“Perhaps, the mission of an artist is to interpret beauty to the people—the beauty within themselves.”
—Langston Hughes

Black art is a spectrum, a lifted veil to the culture. It has served as a political statement for equality and inclusiveness and has inspired the masses with its beauty. Black art is an expansion of the black artist who creates it. Each piece of art is a moment in time, a feeling, a statement. Black artists have used their art to show the beauty of the culture and the black experience. Some used their art as a protest against anti-blackness and anti-queerness.
No matter the subject or theme, black art is an unforgettable experience. In celebration of black art, Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail bar is hosting a Juneteenth art exhibit, Notes of Ebony, in collaboration with Black Canvas and Black Artist Forward on Thursday, June 19, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This is a free community event, but donations are highly encouraged to support BAF. Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar is located at 5431 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills.
What better way to celebrate Juneteenth than cocktails, black art, and the opportunity to support a nonprofit that supports black artists? Black Canvas and Black Artist Forward have curated a spectacular, creative and expressive exhibit featuring local black artists' work. This is the perfect opportunity to support artists. Donations made will be used to support artists through an emergency relief fund and help the organization continue to put on free community art exhibits.
Black Artist Forward is a 501(C)(3) was founded in 2023 by April Mata (A. Mata Designs) and Shakeyla Ingram (Haus Host) on the mission of “Our passion is art and our community is black folx.” BAF has three main goals:
1. Putting money in the hands of African American Artists
Historically African American artists have been underrepresented and, most importantly, underpaid in the art community, with pieces often selling for far less than their value. Continuing the tradition of undervaluing art created by African American artists.
2. Equity in Art
BAF is focused on "a fair distribution of funding" in North Carolina for African American Artists. Board members actively participate in round table discussions and conferences, highlighting the importance of access to grants to African American artists.
3. Building Community
BAF has created a network of artists that includes seasoned artists with a wealth of knowledge and resources to help up-and-coming artists in building their careers. The organization is committed to building a strong community of artists who work together to push everyone to success.
Black Artist Forward was featured at this year’s Juneteenth Sovereign celebration in Festival Park and has more exhibits scheduled for the year.
June 27: Intimate Tunes (Music, Poetry, and Good Vibes)
FACTS Wellness & Retreat Center, 8175 Cliffdale Rd, Suite 116
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
July 23- July 25: 2025 Association of African American Museums Conference
Embassy Suites in North Charleston, 5055 International Blvd, North Charleston
For more information about Black Artist Forward, visit the website at https://www.blackartistforward.com/about. For more information about Black Canvas, visit the website at https://bit.ly/4dWS2Ce