ARTIST

Lasha Stewart is a Black American artist based in Philadelphia whose work explores identity, societal struggles, and emotional depth through surrealist figurative painting. By transforming found and secondhand materials—from fabrics to unconventional objects—she creates evocative works that bridge personal history with collective experience. For more visit https://lashastewart.art/.

ARTIST

Rafael Javier Miranda Mattei is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and cultural advocate with more than 20 years of experience across fine arts, design, education, film, and cultural programming. A graduate of the Escuela de Artes Plásticas y Diseño de Puerto Rico and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), his work has been exhibited throughout Puerto Rico and internationally in cities including New York, Madrid, Buenos Aires, Santo Domingo, and Chicago.

Currently based in Camden, Miranda leads the Fabrication Lab at LEAP Academy University Charter School, where he creates project-based creative learning experiences and supports STEM education through art, design, and innovation.

SPOKEN WORD ARTIST

D.K. Grey is a spoken word artist, author, and multi-time slam champion whose work blends raw emotion, lived experience, and powerful storytelling. Raised in Baton Rouge and shaped by the creative energy of Las Vegas, Grey has authored three books and was featured in the Young, Gifted, and Black anthology, establishing himself as a leading voice in the next generation of spoken word artists.

First published at just 14 years old, Grey’s work continues to explore truth, vulnerability, and human connection through poetry that resonates far beyond the stage. In 2024, he was nominated for Best Male Spoken Word Artist, further cementing his reputation as a performer whose words leave a lasting impact long after the mic goes silent.

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHER

Erik James Montgomery is a fine art photographer, educator, and “Art-ivist" whose work addresses pressing cultural and social justice issues. Initially self-taught, he later studied at Columbia University and earned both a BFA and an MFA in Photography from the Academy of Art University. He is a photography professor at Rowan University and the University of Washington. His photography has been exhibited at institutions including the Newark Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation. In 2011, he founded The Erik James Montgomery Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching photography and entrepreneurship while creating public art in underserved communities. In 2024, he also launched JPEG (Jersey Education Photography Gallery) in Camden to provide photography education, creative exploration, and exhibition opportunities for marginalized artists. Through his photography, public art initiatives, and exhibitions, Erik strives to inspire change and impact communities one photograph at a time.

ARTIST

Marcy Morris is an American artist based in South Jersey whose work explores identity, spirituality, and human connection through portraiture and expressive mixed media. Born in Miami and raised in Wayne, Morri draws inspiration from her Jewish upbringing and the discovery of her Finnish and Colombian roots later in life, experiences that continue to shape her artistic perspective and personal journey.

A graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA in Painting, Morri works across acrylic, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, marker, and collage, blending illustrative, representational, and abstract styles into richly layered compositions. Her work has been featured throughout Camden, including exhibitions at Idea Center for the Arts, The Neighborhood Center, and local spaces including Nuanced Cafe. In 2025, she was selected for Reframing the Narrative, a group exhibition advised by Mickalene Thomas at Rutgers University.

ARTIST

Terika Floyd is a multidisciplinary creative, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose work is rooted in persistence, storytelling, and cultural connection. Based in New Jersey, Floyd’s creative journey spans visual art, entrepreneurship, and community-centered initiatives that encourage inspiration, healing, and authentic self-expression. Her work reflects a deep commitment to creativity as both a personal practice and a tool for collective empowerment.

Through her artistic and professional work, Floyd continues to cultivate spaces that celebrate resilience, collaboration, and community impact. Guided by strong values of work ethic, creativity, and connection, she uses her platform to uplift others while contributing to the growing landscape of Black creative voices and cultural leadership.

ARTIST

Carla Cornick is a multidisciplinary artist based in South Jersey whose work explores identity, ancestral memory, healing, and storytelling through fiber art, quilting, watercolor, and mixed media. Drawing from a life shaped by global experiences, music, and community leadership, her work blends vibrant visual narratives with deeply personal and cultural themes.

Since debuting her first exhibit, Covid Quilts, in 2021, Cornick’s art quilts and watercolor works have been exhibited and collected for their rich texture, emotion, and storytelling. In 2024, she held her first solo exhibition at The Hunter Gallery, continuing her practice of creating work that inspires reflection, resilience, and connection.