GREETINGS, I am an Afro-American woman artist living in North Texas, born in 1985, and a descended from the Historic Greenwood District, Tulsa. After securing degrees in art history and dance, I worked in museums and libraries for many years. I also lived and studied abroad in New Zealand for a bit, which reinvigorated my art making. The institutional dysfunction and poisonous ‘isms of the workforce, and academia, led me to prioritize my own happiness, projects, and art. Those cement ceilings have been replaced with the open skies of my imagination. I created this digital portfolio to discover myself artistically and share it with you!
I formalized my art practice with the formation of PLEASANT FOLK LLC in 2018 as an independent platform for unique products and projects related to art and heritage. I also engage in annual charitable efforts and legal activism. PLEASANTFOLK.COM is my digital portfolio, run by me alone, for the presentation of original art and content.
Have a Pleasant Day
-Rae
ACCOMPLISHMENTS and ACTIVITIES
B.A. Art History with honors distinction, B.F.A. Dance, SMU, Dallas, TX
Postgrad Diploma Art History, University of Auckland, New Zealand
2011-2015
2011 Jewelry Consigned at The Bread and Butter Letter Boutique in Auckland, New Zealand
2011 Leather crafted goods featured in Extracurricular Magazine published in Auckland, New Zealand
2012 Article published in Gallery 36 on New Zealand artist’s super heroine character
2012 Illustrations placed in Lake House Arts Center, Auckland, New Zealand
2013 Winner-adult category, comic strip competition, New Zealand Public Library-Mt. Albert Branch
2014 Article published on award winning New Zealand children’s book illustrators
2015 February-December: Library Hop Exhibition, North Texas-twelve month long solo exhibitions
2016
2016 October: SCBWI, NTX Illustrators' Exhibition at Southlake Public Library, Southlake, TX
2016 October 21st: Book Debut Party-Capezio, Dallas, TX
2016-2017 December-January: Plano Public Library 18th Street AIR Space artist in residence, Plano, TX
2017
2017 January-February: Courtyard Theatre Exhibition, Plano, TX
2017 April-December: Plano Art and Wine Walk hosted by Plano Magazine, TX
2017 June-September: Swirl Bakery Exhibition, Flower Mound, TX
2017 October-December: Green Bean Cafe and Deli Exhibition, Flower Mound, TX
2018
2018 February: Visiting Artist, Black History Month Family Day, Umlauf Museum and Garden, Austin, TX
2018 March: Visiting Artist, Teen Spring Break Workshop, Kimbell Art Museum Spring Break Workshop, Fort Worth, TX
2018 April: Flea Style Houston Art and Craft Fair, Houston, TX
2018 May: Educational protest critiquing the purchase and exhibition of a 30ft KKK mural at Blanton Museum of Art, UT Austin, TX
2018 June: 12 Freedoms Gained Juried Art Exhibition, Second Place Winner-Textile Art, Jenkins Garrett Library of Tarrant County College South campus, Fort Worth, TX
2018 June: Zosima Gallery, Vexiliology Exhibition, Dallas, TX Juneteenth
2018 July 17th: Solo Protest at Blanton Museum of Art, UT Austin, TX against their 30ft KKK mural
2018 September: Visiting Artist, Kid’s Club, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas, TX
2018: Independent Artist Task Force Participant, City of Dallas Cultural Plan, Dallas, TX
2019
2019 February: Women and Ethnic Owned Business Availability and Disparity Study Participant,
MGT Consulting and City of Dallas, City Hall, Dallas, TX
2019 March 6th: Visiting Artist Workshop, Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, TX
2019 March 24th: Visiting Artist Workshop, Student Festival, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas, TX
2019 March 27th: Color Exhibition, Thomas Maddrey LLC Art Law Firm, Dallas, TX
2019 March 29th: CASETA Research and Project Award,
Center for the Advancement and Study of Early Texas Art, Austin, TX
2019 April 1st-May31st: Artist in Residence, Nemacolin Woodland Resort, Farmington, PA
2019 June-December: Second Thursday of the Month, Plano Art & Wine Walk, Plano TX
2019 July 18th: Conception Art Pop-Up exhibition, Dallas, TX
2020-2025
2020 December: Pro Se Plaintiff in lawsuit initiated against University of Texas System for their 30ft Ku Klux Klan mural and their mistreatment of me during my lawful, solo protest. Case No. D-1-GN-20-007414 in Travis County, District Civil Court, Texas
2021 May: Artist-in-Residence Touchstone Center for Craft, Farmington, PA
2021 August: First Grade Elementary Teacher at Charter School, Tulsa, OK
2021 October 31st-May 2022: Pleasant Folk Studio established in mid-town Tulsa, OK
2023 April: Historic Bur Oak Tree Artist, Plano, TX
