Join us this Black History Month for a celebration of African American culture and creativity. Our diverse program features artwork from artists of all levels—advanced, intermediate, and novice. Experience the depth of black artistic expression through powerful visuals and stirring stories. Come honor the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the beauty of black artistry with us at Skadden Black History Month Programing.

Mr.Wash

Fulton Leroy Washington is a self-taught artist with the unique ability to express human emotions in the form of paintings, an educator, and a public speaker. Wrongfully convicted in 1997 for a non-violent drug offense, learned and refined his craft in oil and acrylic while serving a life sentence, the mandatory minimum that had been set during the era of the War on Drugs. On May 5, 2016, after Fulton Leroy Washington had been incarcerated for 21 years, President Obama commuted his sentence and granted him clemency.

Fulton Leroy Washington seeks to become a world-renowned artist; his first subjects were his fellow inmates; he created elaborate photorealistic portraits of his cohort from all around the world, often setting them in idyllic landscapes, dressed in civilian clothing and free. Other portraits depicted the inmates' psychological fissures, including large tears drawn on their faces; some portraits were adorned with paintings within the paintings of fears or anxieties the subjects had shared with their portraitist. 

In 2020, Fulton Leroy Washington was selected as one of 30 artists to participate in the Hammer Museum's Made in L.A. biennial, where he was also the recipient of the Public Recognition Award. His exhibited works have been acquired by U.S. museums and national and international collectors.  Most recently his work has been featured in the group shows Shattered Glass at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery in Los Angeles and Miami Art Basel 2021, and Black American Portraits at LACMA. Fulton Leroy Washington’s exhibited painting of Kobe Bryant was acquired by the museum with funds courtesy of Aubrey Drake Graham aka Drake.

Fulton Leroy Washington continues to work daily in his Compton, California studio on commissions for clients and the art world and above all infusing his creativity in storytelling into every work of art.

Michael Massenburg

Michael Massenburg was born in San Diego, raised in South Central Los Angeles, and lives in Inglewood. Michael pursued his studies at California State University Long Beach and the Otis School of Art and Design. He began his career at the Watts Towers Arts Center, influenced by the artists out of the Watts Rebellion and the Los Angeles Uprising. Massenburg's interest in historical, cultural, and personal narratives developed his social practice through art making, teaching, lectures, community organizing, and activism for various organizations and causes.

Michael has exhibited in galleries, universities, and museums and completed commissions and public art projects throughout the United States and abroad. One of his recent exhibitions was for the Dak'Art Biennial of Contemporary African Art in Dakar, Senegal. Some of his public art commissions included Metro, DCA, and the Kia Forum in Inglewood. Michael received various grants and awards, including the Art Matters Foundation, California Arts Council, and DCA Individual Master Artist COLA Grantee.

Artist Statement

The Watts Towers influenced my early art beginnings. With a mission to make art that builds community, my principal pursuits have been creating informed art, educating, and practicing civic and cultural advocacy to improve access to skills throughout Los Angeles and abroad. That sense of social purpose has propelled my practice as a contemporary artist. My course explores narratives about past histories, present times, and future possibilities. In my work, I incorporate text, maps, and landscapes, using both figurative and abstract elements in my concepts. The medium I use ranges from traditional paintings to murals to concrete seating and ground marking—mosaics and tiles embedded in the work of numerous of my art in public spaces.

My current series explores the African diaspora experience in the Americas of the Middle Passage from 1619 to now. The journey is about survival and salvation to empowerment. How rituals, cultural, and spiritual practices transferred and evolved into our current times. My travels to Senegal, Haiti, Colombia, and other countries inspire me. My process in some of these works consists of drawings, writings, paintings, collages, and found objects, gathering materials, observing, and listening to their influence, history, and daily practice. 

Barbara Harris

Barbara Farmer Harris, artist and designer. Born in Bridgeton, N.J., Barbara currently resides in Williamstown N.J. with her husband Leroy Harris . Barbara graduated from the College of New Jersey with a bachelor of Arts Degree. She Majored in Art Therapy and Minored in Psychology. As an aspiring artist she completed an apprenticeship with Patricia Witt at the Barn Studio of Art in Millville, N.J. During her apprenticeship she worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and studied with Morris Blackburn, Oliver Grimley, Bill Terney, Fredrick Gill and PhoBe Shih.

The techniques of Patricia Witt's gouache and oils continue to influence Barbara's art work. Her paintings have an air of impressionism yet illustrate a sense of realism. Her forte is watercolor and acrylic. From 1990 to 1999 Barbara taught at the Ellison in Vineland, N.J. where she was able to use some of the same hands-on teaching techniques learned at the Barn Studio.

For sixteen years Barbara owned and operated "Barbara Harris Custom Designs"on Fabric Row in Philadelphia from 1990 to 2006, where she used her talents to create formal wear for women. Although retired from 4th street she continues to create custom wedding, formal and prom dresses by appointment only in her home based business. Barbara enjoys time volunteering as a missionary At Waves Of Glory church where her husband Leroy Harris is the Pastor. She especially loves teaching the youth how to paint, sew, and cook.

Travion Payne

Travion Payne is an African American artist from Houston, TX. While he has recently acquired a BS in psychology, his passion for creating art has never left him. In fact, he likes to utilize his educational background to create thought-provoking paintings with a goal to emotionally influence the viewers of his work.

He enjoys painting portraits using a variety of vibrant colors and textures to add depth to the meaning behind each painting. His art sheds light on controversial topics that will give insight into the issues that Black men face. Issues such as mental illness in correlation with religion, colorism, homophobia, and fragile masculinity within the Black community. Although the paintings feature predominantly Black men, the themes can apply to various groups of people. The paintings also include hidden symbolism as well, which intertwine with the numerous meanings behind each painting.

