Black Artist Waystation
The Black Artist Waystation works to amplify the visibility and support of Black Artists in the Lancaster community. Presented by YWCA Lancaster, our aim is to build a community-led platform for artists who create works that define the movement toward freedom and recognize the many efforts that brought us to this moment. Black Artist Waystation celebrates the link between Lancaster as a Waystation on the Underground Railroad, the struggle for freedom that continues today, and the rich tapestry of artistic expression that has led us to this moment and propels us forward.
The Black Artist Waystation vision is for community members to create an artistic work that celebrates freedom, Black excellence, beauty, and joy.
2023 Black Artist Waystation Winners
Keisha Finnie (she/her)
Keisha’s work explores the journey of evolution as not only an artist but as a woman of color. Interpreting her personal experiences and observations and nurturing and visualizing her determination and resilience through touch and a strong vibrant color palette.
Keisha has been artistic since she could remember in her first art class at Ross Elementary School where her 2020 mural “Nurture Your Mind” resides. She’s had work displayed all over Lancaster City from galleries, murals, pianos, food trucks as well as neighboring cities.
Dominique Jordan (he/him)
Sir Dominique Jordan the Prolific One is a poetic vanguard hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania; whether it spoken word or on a page, he uses his unique verbiage to inspire others to use their vulnerability as a ‘super power’. He identifies as an Artivist, and teaches across the country about how Hip Hop culture and general creative expression are tools that can be used in the classroom/neighborhood to enhance the overall educational experience. He loves to challenge people to make a difference in their community as they see fit. The Prolific One is also the lead vocalist of the sensational, funky Hip Hop and R&B band, The Prolific Steppas. Lastly, Sir Dominique Jordan is the founder and CEO of both The Artivist Corp. (a social enterprise dedicated to youth mentorship) and Nobody’s Pen (a poetic writers collective). Find him and his efforts on social media using the hashtag #WhatThatImpactDo
Kearasten Jordan (they/them)
Kearasten Jordan is a Black Queer Artist born and raised in Lancaster PA. They enjoy art, music, and being a problem.
Thunda Khatt (she/her)
Thunda Khatt is a Writer and Spoken Word Poet from Baltimore MD based out of Lancaster, PA that tells the stories of the unheard. She lifts her voice to amplify those before her that could not speak and encourages those after her to never forget the power of their voice.
Events
Meet the Artists
Our Artists meet & greet will take place on February 3rd from 5-11pm at EsoArts.
Come out and show your support and meet the 2023 winners of the Black Artist Waystation!
Artist Showcase
The Artist Showcase will take place on Friday February 24th 7-9:30 at the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, The Lookout – 4th floor event space.
204 N Prince Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
.
The evening will consist of:
Cocktails & food – 7-7:30pm
Showcasing of works – 7:00 – 8:00pm
Panel discuss with awardees – 8:10 – 9:00pm
Showcasing of works – 9:00 – 9:30pm
Program Overview
The Why:
Much of the museum and art world was built with the same oppression and racism that exists in much of our society, forcing Black artists to overcome more obstacles than their white piers. YWCA Lancaster seeks to provide an alternative model of mentoring for up-and-coming artists in their early and mid-stage careers.
We strive to provide visibility and opportunities for our talented community members through the use of exhibitions, programming, and events while simultaneously shedding light on the inequities within the arts as a whole and its prevailing culture. Through the Black Artist Waystation, YWCA Lancaster will continue to create opportunities for our members as well as support the next generation of young Black artists by providing the tools for them to thrive.
The What:
The Black Artist Waystation is a vehicle for artists of many mediums, including but not limited to, painting, sculpture, design, literature, music, theater, and multidisciplinary arts. Participants in the Black Artist WayStation will join our waystation of artist in Lancaster, receive a grant of $2,500, and be able to leverage our network of opportunities.
Participants will receive mentorship from other artists, and present their work to the community. Black artists have been a major foundation in liberation movements and historians of culture in their communities. Recipients will showcase art on February 24th at Black Artist WayStation celebration. YWCA Lancaster hopes to continue, support, and inspire the next generation of Black artists. We encourage makers of all art forms and of all skill levels to apply!
The How:
Each year, applicants submit samples of their work and share their artistic vision for how this program relates to their medium of art and how they would use their unique voice to tell the stories of the Black experience and how their work will impact the community.
We are thrilled to showcase the talents of many artists throughout Lancaster County. Stay tuned for the opening of next year’s application!
Conceived and supported by Blake Collins Group.
Contribute to support the 2023 Black Artist Waystation nominees