The Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS), the largest traveling art show featuring artists from the African Diaspora, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. The cultural event will feature up to 100 artists of African, Caribbean and Black descent who will bring their creativity to the heart of New York City, in honor of Black History Month. The 15th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrating Art and Culture in America, this year's theme, is inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. The three-day experience commences February 24.
Activities include a special Community Day preview for local students, seniors and other community-based organizations; and general admission to see and purchase art and the Red Dot VIP Opening Night event benefitting four service organizations: Harlem Arts Alliance, Touch: The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, The Links and Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. For the first time, the Harlem Fine Arts Show will take place at The Glass House in Midtown Manhattan.
Here are three artists to watch for at the Harlem Fine Art Show. Tickets to attend can be purchased at harlemfineartsshow.org.
Roosevelt “Black Rose” Taylor
Black Rose has been developing, defining and perfecting his craft since childhood. Known for his modern-day portraits, he has been recognized for capturing the essence and aura of his subjects and is highly regarded as a member of the “new” Harlem Renaissance. His work makes a significant contribution to the renewed cultural richness of contemporary Harlem, New York, and his customized commissioned masterpieces are visible and prominently displayed in popular and historical landmarks across New York City.
Kailee Finn
A student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Kailee Finn creates social and political artwork and also has a keen interest in photography, fashion and film. "I specialize in portraiture and find deep importance in bringing the spirit of my subjects to life,” she tells EBONY. “My work is primarily centered around the Black experience and how we navigate through our pain. We dig deep into our past with resilience as the foundation for our future and my art reflects that.”
Ademola Olugebefola
Born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Ademola Olugebefola—formerly known as Bedwick L. Thomas—moved to Harlem in 1966, at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. He found art to be extremely liberating during that time and became a warrior in the Black Arts Movement. Strongly believing in the philosophy of “Black Art for Black People,” his creative mission is to “beautify women, regalize the Black man and images and promote the culture, the beauty and the brilliance of color within the African tradition.” A founding member of the WEUSI Artist Collective, he and other artists use iconic images and symbols from Africa and work collectively by establishing galleries to exhibit and sell their creations. Olugebefola is the most senior artist presenting at the exhibition.
