The Black Excellence Art Festival (BE) is back for its second year and will be held May 25 at Hardesty Park from noon to 8 p.m. The free event, founded by Stephanie Stewart and Randi Mull, showcases the work of Northeast Ohio artists representing the Black arts community.
Stewart is the proprietor of P31 LLC, an art and design company that sells original paintings and various hand-crafted goods – it is currently located inside Summit Artspace, in Suite 318. A strong advocate of the arts, Stewart loves teaching and developing the skills of emerging young artists. She is passionate about showcasing the work of Black artists beyond the borders of her community.
Mull’s work with Affirmed Artistry and Studio Syven creates unique artwork infused with affirmations for the soul. She is also a painter and jewelry designer who creates one-of-a-kind statement pieces such as earrings.
As a motivational speaker and author, Mull’s inspiring voice resonates strongly among artists in the community, uplifting and establishing foundational blocks of art awareness.
“Randi thinks of the most outrageously awesome ideas, far beyond what I’m able to comprehend,” Stewart said.
As successful creatives, both women are wives and mothers who oversee busy households, constantly organizing daily tasks for their families. Yet they manage to carve out time for their passions and their desire to help other artisans.
Understanding that the door has not always been held open for Black artists and other cultures that don’t fit the mainstream art venues, the two reflected on their personal art journeys. It became apparent that the solution for this present-day quandary — the lack of space, platforms, or desire to exhibit the creative voices of Black artists — could be resolved.
Together, they set out to create spaces, platforms, and a boatload of opportunities to move these artists from the margins, intentionally placing them in the spotlight. As they witnessed the growth of Black artists “doing their thing” in silence, Stewart and Mull both realized that Akron’s Black artist community was missing out as well, with a wealth of awesome talent right under our noses.
That is where the idea for the BE Art Festival originated. Working diligently together, collaborating with other businesses and organizations, and sometimes burning the candle at both ends, the task was not easy for the two. But with persistence and determination, Stewart and Mull were able to open the door all the way to an event with a family-fun atmosphere that showcases the awesome artwork of Black artists.
The response for the first festival was great, with the community embracing them with open arms and eager to participate.
“At one point during the festival I looked up and people were coming from all directions,” Mull recalled.
Mull and Stewart are excited about more offerings available to attendees at the festival, along with its relatively early date on the spring calendar. “This year,” Stewart said, “we are looking to kick off the festival season.”
Patrons can anticipate more hands-on activities for children and adults, live performances, good eats from various food vendors, and, of course, exhibits from the area’s newest emerging young artists.
It’s not too late to volunteer, and applications are still open for artists and other groups. If you’re interested, send an email to BEAKRONARTS@GMAIL.COM.
