Buffalo Arts Studio is thrilled to present a new group exhibition, curated by Julia Bottoms, On the Rise II; Emerging Artists of Color, which runs from February 28 to April 5, 2025. On the Rise II features new work by artists Emma Brittain, Joel Mulindwa, Bianca L. McGraw, Faith Quinn, Emeka Wajed, and XIII. The exhibition includes two and three-dimensional works in a variety of media. The opening reception will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. 

"On The Rise was born out of a desire to spotlight emerging Black artists here in Buffalo. The arts community is rich with talent and artists who have honed their craft for years. I look around me and see so many who are ready to take the next step and just need a chance to get in front of an audience. The most beautiful problem of "too many amazing artists" is something I've faced both with On The Rise I and now with On The Rise II. So I hope to make this showcase an ongoing opportunity," said Curator, Julia Bottoms.

Emma Brittain is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the intricacies of identity through cultural connections and natural metaphors. Joel Mulindwa is an interdisciplinary artist who creates drawings that earnestly depict the modern-day worker. Bianca L. McGraw is a multimedia installation and performance artist, poet, educator, higher education advocate, community development and engagement facilitator, and diversity presenter. Faith Quinn is a multidisciplinary artist with a wide range of talent from traditional drawing and painting to animation and even music. Emeka Wajed is a third-generation Artisan whose current practice includes murals, digital design, and altered and hand-sewn clothing for his fashion line Made by Mek. XIII is a dedicated artist whose paintings and illustrations aim to blur the lines between our waking, subconscious, and manufactured realities.

For more information about Buffalo Arts Studio, please visit www.buffaloartsstudio.org