2025 Gallery Artists
Get to Know the Artists
Sydney Wilson
Physical, Digital, & Mixed Media Artist
Born in Washington, D.C., raised in Georgia snd Virginia, and now currently residing in Florida, Sydney Wilson draws upon a rich blend of cultural influences and personal experiences to create art that speaks to transformation, resilience, and identity. As a multi-medium artist specializing in painting, digital art, and mixed media art, her work delves into the layered complexities of the human experience, exploring themes of growth, culture, and self-discovery.
Rooted in the vibrant essence of Black cultural heritage and infused with metaphorical and surreal undertones, Wilson’s pieces challenge viewers to look beyond the surface and confront the unseen truths of their own lives. Through vibrant color schemes, intricate compositions, and dynamic storytelling, her art invites audiences into a reflective journey, one that navigates the dualities of strength and vulnerability, stagnation and progress, and individuality within systemic constraints.
Bradley Adjei
Photographer
Bradley Adjei (Bad Brad) is a photographer known for his captivating and evocative images. Raised in Virginia, Brad developed a passion for photography from the art filled city of Richmond, Virginia while attending Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to earn his B.A. in Information Systems. Fascinated by the power of visuals to portray stories, he honed in on his skills through trial and error and self-study.
Brad’s unique perspective and attention to detail are evident in his work, which spans various genres of photography including fashion, portrait, and editorial photography. His creative ability allows him to transform the images he captures to unveil vast colors and intricate details which express emotions and convey stories through his lens.
Over a modest career initiating in 2019, Brad’s vision has garnered recognition and acclaim, leading to his work being published on Oprah Daily, Adolescent Content Holiday Zine, Culture Icon’s magazine, and various other publishings. His accolades thus far keep his hunger and determination to be a world renowned creative relentless.
As a photographer, Brad is constantly pushing his creative vision and seeking opportunities to expand his artistic horizons. He embraces the new trends and incorporates innovative techniques into his practice, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography.
Surya Punjabi
Photographer
Surya Punjabi is an Indian-American multimedia artist whose work is rooted at the intersection of art and technology, branching into new and emerging media. Moving fluidly between music, video, sound, animation, image, and sculpture, he creates immersive experiences that break down the boundaries between mediums.
His work explores themes ranging from the cycle of abuse to the evolution of communal dining but most often our connection to the natural and supernatural world. Most recently, he exhibited a sculptural installation at the Kala Ghoda Festival XXV in Mumbai, transforming industrial and electronic waste into a dynamic anamorphic piece.
Cam Dorsey
Photographer, Creative Director, Journalist
Cameron Dorsey is a photographer, creative director, and journalist from Newport News, VA and is currently based in Richmond, VA. Since picking up a camera in 2017, he has focused on visual storytelling and using his lens to highlight Black people in unfamiliar spaces. His work blends documentary-style authenticity with a strong artistic vision, capturing moments that feel both intimate and cinematic.
Cameron’s photography has been featured in exhibitions like the Catalyst Studios Art Gallery and Midnight Media’s “VISUALS” exhibit. Beyond photography, he is deeply involved in creative direction and journalism, telling the stories of his peers through his publication, Parago Studios. Regardless of the medium, his goal remains the same—to create work that is authentic, and is an extension of not only himself, but his community.
Tarnika Edmunds
Spoken Word Creative
Hailing from the Southside area of Richmond, Virginia, Tarnika began performing spoken word at the young age of 12 years old. Although much of her poetry focused on grief, she aimed to build a lasting platform for vulnerable voices that are often silenced in their truth.
This journey has led her to strip cultural barriers of success through testimonial speaking to serve God's Kingdom through a means of artistic flow and storytelling. Today, Tarnika remains committed in utilizing her gifts as a writer, educator, and most importantly a communicator of hope and transformation to inspire and shift the atmospheres of those around her.
