2024 Black Artist Waystation Announcement!
Black Artist Waystation 2024: Elevating Creative Careers in Lancaster
YWCA Lancaster is proud to announce its 2024 Black Artist Waystation awardees, joining a community-run collective of artists celebrating and uplifting the Black experience. The Black Artist Waystation is a groundbreaking initiative designed to propel artists in Lancaster to new heights in their professional and artistic endeavors. This platform empowers artists to demonstrate their vision for the next stage of their careers while using their art to make an impact on the Lancaster community. This year's Black Artist Waystation was the most competitive process yet! Awardees exemplify the program's mission, exhibit a wealth of talent, and are ready to take the next step in their artistic journey.A Multifaceted ApproachThe Black Artist Waystation welcomes artists from diverse mediums, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, design, literature, music, theater, and multidisciplinary arts. The theme of this year's program is "Revolutionary Aesthetics." Artists will create works that express their current aesthetic alongside the current climate in America. Participants in the program join a community of fellow artists in Lancaster, receive a $2,500 grant, and gain access to a network of valuable opportunities.Mentorship and Community EngagementParticipants receive mentorship from seasoned artists and have the opportunity to showcase their work to the community. Black artists, who have historically been pivotal figures in liberation movements and cultural historians in their communities, play a central role in this initiative.
Meet the Artists
Evita Colon
Evita Colon, known by her stage name PoeticSoulQueen, is a multi-hyphenate creative entrepreneur who alchemizes the many titles of poet, lyricist, playwright, creative director, cultural savant and consultant, and Lancaster City’s first Poet Laureate into soulfully captivating experiences. She is also the creative alchemist behind Speak to My Soul LLC, BLK Voices Magazine, and A Concrete Rose. Her soulful and raw spoken word have led her to credits with musical legends such as Common and DJ Jazzy Jeff and opening acts for Marsha Ambrosius and Eric Benet. She has expanded her impactful reach onto international platforms as a member of The Floacist’s International FLO Poets collective based in London and The Recording Academy. Evita pays her creative knowledge and experience forward through the Soul Tribe, a BIPOC centered artist collective which focuses on developing and building community with artists while providing them with advocacy and resources in their creative careers. Her entrepreneurial prowess has led to brand collaborations with Sprite Inc., Express Inc., and appearances in Black Girls Rock! digital, Times Square and the New York Times. Evita has received numerous accolades, including the NAACP Presidential Social Justice Award, Optimist Club Humanitarian Award, JP McCaskey Distinguished Alumni Award and YWCA Women of Achievement Award, and continues to use her creativity as a catalyst for change.Ode to Hip-Hop[videopack width="640" height="360"]https://ywcalancaster.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ode-to-Hip-Hop-Speak-to-My-Soul-Performance.mov[/videopack]As a native of Lancaster City, my art is the imperative inclusion of the past, present and future voices of Lancaster. I am a reflection of the parts of Lancaster that are not often amplified when promoting the beauty of the city. For youth to see me, learn about my origins and see where I am now, they can also see themselves from a liberated and empowered place. My art is representation for many people who may feel alone or are seeking to harness the power of their own voice. I want my work to inspire others to tell their story with confidence. It is revolutionary as it seeks to empower others to liberate themselves and others through the power of their own stories.
RJ Scott
I stumbled upon Lancaster while attending school here at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. Falling in love with the creativity and uniqueness of the city, I’ve begun to explore it more and more. I aim to create work that encompasses the black experience in America. Combining elements of photography, traditional art, and digital art to achieve that goal.[smartslider3 slider="13"]When I found out about the Black Artist Waystation, I was somewhat skeptical. As I’ve begun to navigate the art world, I find it rare to see people that look like me in the room. It was so refreshing to become part of something so important and groundbreaking. As an artist, I long to make an impact with my work. Being able to create something for a creative and welcoming community is something that I don’t take lightly. Programs like this help us to become a part of that community.
Blake Showers
Blake Showers is an Illustrator and creative director from Birmingham, AL, who focuses on character design and world-building. He works digitally and traditionally and uses acrylics, inks, pencil, and spray paint for works. The main subjects in his art have elements of manga, hip-hop, graffiti, sci-fi, and horror. His art depicts the Black experience and his upbringing in the South. He has recently been getting into beat production which has helped to express his feelings even further along with visual art.[smartslider3 slider="14"]I would like my work to art to make an impact in Lancaster because there are so many voices and cultures here that should be heard. I hope that my work inspires others to use their callings to make their stories heard as well. I was very shy during the beginning of my art career and being able to tell my experiences and make things that I enjoy helped me break out of my comfort zone and be able to be my fullest self.
Brandon Webb
As a multidisciplinary artist, I've always found inspiration in the intersection of visual and auditory mediums. With a background in photography, filmmaking, music, and graphic design, my creative journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of storytelling through diverse artistic expressions. From capturing the raw emotion of a moment with my camera to composing melodic narratives that resonate with the soul, each facet of my work is imbued with a profound sense of purpose and passion. Through my art, I strive to bridge the gap between reality and imagination, inviting viewers to explore the depths of human experience and connect with the world in meaningful ways.[smartslider3 slider="12"]Lancaster holds a special place in my heart, not just as a geographical location, but as a vibrant community teeming with untold stories waiting to be discovered. My desire to make an impact on Lancaster through my art stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of creativity. By weaving together the fabric of visual and auditory elements, I aim to shine a spotlight on the beauty, complexity, and diversity of life in Lancaster. Whether through captivating photographs that capture the essence of the city, thought-provoking films that challenge the status quo, soul-stirring music that evokes emotion, or innovative graphic designs that spark conversation, my goal is to foster a sense of unity, empathy, and understanding within the Lancaster community and beyond.
Join Us This Summer
Meet and Greet
We invite you to support these talented artists by attending our Meet and Greet event this summer. This will be an opportunity to connect with the artists, learn about their creative processes, and explore some of their work firsthand.
Final Showcase
Another way to support our artists is to attend our final showcase where the artists will present their completed projects to the community. This will be a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the power of art to inspire change.Dates will be announced soon, so stay tuned!We are thrilled to showcase the talents of these artists and the work of past Black Artist Waystation participants throughout Lancaster County. YWCA Lancaster is committed to supporting and inspiring the next generation of Black artists, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their contributions celebrated.Together, let's continue to uplift and empower the arts in Lancaster.