Family Tree is a ceramic piece inspired by an earthenware tea canister as one of the earliest known dated examples of American pottery. Using the decorative technique of sgraffito — applying a layer of color to the surface of a ceramic piece to then scratch out a design while revealing the underlying color of the pottery — I took inspiration from the imagery of a family tree. The winding roots and overlapping branches are reminiscent of the tangled web of history and the complicated stories of our ancestors we never meet. With this piece, I understand I am built from the foundation that my ancestors fought to build and the support of the artists I succeed. While I cannot recall names, faces, or dates, I know that the acknowledgement is important just the same. I dedicate Family Tree to those who I can’t thank formally, but know that their hard work is deeply rooted in me.

I was inspired to create this piece by the Art and Justice program and what it represents in our community. This program invests in all types of young creative artists, giving them representation and a powerful voice to share their art in ways that address the issues and problems our communities—and the world—face today.

This artwork is visually radical, incorporating flyers from this year’s Arts and Justice program session. I wanted to create something that celebrates the young creative artists who are part of this program, each bringing their unique talents and perspectives. I expressed this diversity through the use of different colors and elements that represent their various forms of artistic expression.

The red velvet drape symbolizes the stage—an open space where these young artists can shine, be heard, and have their work seen. It’s a tribute to the platform this program provides, where creativity becomes a tool for justice and change.

This is a self piece I created during my first year of college, a time when I felt I could really focus on my craft—art. For the first time, there were no limits to what I could do creatively. I felt unlimited, and that’s what this piece represents.

The butterflies in the artwork symbolize my transformation from high school to college. They represent hope—my hopes for what my college experience would be like—and the rebirth of myself, knowing I could become anything and anyone I wanted to be in this new place.

The flowers represent the growth journey I had just begun, and the growth I wanted to see within myself.

The symbol of the planets and universe inside my open mouth represents the idea that there are no limits within me. People often say “the sky’s the limit,” but in my case, the universe is the limit—meaning there is no limit at all. It’s endless, just like my talent and potential.

I created this piece to capture my personal growth and the feeling of being limitless in that moment. I also wanted to share a message with others: there is no limit to what we can do. We are limitless.

Brown Rice Family is a band jamming towards global solidarity and organic happiness. It is a high-energy ensemble that combines an eclectic mix of musical influences encompassing reggae, hip-hop, dancehall, Brazilian, Afro-beat, jazz, and Latin. With members hailing from Japan, Jamaica, Haiti, the US, and South Africa, Brown Rice Family draws on its diverse backgrounds to set the stage for their unique, colorful, rhythm-driven, and highly danceable sound. 

Alyssa "Lyss" Wheeler, a versatile creative born and raised in Brooklyn, has been deeply engaged in a myriad of artistic endeavors throughout her life. Initially drawn to the world of theater, she progressively immersed herself in dance, and later photography. Wheeler is a skilled portrait photographer, channeling her artistic vision into her photography business, Lyssuals, where she captures the beauty and life experiences of Black people. Her artistic and leadership skills contributed to the inception of CreativeSoul, where she served as founding Vice President. Wheeler is also a founding company member of the MEC Multimedia Dance Ensemble Theatre. 

In 2023, Wheeler was honored as a Brooklyn Academy of Music Creative Career Fellow. She also serves as a photographer for BAM, capturing images of youth artists in education programs. Spending most of her high school years in BAM Education programs, she holds the department and its efforts dear to her.  In early 2024, Wheeler worked as both an arts administrator and dancer simultaneously for Medgar Evers College’s inaugural Renaissance Arts Festival, a two-day multimedia festival centering community outreach, dance, spoken word, and appreciation for the African Diaspora. She’s worked behind the scenes in production and as talent for Creative Media Group. Wheeler’s artistry also extends to her roles as both a company member and recently Director of Communications for The R.E.A.C.H. Collective (TRC). Her multifaceted talents and dedication showcase a remarkable journey through the arts. 

Elijah Ogbomo, a Brooklyn native, is passionately pursuing his studies in fine art at the Fashion Institute of Technology. For him, creating art is a deeply personal journey—a beautiful exploration of freedom, curiosity, and the profound experience of self-discovery and imagination. In expressing his deep admiration for the breathtaking beauty of nature and all the gifts it brings, he conveys a heartfelt appreciation that resonates with the emotions and experiences of those who share in this love.

Isadora Pierre (they/them) is an undergraduate student attending Pratt Institute, majoring in Industrial Design and minoring in Ceramics. Isadora, also known as Z, is a product designer who is passionate about creating inclusive designs and innovating toy designs with a focus on quality and fun. Their main body of work focuses on playing to create and creating to play. As a visual artist, Z enjoys creating through craft. Whenever they can, they enjoy making with their hands through sewing, crocheting stuffed animals and blankets, installations, and pottery. Z enjoys exploring new ways of crafting and takes pride in participating in opportunities that allow them to explore the art world at large. 

Melanie Huerta (She/Her) is an arts and crafts enthusiast, physical collagist and photographer raised in Brooklyn, New York. Her work is interested in using recycled, repurposed and unusual material. As an arts and craft enthusiast, she uses various types of materials to emphasize reusing or refurbishing items to give them a new purpose by focusing on no-waste art. 

Omari Johnson (artist name Ali Omar) is a Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist with roots in abstract art, photography, theater, songwriting, improv comedy, and live performance. Ali believes hip-hop is a culture, not just a genre of music, and that there are core elements with practices deeper than sound alone. Growing up in Brooklyn, Ali was always inspired by the visual element of hip-hop culture and graffiti. With encouragement from mentor “Wicked” Gary Fritz, Ali adopted the style of abstract graffiti in 2021. 

Said Ventura is a multidisciplinary artist, dancer, and fashion designer, currently pursuing a degree in art. Their work blends visual art, movement, and design, often exploring themes of transformation, identity, and limitless potential. With a passion for storytelling through various mediums, Said creates pieces that reflect personal experience, growth, community, and the power of self-expression. Whether working with traditional materials, digital tools, fabric, or through dance, Said is dedicated to using art as a way to inspire connection and spark meaningful conversations.