Project Artists
Elevated Thought (ET) is an art and social justice 501(c)3 non-profit based in Lawrence, MA. Through creative youth development, beautification projects, public outreach, and paid opportunities for BIPOC creatives, ET actively addresses forms of systemic injustice. They develop spaces for BIPOC youth and communities to engage and understand art's liberating power.
Using visual arts, spoken word, photography and video production as an entry point in raising consciousness, ET is an inclusive, affirming, and welcoming space for youth. Through its tested model, youth involved with ET gain both hard and soft skills, secure jobs, advance their education, and make positive, impactful, long-lasting changes through collaborations and participation in socially themed public art projects; merging their creative capacity with passion for social progress.
ARTIST PROFILES
Wilfred Acosta portrayed William Harvey Carney, The Ruffins, William Clarence Matthews, Phillis Wheatley, Bill Russell, Zipporah Atkins, Cato Freeman, William Monroe Trotter and Salem Poor
Wilfred is a Dominican artist born and raised in Lawrence, MA. Acosta utilizes art as a form of self-reflection, as well as a medium for independent thought, and universal positivity. His art aims to speak to, and portray the many gray aspects of the human condition and provoke philosophical questions that make people think. Acosta is also a multi-disciplined artist whose work ranges from mural work, intricate digital illustration, graphic design, photography, music production, as well as video production, and video editing. He is currently serving proudly in the United States Marine Corps Reserve as a Lance Corporal.
Michelle Collado portrayed Richard T. Greener and The Hinton Family
Michelle is a first generation Dominican Artist born and raised in Lawrence, MA. Collado is a painter and filmmaker. Her work centers around the lives of BIPOC while focusing on themes of Identity, social justice, mental health and self-awareness. Political climate and the relationship with Collado's immediate environment plays a significant role in her creative process. "They affect my everyday life and how I navigate the world." Collado believes in the importance of community building and relationships which made her gravitate to depicting people as her painting, photography and animation subjects.
Nicole Garcia (she/her) portrayed Thomas Johnson
Nichole is a Dominican multimedia artist born and raised in Lawrence, Ma. Garcia’s works explore femininity, divinity and the BIPOC lens through bright and colorful artworks. Primarily working with acrylic, digital illustration, and colored pencil she brings to life experiences from her culture and magical scenes that depict pure emotions from a memory. She has received a BFA in Architectural Design from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and has used her degree to create safe, creative spaces for artists and makers within her community. Her work overall has a mission of celebrating her culture, community, and art as a whole.
Celeste Cruz portrayed Sarah Parker Remond
Celeste (she/her) is a Dominican multimedia artist based out of Lawrence, MA. Her work explores her experience living with intersecting identities, being a child of diaspora, and celebrates Black Caribbean culture. Cruz primarily works with ink, acrylic, and digital illustrations.
Kate Delaney portrayed Charlotte Forten
Kate is a multi-disciplinary artist and designer in Lawrence, MA. She received her Illustration BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art & Design. Her work is a blend of commercial illustration, design, and fine art with a consistent focus producing vibrant and impactful visuals. She is largely inspired by culinary traditions, often drawing on her experience in restaurants. Her work celebrates the beauty of our natural world, capturing local history, and the people around her.
Mariana Perez portrayed Elizabeth Freeman and Lucy Foster
Mariana is a Dominican artist born and raised in Lawrence, MA. Mediums include paint, canvas and wall work, as well as paper and digital. She enjoys creating self-portraits and portraits of Black and Brown folks and draws inspiration from minimal and surreal design, cosmic elements, and cool color palettes. Exposure to cartoon and anime media and other BIPOC creatives with personal narratives is reflected in their artwork and has immense impact. Mariana aims to provide a sense of representation, comfort, and passion for folks viewing her art.
Alex J. Brien is the project’s art director, created the program banner and theme
Co-founder & Art Director of Elevated Thought. Alex is a graduate of North Andover High School and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design, and Letterform, from UMass Dartmouth. Mural artist, art educator, and designer with over ten years of experience, Alex has focused his work towards large scale public art projects including six murals at the Youth Center.
