.sukenyabestartistry.com.
P. Muzi Branch – Philip Muzi Branch, a Native of Richmond, Virginia, received both his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and his Master of Art Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. His award winning paintings have been exhibited at The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, PANAFEST, Ghana, West Africa, The Banneker Douglass Museum, Annapolis, Maryland and The Daura Gallery. His work is included in the collections of SunTrust Bank, Richmond Community Hospital, Lynchburg College and First Market Bank. While participating in the Virginia Commission for the Arts “Artists in Education” Program, Branch completed over 20 mural-painting residencies in public schools. He has taught at Virginia Union University, Saint Paul’s College and Virginia State University. Currently, he is Director of Arts In Healthcare for VCU Health in Richmond. Philip, also known as Muzi, is an accomplished bassist and song writer. He performs with the internationally acclaimed musical group, Plunky and Oneness.
Donna Frostick – Donna Frostick is a native of Richmond, Virginia, with a BFA in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University. She works primarily in acrylic on canvas, and most of her paintings are naturalistic landscapes. The inspiration for many of her subjects comes from the places she explores while hiking and backpacking in Virginia’s national and state parks. An artist in residence at Crossroads Art Gallery, Donna’s work has been represented in dozens of juried, invitational and solo shows in the Mid-Atlantic region. Her next solo show “Deconstructing an Icon: Natural Bridge” opens November 27 at Art Works.
Diane Hayes – Diane Hayes, is an accomplished artist who has painted and exhibited throughout the country for more than thirty years. She is dedicated to her mission of promoting art in public places as a vehicle for community cohesiveness and economic growth. She has designed and painted many murals throughout the city, and is now the Cultural Arts manager for the city of Richmond. The three painting being shown are from her original collection of “Heirlooms” a series of ten prints sold nationwide in Walmart stores.
Jowarnise – Drawing inspiration from African textile design, contemporary fashions, and urban culture, Jowarnise developed a late interest in portraiture, mainly in the mediums of painting and drawing, after earning her Bachelor of Fine Art from Virginia State University. She blends classical painting with her years of graphic design experience. Most of her works combine a wide range of references from classical painting, pop culture, and her personal experience. Jowarnise, visual artist and designer, explores the human condition with themes related to race, social class, and culture through her art. Best known for her naturalistic portraits of women in eloquent poses, she often focuses on the female African American experience. Jowarnise’s work has been exhibited at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, the Meredith Gallery at Virginia State University, and at the medical campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. She was awarded in 2012 by the National Arts Program and in 2019 by the Visual Arts Center of Richmond. She is based in Richmond, VA.
Sean Kane – Historian, Artist & VMFA On the Road Coordinator Sean Kane received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from VCU and has over seventeen years’ experience as a Museum Educator. He currently travels the Commonwealth with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Artmobile; an interactive gallery space that brings works from the museum’s permanent collection to communities across Virginia, including those in under-served areas. His art combines his interests in mythology, history and comics to produce paintings that are recognizable and mysterious. To purchase paintings or inquire about commissions contact Sean at smkane120@gmail.com.
Perry Mathews – Perry Matthews first began experimenting with color and architectural abstraction while driving along 9th Street in the city and admiring the sun and clouds reflecting off of the high-rise buildings. She was compelled to return the next day to photograph the images. Her work has continued to evolve over the years to include a passion for color and a painterly, abstract style. Website: www.2catswithcameras.wixsite.com/2cats Instagram: @abstraction365 and @pjpink201
Austin “Auz” Miles – Originally from Durham, North Carolina, Austin “Auz” Miles was always inspired by distorted figures and the stories paintings could tell about African-American culture. Austin “Auz” Miles is a practicing painter and public artist in Richmond, VA using color, texture, and distortion in her work to embody her own stories; in an attempt to contribute to the conversation about Black female experiences. Miles is an alumna of Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCU); receiving her Bachelors of Fine Arts in 2017. October 2018, Austin “Auz” Miles was chosen along with nine other muralists to participate in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture first mural exhibit, titled Fresh Paint. The following year, July-Aug 2019, Miles was commissioned by the Jamestown Settlement to create one piece that focused on the tenacious tri-cultured women of the Jamestown Settlement, and a second piece that focused on the first Black women to be documented in the United States in 1619; Angelo. In addition to showing her work throughout Virginia, Miles has also shown her Washington D.C., Atlanta GA, and Cusco Peru. Miles has murals in Virginia and North Carolina. #AuzCan #AuzDoes
Jeff Morris – I am Jeff Morris a local artist of Richmond,VA. I have been painting professionally for over 35 years. My passion is painting plein air large paintings of RVA and Virginia Beach (landscapes and waterways) in oil and acrylic paint. My paintings are currently in (Artworks Richmond) gallery. I have been featured in the Free Press and on 12 news. My paintings have been collected by Westminster Canterbury and private businesses and private collectors. I am also a portrait artist .
Ohiyah – Originally from Oklahoma Ohiyah’s Native American heritage continues to inspire her work. She discovered her love of dramatic color and abstract expressionism while living in Iceland as a young girl. Today these influences can be seen in her emotional paintings of humans and animals morphing into abstract forms. To purchase work or commission a painting contact Ohiyah at turtleearth@gmail.com .
James Wilson – James Wilson has been doing photography for the past 45 years, going from 35mm film to today’s digital photography. Many years ago he was published in the William and Mary Review. He is now pursuing showing his photography in art shows and galleries along with his spouse and fellow photographer. Photography has been a great way to enjoy their travels. Website: www.2catswithcameras.wixsite.com/2cats Instagram: @abstraction365 and @pjpink201
Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center Presents: 