A Celebration of Black Artists in the Palm Beaches

On the occasion of Black History Month, we have asked 8 local Black artists to share with us what they love about The Palm Beaches. Where do they find inspiration for their art? What’s their favorite weekend activity? Keep reading to find out!

Shani Simpson – Multi-Disciplinary Visual Artist

Shani Simpson is a South Florida-based multi-disciplinary visual artist with parents from the Caribbean nations of Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Shani works across multiple disciplines including, painting, photography, mixed media, design, and textile design.

Q&A – What’s your favorite restaurant in The Palm Beaches? Can I have a tie? On a gorgeous South Florida sunny day, I enjoy going to Breeze Ocean Kitchen at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa or Al Fresco at the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course.

You can buy Shani’s artwork on her Facebook Page or on Instagram at @marveloussimpson and @natgeocollages.

Michelle Drummond – Contemporary Mixed Media Fiber Artist

Michelle Drummond was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and currently lives and works in Delray Beach. She is a self-taught contemporary mixed media fiber artist who creates 3-dimensional forms by manipulating multicolored, multi-weighted yarn, glue, and acrylic paint on and off canvas and wood panel. She has a permanent public art installation, “The Metamorphosis”, at the Mandel Public Library commissioned by the City of West Palm Beach, and was the first black female artist to be awarded this permanent public art installation.

Q&A – What’s your favorite weekend activity? I enjoy a few things here in Palm Beach County. They range from a stroll in the gardens at the Morikami Museum and having lunch at their Cornell Café overlooking the gardens, hanging in The Square in West Palm Beach to enjoying some amazing art at Ann Norton Sculpture Garden and The Norton Museum.
 
Michelle’s work can be viewed and bought on her website at www.drummondfineart.com.

Caron Bowman – Educator, Historian, and Visual Artist

Palm Beach County resident, Caron Bowman is an educator, historian, and visual artist. As a Muralist, Ms. Bowman has created large-scale works of public art for both private and public entities. In addition to being an art consultant, community arts liaison, and respected lecturer with over a decade of experience in the area of public art, Caron Bowman is also the Founder and Creative Director of Street Art Revolution arts collective. Caron’s work has been exhibited at Art Palm Beach, Art Africa, DuSable Museum, Harlem Fine Arts Show, and SCOPE Miami Art Fair among other venues.

Q&A – Where do you find inspiration for your art? Actually, a couple of places: the Norton Museum of Art, Downtown West Palm Beach, and the Riviera Beach Waterfront.
 
Caron’s artwork can be seen at 114 S Narcissus Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, and 200 E 13th St, Riviera Beach, FL 33404. To buy her work, contact her at info@streetartrevolution.org

Lupe Lawrence – Visual Artist Specialized In Landscape

Born in Havana, Cuba, Lupe Lawrence moved with her family to Palm Beach County when she was 5 years old. In 1995, she began taking classes at Conveniant School of the Arts headed by Robert Watler, and later began exhibiting professionally in 2002. Since then, she has shown her work in South and North Carolina, Georgia, and throughout Florida. She is now a professional visual artist that specializes in landscape. 
 
Q&A – Where do you find inspiration for your art? I am inspired by many places in Palm Beach County but if I had to choose one, it would be Juno Beach. I am inspired by the beauty of the turquoise water and the beach dunes. The people that play in the surf and how the sun reflects their shadows on the water. I consider myself so fortunate to live in the paradise that Palm Beach County offers. 
 
You can buy Lupe’s artwork at Zero Empty Spaces 11300 Legacy Ave #140, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. Check out her website here.

Dariel Donovan – Visual Artist 

Dariel Donovan is a visual artist focused on oil paintings. His style of artwork consists of mixed media oil paintings complemented with versatility and urban sophistication. He enjoys incorporating different skills, such as sewing, cosmetology, and photography, in his mixed-media paintings. Through his artwork, he strives to promote his vision of equality.
 
Q&A – What’s your favorite restaurant in The Palm Beaches? I love Sassafras in downtown West Palm Beach. Their fish and grits are to die for.

You can find his work on Facebook or Instagram at @drell15.

Scott Jeffries – Painter and Sculptor

Scott Jeffries is a professional painter and sculptor who lives and creates in Lake Worth Beach. He moved to Florida from Philadelphia in 2006 after years of practicing law. Moving to the Sunshine State changed his life. He got clean and sober and was able to channel his energy and focus thanks to a mindset change. His energetic and colorful work is an irreverent expression of his subconscious. As a child, he manifested his imagination through doodles, and now he is a grown-up Soul Doodler.
 
Where do you find inspiration for your art? Without a doubt, Lake Worth Beach is the best place to be an artist. There is a vibe here that is inspiring. The proximity to downtown West Palm Beach and the elegance found on Palm Beach Island is a motivator. I spend a lot of time with the photographer Brian Mcswain while he takes pictures around Palm Beach County and my eyes are open to the simple beauty that surrounds us. Take a drive through the sugar cane fields toward Lake Okeechobee and it will change your life.
 
You can find Scott’s work on Instagram at @scottart and his website scottyjart.com

Tracy Guiteau – Painter 

Born to traditional Haitian parents in New York, Tracy is an artist who creates vibrant, expressive artwork that captures the beauty of the world around her. Her work is inspired by nature, her emotions, and the stories of the people she meets. Tracy primarily works in oil and acrylic paints, but she also enjoys experimenting with mixed media and exploring new techniques. She is now one of the founders of Artpreneurs Gallery in West Palm Beach.

Q&A – What’s your favorite weekend activity? My favorite weekend activity is to explore the local shops and restaurants in the Northwood Village. There are so many unique places to discover, from quaint boutiques to delicious eateries. Whether I’m looking for a relaxing day or an adventure, I’m sure to find something fun to do in this charming village.

You can find her work at the Artpreneurs Gallery located at 408 Northwood Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33407. Visit her website for more details.

Sadesosublime – Glass Artist 

Sadesosublime has lived in Palm Beach County for almost 5 years now and along with the beautiful scenery, she has been able to experience the cultivating culture of creativity in downtown West Palm Beach. She began her residency here in Florida as a chef and soon after began her professional career as an artist. Expression through art has always been a core value of hers. Her primary work consists of glass mosaics, glass pendants, and abstract acrylic paintings. 
 
Q&A – What’s your favorite weekend activity? My favorite weekend activity in Palm Beach County is visiting local wetlands like Green Cay and Wakodahatchee Wetlands. These areas are really great places to witness the morning sunrise and set your intentions for the rest of the day.
 
Her artwork is available for viewing and purchase on her website www.sadesosublime.com or on Instagram at @sadesosublime.