Arte Cans

Nzingha B. Sweeney Sheppard Owner/Artist at Nzingha Creations Gallery, located in the Russel Neighborhood of Louisville, KY.  Much of Nzingha’s paintings come from current events and family images. The vibrant colors in her work are inspired by her travels in Europe and Africa. From a young age Nzingha has had a talent for art. From a young age she has pursued art. Taking classes and developing her skills eventually taking classes at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her resume includes designing a clothing line for a New York City dress house, illustrating a children’s book by Faye Sweeney for little brown girls, a jobs manual, and hazmat posters for General Motors and teaching art to homeschooled children. Her exhibits include Wayside Gallery, Sister Summit, U of L, the Kentucky African American Heritage Center and Kore Gallery.

Lance G Newman II

Multidisciplinary Artist – Poet. Visual Art. Theater. Writer. Educator. And so much more…

Christa “Christa Patrice” Lewis, ATR-P, LPATA, GT, is a Fine Artist specializing in painting, graphic design, graphic art, illustration, print making, and photography. Born and raised in Louisville, KY, Christa earned a BFA from University of Kentucky in 2002, where she studied Painting and Graphic Design. For several years, she participated in and curated local art exhibitions and festivals while raising her three sons, Solomon, Azziah, and Amani. Subsequently, she earned an MFA in Arts Administration in May 2021. Christa was Program Director for Roots 101 African American Museum before beginning the University of Louisville’s M.Ed in Counseling and Personnel Services Program – concentrating in Art Therapy, which she completed in December of 2024. Christa currently works as a Community Art Therapist with Omni Family of Services, where she empowers advocacy and change using art as an expressive tool.

Abby Kaymen

I am a writer, artist, creative, and seeker – this is who I have always been. Along the way, I’ve also been a banker, built retail and office space, designed interiors, planned events, fought for hunger relief, participated in social justice movements, and raised a family. 

In addition to my own projects, I collaborate with other folks and organizations who are vested in protecting our human rights and providing resources for our mental health and well-being. I live in Louisville, KY.

Ashya Watkins

Ashya is from Louisville, KY. Her values include building strong rapports within her community, providing wisdom to the youth, and maintaining creativity. Ashya currently works in the field of ABA (applied behavior analysis), and coaches track at Francis Parker High School. Ashya depends on the arts as a healing tool and a way to connect with others. Her work and drive are inspiring.

Arte Chambers

A multi disciplinary artist from Louisville Ky. Arte studied fine art print making at Indiana University Southeast and information technology at Jefferson Community College. Arte serves on the board of directors at Louisville Community Grocery. Arte has been working in Louisville’s arts and music scene since 2007 creating, curating and cultivating good vibes and good work the whole time.