PIGMENTED: CHICAGO’S FIRST BLACK-RUN FINE ART FAIRE SPOTLIGHTS BLACK-OWNED GALLERIES DURING BLACK FINE ART MONTH
Happy Juneteenth
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This October, art lovers, collectors, and cultural tastemakers will gather in Chicago for a history-making event: Pigmented — The Black Fine Art Faire, a dynamic celebration of Black artistic excellence taking place October 30–November 1 at the Zhou B. Art Center in Bridgeport. More than just an art fair, Pigmented is a vibrant convergence of Black-owned galleries, visionary artists, and cultural institutions from across the nation — serving as the cornerstone of Black Fine Art Month (BFAM).
Recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record by Congresswoman Robin Kelly in 2019, BFAM is a homegrown celebration of Black artistry that has gained momentum in cities like Aurora, IL and Houston, TX. Now, in 2025, Pigmented brings this cultural movement back to its Chicago roots with an inaugural fair that honors both history and the future of Black creativity.
Among the standout participants is the Daniel Texidor Parker Gallery of Authentic African Artifacts, a respected Black-owned institution dedicated to preserving and promoting authentic African cultural heritage. Known for its meticulously curated collection of rare African artifacts, the gallery reflects the deep diasporic connections and enduring cultural lineage that shape contemporary Black identity. Parker’s presence at Pigmented underscores the fair’s commitment to showcasing the full spectrum of Black expression — from traditional African artifacts to contemporary fine art.
The fair also features an impressive roster of other Black-owned galleries, including:
- Walterkolours Gallery (Memphis) — Celebrated for its vibrant contemporary works and commitment to local Southern artists.
- Faié Afrikan Art (Chicago, Bronzeville) — A cornerstone institution in Chicago’s historic Black cultural district, offering museum-quality African and African American art.
- September Gray Fine Art (Atlanta) — One of the South’s premier Black-owned contemporary art galleries, spotlighting emerging and established artists.
- Blackbird Gallery (Detroit) — A rising gallery championing Detroit’s dynamic and evolving Black art scene.
- Mahogany Gallery (Racine, WI) — Wisconsin’s only Black-owned art gallery, known for its powerful exhibitions and community engagement.
- Connect Gallery (Chicago) — A West Loop gem celebrating diversity in visual storytelling and multimedia art.
- Women’s Live Art Studio (Chicago) — A collective space centering Black women artists and live art performance.
Pigmented is as much a platform for legacy as it is for innovation. It honors Chicago’s pivotal role in Black art history — from the 1940 American Negro Exhibition, the first Negro World’s Fair, to the founding of the South Side Community Art Center, the nation’s oldest continuously operating African American art center.
Visitors to Pigmented can expect transformative exhibitions, provocative panel discussions, and unforgettable encounters with artists and gallerists who are reshaping the narrative of fine art in America.
This is more than an art fair — it’s a cultural renaissance. Join us in October to uplift Black excellence, make history, and celebrate the power of art to inspire, connect, and transform.
Meet Daniel Texidor Parker’s African Art Gallery (Insert Video)
View the Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire one-sheeter here. For more details and updates click here and join the conversation using #PigmentedArtFaire and #BFAMChicago.
BLACK ART LOVE AFFAIR’S REFLECTION
Photos by Rachel Gadson
ILA Creative Studio hosted their second annual Black Art Love Affair (BALA), an immersive evening honoring the power and impact of Black artists in Chicago on June 7th at Taste 222. Their theme, Reflection, invited guests to experience curated installations, live performances, a vibrant awards ceremony, and community rooted in creativity and care.
Honorees for the gala were Tacarra Spifster Sutton, Black Art Pioneer Award; Oluwaseyi “Olu” Adeleke — Emerging Love Award; Barrett Keithley, Communal Love Award; and D.E. Simmons, Rooted Love Award.
LISTEN TO ME NOW, BELIEVE ME LATER
Photos by Doug Kenney
This exhibition of Art, Various Works, & Rare Pieces from the DREW Collection was inspired by a Kerry James Marshall interview about the absence of Black figures in art history. The exhibition reflects on a parallel absence of Black collectors in the art world.
Saturday’s panel, “Respect the Collector”, featured Diasporal Rhythms one of the founder Patric McCoy,Dwamina Drew (Enstrumental) and was moderated by Erica Hubbard of the Obama Foundation.
BRONZEVILLE-BLACK METROPOLIS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL IDA B. WELLS FESTIVAL
The 4th Annual Ida B. Wells Festival, organized by the Bronzeville Black Metropolis National Heritage Area will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The day begins at 9:00am with meditation and healing ritual at the Ida B. Wells National Monument at 37th and Langley Avenue. There are numerous activities and events throughout the day, including walking and bus tours, Zumba class, teen summit, family event at Ida B. Wells Preparatory Academy, community forum, and film presentation and panel discussion about the future of education.
The day-long events were sponsored by community organizations. The festivfocuses on the life and legacy of Ida B. Wells, who fought against lynching, championed women’s suffrage, and worked toward equality for African Americans throughout her life. In addition, it celebrates the rich history and current richness of the Bronzeville neighborhood, where Wells lived for over 35 years. The family-run Ida B. Wells Memorial Foundation has assisted with the planning of the festival.
FLOURISH ARTS ACCELERATOR HOSTS MEDIA TRAINING FOR CREATIVES
Pics by Raviation
The Flourish Arts Accelerator (FAA) hosted a media training session at Amazon’s corporate offices on Saturday. Attending were artists and creators across multiple disciplines.
Guest presenters were Natasha Norie, founder of BLKCHICAGO; Patricia Andrews-Keenan, founder of Pigment International; and Bowdeya Tweh, The Wall Street Journal. Topics covered included Social Media Optimization, Press Release Essentials and How Journalists Think + Interview Tips.
This April, FAA awarded four distinguished artists with grants totaling $20,000, catalyzing projects with a collective budget of $205,000 — a 10x leverage of Flourish’s investment. These projects amplify underrepresented narratives and foster critical conversations that shape the cultural landscape.
Flourish Non-Profit was founded by Tammi and Oscar Bedolla, business leaders and art
collectors, as a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable art world through
strategic investment in diverse creatives. Inspired by tech sector accelerators, Flourish applies
structured support to strengthen the Chicago creative economy. The group elevates BIPOC artists and curators, shaping a more inclusive and representative art ecosystem
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