Noreen Smith, a multidisciplinary artist from Baltimore, explores her identity as a Black woman through art, which she views as a universal right fostering understanding and joy. Her work has appeared in leading publications and solo exhibitions, and her participation in a solo residency at the Kolaj Institute in New Orleans in 2024, highlighting her commitment to artistic innovation.

To learn more about her, visit:

https://njustisarts.com

Thomas F. James, Guest Curator at Notre Dame of Maryland University for 2024-2025, is known for his storytelling and thought-leadership; he has curated exhibitions at major museums, served as a juror for prestigious fellowships, collaborated with notable organizations, and previously held key roles in the art community.

To learn more about him, visit:

https://www.thomasjamesdc.com

Mark West, a Baltimore-born visual artist and curator, creates immersive scenes using trees, lights, and furniture to evoke escapism, with dramatic black figures inspired by 3,000 years of African art to honor ancestral Africans and challenge erasure. His work has been exhibited at notable venues like the Harlem School of the Arts and Barclays Center and featured in major media outlets.

To learn more about him, visit:

https://markanthonywest.com/