UArts Alumni Receive New Philadelphia Fellowships for Black Artists

August 11, 2020

Two UArts alumni, Devon Harrison BFA ’19 (Animation and Glass) and Breyanna Maples BFA ’18 (Dance), received the first-ever Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists, which was launched this year by Mural Arts Philadelphia. The fellowship provides 20 Black artists with $1,000 in order to foster their work. Winners of the fellowship will also have mentorship opportunities with curators such as Rush Arts Philadelphia, HAHA Magazine and StreetsDept.com. 

Test that reads "meet hte artists, devon harrison" with Devon Harrison's headshot over an orange background.

Mural Arts says that the fellowship was created out of  “a responsibility to create space for and act as a reliable resource to the Black community.” As Philadelphia natives, both Harrison and Maples spoke about the importance of representation of Black artists in the city. 

“I’m being given the opportunity to make a world of difference alongside other Black artists,” says Maples, whose credits include working with Solange Knowles, Okwui Okpokwasili, Peter Born, Gerard and Kelly, among others. “It’s uplifting. We’re clearing space for each other, and I’m proud to be a part of the inaugural cohort."

Breyanna Maples headshot

Harrison told UArts that he wants to use his voice in the glassblowing community to make way for more artists of color to be heard. “Art is a way for humans to achieve immortality,” said Harrison. “If you can set the right message through your art, you can set a pathway for eternity.” 

 With Black communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic in disproportionate numbers, now more than ever showcasing Black artists is essential. “COVID-19 has deeply affected everyone, and artists being deemed ‘nonessential’ has stunted and hurt many people’s lives,” said Harrison. He hopes that the fellowship will show that artists will always be essential. 

You can find the full list of fellowship winners on the Mural Arts Philadelphia website. To learn more about Harrison and Maples’ art, visit them on their social media channels below. 
 
Devon Harrison’s Instagram account
@saltfort 
 
Breyanna Maples' Instagram account
@breyannarm 
@breyanna.rm