OYA: a Studio-Museum for Black Ceramic Artists

Did you know that less than 2% of all art in major museum collections is by Black artists?…And that representation drops even lower for Black artists working in the ceramic medium specifically.

Reacting to the murder of George Floyd, last year many organizations published statements of solidarity with Black lives, yet the vast majority failed to follow up with concrete action steps to enact real change…

 

Subsequently, with over a decade of experience in the field, I’m excited to introduce a new approach to combating systemic inequity in the ceramic arts with the launch of OYA: a studio-museum for Black ceramic artists!

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Based in Philadelphia, OYA’s mission is to craft equity in the ceramic arts with the following core programs:

 

(1) ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE

Resident artists are the heart & soul of OYA. In exchange for 24/7 studio space and a living wage-stipend, Black artists-in-residence assume responsibility for maintaining the studio, teaching community workshops, and contributing artwork to the permanent collection. This cooperative business model consolidates the expense of hiring teachers, administrators, and technicians to operate the studio.

 

(2) ACQUISITIONS

OYA will actively purchase and archive artwork by Black ceramicists to create a permanent collection/library for education, curation, inspiration, and scholarly research.

 

(3) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION

OYA will provide no-cost and low-cost workshops to the community to increase accessibility and offer an alternative path to training underserved individuals who aspire to become professional studio artists. This program also serves the dual purpose of providing resident artists with opportunities to hone teaching skills and further expand their resumes.

 

(4) MENTORSHIP

OYA will serve as a sanctuary for Black ceramicists of all ages to gather, connect, exchange skills & advice, and receive essential support to achieve their career goals.

 

(5) MEMBERSHIP

Yes, anyone can be a member! Irrespective of their racial identity, OYA’s valued members are united by a shared commitment to support equitable opportunities for Black artists in the ceramics field. Members subscribe to a monthly or annual membership level on our Patreon account, receiving access to exclusive content and perks in gratitude for their sustained patronage.

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So, are you excited yet?!!… If my vision for the OYA studio-museum is a change you’d like to see, then consider making a donation TODAY:

Your generous contribution will fund the numerous startup costs associated with building a new ceramic art center, including leasing a space, purchasing equipment & materials, safety renovations, insurance, administrative expenses, supplies, and legal fees.

 

Donations of any size are greatly appreciated, so please do share this campaign within your various social media networks. With your help, the OYA studio-museum will change the face of ceramic studio arts. THANK YOU!!