MEET THE ARTISTS

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Christopheraaron  is a well-established artist in the Minneapolis community.  He is currently working with the John Biggers' Seed Project (a City of Minneapolis Public Works project).  Deanes has displayed works with Obsidian Arts, UROC (The University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach Center), and other public works throughout the Twin Cities.

 Loretta is native to Norfolk, Virginia and studied Fine Arts at Norfolk State University. She relocated toMinneapolis, Minnesota to pursue a career in the Arts. Loretta participated in numerous public art programs throughout the Twin Cities, including the Minneapolis Public Arts Counsel, Celebration of Life mural project and currently, the John Biggers SEED Project. She’s exhibited with Obsidian Arts, Hennepin Gallery, Northside Art Flow, and THOR Companies. Member/Art Director of ROHO Collective, Loretta aspires to continue building community connections for neighborhood partners. Her goal is to sustain reflections of people, culture and community through development of the Arts.

AS/BS degrees in Visual Communications, specializing in multimedia design - though Delsita is not far from a paint brush.  She enjoys all things art and continues to expand her artistry across multi-platforms.  She would like people to not only see the beauty in art, but to see it as what she refers to as "Poet Tree in Motion" - every stroke of the brush is something meaningful and beautifully poetic.

"As a photographer, my goal is to explore my subjects and create images that reverently extend my world view.  I seek opportunities to tell stories about the people and places that I am fortunate to encounter.  I hope that my work will be a provocative commentary on the observation of life."

As a young artist, Donna jumpstarted her art career with an apprenticeship at Public Art and also collaborative work as a Muralist.  Though born visually impaired, Donna is able to create stunning ceramic works of art.  She is presently a member of the Community Art Center Artistry, Northern Clay Center and Minnesota Women Ceramic Artist (where she writes a column in MWCA Newsletter).

BFA degree in Retail Advertising Design - native of Springfield, Ohio, Christopher spent much of his youth creating and drawing comic books and cartoon characters.  Encouraged by his parents to attend a local art center, and from enthusiastic art instructors, Christopher entered art contests and did small illustration jobs.  Harrison credits his skills to his studies of the great masters of art, such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Joan Miro and Romare Beardon. Christopher pursued a professional career after graduating from Columbus College of Art and Design. Other cultural influences include, African Ndebele and Basotho, Pre-Columbian and Native-American art

Esther Osayande is a well-established artist in the Minneapolis Community.  The late, John Biggers and Diego Rivera have influence on her work.  Esther is a painter with experience in multi-faceted mediums.  She is the concept artist for, “The Real McCoy Train” in the children’s playground of Martin Luther King Jr. Heritage Park, Minneapolis.  Osayande’s public works include: as a collaborator in John Biggers’ Seed Project and as designer of the Purple Raindrop Sculptor (a tribute to Prince): "The Assemble Project Neighborhood Initiative" at Farview Park in Minneapolis.  She has exhibited her works throughout the Twin Cities, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Melodee Strong received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in Illustration. She is a freelance illustrator and community artist, and teaches for Minneapolis Public Schools and at MCAD Continuing Education. Melodee has participated in many gallery exhibitions and events, including Target’s Children’s Book Festivals in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. Her illustrations have received awards from the Society of Illustrators Los Angeles, Society of Illustrators New York, Teacher’s Choice, Mom’s Choice, and Moonbeam Awards. She has completed over 35 murals and large-scale projects in the Twin Cities.

Chicago native Myra is a self-taught abstract artist.  She pushes the envelope, going beyond the rules, creating customized art pieces with vivid color quality.  Vibrant colors play an intricate part in Myra's abstract pieces and in her own words, "...there is something so fresh, free and creative about a blank canvas - you can let your imagination soar as you look at it, study it and then either sketch or apply paint. I am always inspired by the vivid colors of our Earth's landscape and the celestial limitlessness of Heaven transforming into abstract images."