2023 MOJA Juried Art Exhibition
2023 MOJA JURIED ART EXHIBITION
The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents the 2023 MOJA Juried Art Exhibition, on view at City Gallery & the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture from September 21st through November 5th.
The MOJA Arts Festival is an 11-day multi-disciplinary celebration of African-American and Caribbean culture produced by the City of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the MOJA Planning Committee. Moja, a Swahili word meaning “One,” is the appropriate name for this festival celebration of harmony among all people in our community. The Festival highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to western & world cultures.
This annual juried art exhibition highlights the recent work of artists across South Carolina, as well as those based in communities proximate to the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor in the adjacent states of Georgia and North Carolina, featuring painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and photography. Artworks receiving prizes are presented alongside a limited selection of pieces identified by the juror(s) as meriting display.
City Gallery will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The Avery Research Institute will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. To make a reservation for viewing outside of operating hours, click HERE.
For the exhibition’s sales sheet, click HERE.
Invited artists for this year’s exhibition are:
Fairoozan Abdullah
Brittany Alston
Cathy Alvarez
Mandy Bennett
Carlos Bilal
Chelsey Bradley
Shauntelle Brown
Lenora Brown
Susan Bryant
Julie Byrd Diana
Karole Turner Campbell
Alfred Casciato
Owens Daniels
Diane Davis
Jeleata Nicole Davis
Sonny Dugal
Renee Fleuranges-Valdes
LySandra Gathers
Chloe Goode
Valarie Greene
Monique Gross
Karyn Healey
Wonda Y. Hillard
Shannon Hopkins
Cynthia Huston
Cassandra Jenkins
Anne Jennings
Ben Kelly
Christopher Kyle
Cameron Lewis
Verneda Lights
Jennifer Lutz
Cynthia Male
Ervin McDaniel
Dan Mohan
Donna Murray
Jirah Perkins
Rosie Phillips
Shamsad Rahman
Najee Reese
Kevin Russell
Kathy Sample
Alexandria Searles
Cynthia Sims
Lauren Sloan
Princess Smith
Chantiana Staley
Andrea Stubbs
Courtland Sutton
Chakaris Thomas
La Toya Thompson
Shellton Tremble
Susan Trott
Nathalie Watson
Naima Whitted
Jalen Williams
Myla Williams
About the Juror:
Dana Coleman captures the dynamic, awe-inspiring beauty of life as he sees it in each of his paintings. His realistic depictions of unique lifestyles, architecture and landscapes draw in the viewer, creating a one-on-one experience that lasts a lifetime. He uses natural and bright colors to execute his contrasting and harmonious work.
After earning an associate degree in graphic design at Trident Technical College in Charleston, South Carolina, Dana studied civil engineering at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where he refined his innate ability to recognize and execute the fine detail that can be found in his paintings.
Dana, who has earned several awards for his artistic talent, always has believed that “You can paint anything you set your mind to.” His artwork captures the most vivid and fond memories he has collected since his childhood “in the country,” just outside of Charleston. He shares those experiences with viewers so they can enjoy the diverse and vibrant culture that is unique to Charleston. His architectural background has helped Dana reproduce the history and beauty found in the Charleston area, from its weathered houses and structures to its beautiful beaches and marshland.
With an ever-changing palette, Dana paints with various techniques, depending on the subject matter – and his emotional attachment to the subject matter. Applying paint with purpose and patience, he applies the strengths of each specific medium to achieve smooth, rich surfaces and crystal clear, vibrant hues.
Dana’s artwork can be found in numerous private art collections around the world and has been displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His work is a permanent fixture at the Sierra Leone National Museum and the Fort Sumter Museum on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. In addition, he has created countless commissioned works of art.
JUROR’S AWARDS
Best in Show
SummertimeCarlos Bilal
Second Place
ReminisceJeleata Nicole Davis
Third Place
Man of WarOwens Daniels
Best "Hip Hop at 50"
Electric RelaxationMyla Williams
Hip Hop Honorable Mention
Flowers for LisaJirah Perkins
Honorable Mentions
The Crown by Najee Reese
The Blacksmith’s Workshop by Monique Gross
Passages by Susan Bryant
Sweetgrass at Market by Julie Byrd Diana
Generation by Chantiana Staley
Timeline by Naima Whitted
Gullah Me: Escape by Verneda Lights
Hope – Enough by Andrea Stubbs
Shell Offering by Nathalie Watson
Honorable Mentions
Honorable Mentions in Mixed Media
The Trilogy II: My Soul Cried Out in the Storm by Wonda Y. Hillard
Sound of Rebirth by Christopher Kyle
Honorable Mentions in Social Commentary
Yankee Doodle Dandy by Alfred Casciato
A WM Cry by Ashlee Sanford
Honorable Mentions in Gullah/Cultural
Lady by Perry Ashe
Masks (Fall Away) by Verneda Lights
ABOUT CITY GALLERY:
City Gallery, located at Joe Riley Waterfront Park, is owned by the City of Charleston and operated by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, presenting an annual program of exhibitions and events featuring the finest contemporary art from local, regional, national and international artists, with a focus on the Lowcountry. City Gallery provides access to the visual arts for everyone in Charleston, visitors and residents alike, by offering exhibits that are all admission-free. City Gallery is located at 34 Prioleau St. in downtown Charleston.
COVID-19 Information:
Due to the ongoing situation related to COVID-19 in South Carolina, City Gallery recommends unvaccinated guests wear a mask while inside the space. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the gallery at (843) 958-6484 during normal business hours.