Lastly, his paintings fuse apparent contradictions, seeking to heighten the experience of the spectator by creating immersive portraiture. His work explores an array of human emotions that are associated with different facial expressions. He has learned through his experiences, both positive and negative, that there is truly power and beauty within emotion.

 Tony Concep’

Anthony Christopher Brown Jr., known as Tony Concep’ is A multidimensional artist and designer born in New Orleans, L.A. raised in Charleston S.C. Tony earned his BFA in film animation from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. He is a trained Illustrator, Creative Director, and a Visual artist producing works that center around iconic portraits with a mixed media street art aesthetic. 

Currently residing in the Greater San Diego area, Tony has developed a language unlike any other. He merges social political ideas with textures, patterns, and typography, blending imagery from his childhood and life experiences. Tony began a signature style of art expressed as “trapart” in 2011 focused on engaging kids from the inner city to empower them to think positively about their environment and how art can inspire them to pursue their dreams through varied mural projects and art collectives. 

Tony was able to present his work to the First Lady Michelle Obama on her guided tour of works featured at the New Museum, NY, and he has also been featured in a publications like Vice, Fader magazine, among others and worked with the MTV networks, Nike, Adidas, Fast Company, Beats By Dre, Marithe Francois Girbaud, and a list of apparel brands from street art to branding. Tony is currently creating large format mixed media paintings for a new solo show effort along with producing NFT's and Ai. generated works in the Web3 space.

Chris Rocket

Christopher “Rocket” Descartes is a Caribbean American Artist. Brooklyn born, currently residing in Los Angeles where he has been producing a wide array of works focused more on the materials and created textures of the physical works as well as dialogue that come along with it to illuminate his subject. Sharing his abstract perspective of American culture through sculpture, painting, and story....

Start a conversation…..

 @chris_rocket_

For further information about Chris Rocket’s work and studio visits email ChrisRocket42@gmail.com

Mary Harris

Through her explorations in portraiture, Mary captures those “who deserve recognition… those who inspire me and whose stories beg to be told.” Whether she’s creating a quick sketch or a more intensive piece, Mary appreciates the intimacy and catharsis that unfolds between artist and subject. “I feel a spiritual connection to what I paint,” she explains. “I become a conduit for sharing, authenticity, and vulnerability through creative expression. Together, we experience the purity of simply being present.”

While Mary celebrates connection and community through visual art, her inner world shines through her accomplishments as an acoustic soul singer-songwriter. She honed her vocal talent in celebration of faith, singing gospel in church as a child. From there, “I began to express my deepest truth through music,” she recalls. Mary creates each song from a space of raw self reflection. Her rich, velvety vocals tell stories of heartbreak, self-realization, and lessons hard-learned. “By exposing my truth, I hope to encourage others to connect with theirs as well.” 

Khaliyfah Al-Aswani

Khaliyfah Al-Aswani is a talented artist and native of Los Angeles County. With African-Egyptian American heritage, his artistic vision is deeply influenced by his cultural background and personal experiences. Khaliyfah's passion for art is evident in his thought-provoking and visually captivating works.

One of his notable creations is "The Last Supper" painting, which draws inspiration directly from the description found in the Bible, specifically Revelations. Through meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for symbolism, Khaliyfah brings this iconic scene to life, capturing the essence of the moment with reverence and authenticity.

In addition to his biblical-inspired artwork, Khaliyfah's painting titled "A Soldier's Journey" showcases his interest in history and the rich heritage of the Dahomey warriors of West Africa. This particular piece shines a spotlight on the fearless female warriors of the region, highlighting their strength, courage, and significant contributions to their society. Through his art, Khaliyfah aims to shed light on often overlooked narratives and celebrate the diversity and resilience of different cultures.

Khaliyfah Al-Aswani's artistic style combines skillful technique with a deep understanding of the subject matter. His works not only captivate the viewer visually but also invite contemplation and reflection. With each brushstroke, he strives to convey powerful messages and evoke emotions that resonate with his audience.

As an artist, Khaliyfah continues to explore various themes and subjects, constantly pushing the boundaries of his creativity. His dedication to his craft and his ability to tell compelling stories through his artwork make him a rising star in the art world.

Whether it be through his biblical interpretations or his exploration of historical narratives, Khaliyfah Al-Aswani's art serves as a testament to his talent, cultural heritage, and his commitment to creating meaningful and impactful pieces that inspire and provoke thought.

Richard McKinley

Richard grew up in St. Louis, Mo. watching his father building model homes samples. Like him, I love to do assemblage/collage art work. Instead of Richard focusing on homes he chose to focus on current events or what has happened in our big world.  

Richard’s First art show was at the Painting Brain Center. He attended courses at Otis design college, San Francisco community college, and several workshops at CAAM,LACMA, and the Watts Towers. Currently he resides in Los Angeles, California

Arnaya Needleman

Arnaya Needleman is a self-taught artist born in Boston (1989), who now resides in Los Angeles. In 2020, she left her corporate job and began painting in 2021. Arnaya received her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and her Master’s in Vicimolgy, which has allotted her the tools to educate the communities in which she lived, on social justice issues and education reform. Because of this foundational knowledge, along with her passion for people, she continues to infuse those perspectives into her art, solely based on humanity–-all the good and bad that it entails.In her practice, Arnaya uses acrylic paint, along with other mediums to create rich textures and colors, on both canvas and discarded wood. Arnaya’s art evokes emotion in its purest form while creating a dialogue with the viewer. 

Her process of making art reminds her that art is imperfect, as it is a reflection of the human experience- imperfect, flawed, and often messy. She finds beauty in it all.

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