Curated by Julia Bottoms, “On the Rise II; Emerging Artists of Color”

Buffalo Arts Studio is thrilled to present a new group exhibition, curated by Julia Bottoms, On the Rise II; Emerging Artists of Color, which runs from February 28 to April 5, 2025. On the Rise II features new work by artists Emma Brittain, Joel Mulindwa, Bianca L. McGraw, Faith Quinn, Emeka Wajed, and XIII. The exhibition includes two and three-dimensional works in a variety of media. The opening reception will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

The opening reception will also celebrate Buffalo Arts Studio’s Stand for the Arts Award presented by Ovation TV and Spectrum. Buffalo Arts Studio is one of the 10 organizations recognized for supporting creatives and artists via community-driven programming, advocating for equity and access to the arts, and providing accessible community spaces for creative expression.

“On The Rise was born out of a desire to spotlight emerging Black artists here in Buffalo. The arts community is rich with talent and artists who have honed their craft for years. I look around me and see so many who are ready to take the next step and just need a chance to get in front of an audience. The most beautiful problem of “too many amazing artists” is something I’ve faced both with On The Rise I and now with On The Rise II. So I hope to make this showcase an ongoing opportunity,” said Curator, Julia Bottoms.

Emma Brittain is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the intricacies of identity through cultural connections and natural metaphors. As an artist of color, Brittain explores the collective black identity, lost ancestry, and connection to the land.

Joel Mulindwa is an interdisciplinary artist who creates drawings that earnestly depict the modern-day worker as he or she takes a break from their labor. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Uganda, Mulindwa is currently based in Lockport, NY. Mulindwal holds a bachelor’s degree from Houghton University and is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Art at the University at Buffalo where he continues to develop his practice and expand his artistic voice.

Bianca L. McGraw is a multimedia installation and performance artist, poet, educator, higher education advocate, community development and engagement facilitator, and diversity presenter. McGraw uses art, poetry, performance, and space as a vehicle for discussion about identity, diversity, and perspectives while exploring personal, societal, and communal experiences. Their artistic exploits have allowed them to showcase their messages in the United States, Canada, France, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

Faith Quinn is a multidisciplinary artist with a wide range of talent from traditional drawing and painting to animation and even music. She studied landscape painting under the Dreamworks Art Director, Mike Hernadez, animation with Modern Day James, and figure drawing and portraiture with several fine artists at the Watts Atelier. Quinn’s most recent contributions involved the Buffalo AKG’s 2024 Garden Walk, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Buffalo Arts Studio, and BOX Gallery.

Emeka Wajed is a third-generation Artisan and creativity has always been a part of his life. Wajed’s preferred medium is oil paint, however, he enjoys exploring and experimenting with other mediums. His current practice includes murals, digital design, and altered and hand-sewn clothing for his fashion line Made by Mek.

XIII is a dedicated artist whose paintings and illustrations aim to blur the lines between our waking, subconscious, and manufactured realities. XIII studied Visual Arts at The Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts and Animation and Illustration at Daemen University. XIII’s works have been featured in numerous galleries and art spaces around Western New York, including the Burchfield Penney Art Center, C. Stuart and Jane H. Hunt Gallery, the Buffalo History Museum, Pine Apple Company, and Princessa’s Studio and Art Gallery.

Press Release available here.

February M&T Fourth Friday photos available here. Photos by Nilson Rivera Photography.

Photos by Nilson Rivera Photography.