Ayden Roberts
Multi-Medium
Hello! My name is Ayden Roberts, and I’m a multi-medium artist with a deep love for film and graffiti. For me, art is all about expression—I create from the heart, letting my work speak for itself. I believe anything is possible because Anything You Dream Exists, and I strive to reflect that mindset in everything I make!
Anderson Pursel
Physical & Digital Art
Pursel, born in Virginia in 2001, is an emerging artist currently represented by Gallerie Ukwensi in Ghent. His work delves into the intersection of calculated chaos and dream-like trances, exploring the tension between lived and unlived experiences. Rooted in influences from psychedelics and spirituality, Pursel’s paintings invite the viewer to confront altered states of consciousness and explore the organic flow of shape and composition.
Central to his work is the recurring motif of eyes—commenting on the idea that, while most humans have eyes, few truly see. To him, the eye represents a gateway to perception, questioning how open and aware we are to the deeper, unseen aspects of existence. With each piece, he encourages reflection on the transient and mystical nature of life, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface. This upcoming exhibition marks his twelfth showcase, continuing his journey of immersive storytelling through art. Looking ahead, Pursel aspires to travel, broadening his perspective and deepening his appreciation for the diverse forms of art found across the globe.
Joseph John Zielinski III
Applied Arts & Media
I’m Joseph (John) Zielinski, an artist and designer born and raised in southern Virginia. I live in Richmond, where I’m pursuing an M.S. in Business/Branding with a concentration in Art Direction at VCU Brandcenter. Although I have a background in applied arts and media, I like to focus on personal artistic exploration in my free time (when I’m not burnt out). Much of my work incorporates anti-fascist themes and critical perspectives of a late-stage capitalist society. My goal is to promote open-mindedness and to satirize dogmatic perspectives that are detrimental to the development of a harmonious and enlightened world.
Victor Kuye
Physical/Digital Artist
Victor Kuye is a Nigeria born creative artist embracing interesting perspectives, black culture, and uniqueness through visual storytelling and imagery. His ultimate goal as an artist is to reach people with his craft and connect with other affluent black artists to uplift and celebrate black culture, art, history, and power.
Joel DeVaughn
Multi-Medium
Jo-el is a crafts music and poetry that dances on the line between reality and the unconscious. Jo-el’s words offer a window into the beauty and complexity of everyday life and invites others to reflect, dream, and ponder.
DeAngelo Bailey II
Photographer
My name is DeAngelo Bailey, I am a photographer based out of Richmond Virginia. I have been taking photos for 3 years. In my work I try to capture an abstract and stoic viewpoint on the world. I draw inspiration by personal style and scenes of the city of Richmond’s and the people in it.
Sophia Colette Polizzi
Physical Artist
Sophia Polizzi is a Richmond-based artist whose work blends ecological awareness, spirituality, and feminine energy through vibrant, layered compositions. She earned her BFA in Painting & Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Art Education at VCU, where she also works as a teaching assistant and paints part-time.
Sophia has been immersed in the arts since she was 15, exploring various mediums such as sculpture, jewelry making, mixed media collage, ink, and drawing before finding her primary voice in acrylic painting. Her practice often incorporates mixed media elements, but a defining feature of her work is the consistent use of a specific shade of blue—woven through underpaintings and palettes—to create visual harmony and guide her perception of color.
Inspired by the beauty of nature and the emotional landscapes within, Sophia’s paintings offer a space that transcends the overwhelming aspects of reality. Her work invites viewers into a serene, ethereal realm, encouraging reflection on the delicate balance between the outer world and inner emotions.
Heather Haupt
Physical Artist and Photographer
Heather Haupt is pursuing dual degrees at Virginia Tech in Studio Art and Humanities- and will be graduating in 2026. In addition to her studies, she is focusing closely on her artistic endeavors, spending time shadowing professional photographers and practicing under the guidance of other creatives. Heather’s work has been shown throughout the CID building on campus and has been chosen for example pieces in some courses. Heather lives in Richmond Va, and studies in Blacksburg, Va.
Briahna Switzer
Photography
I am a Newport News native creating art to last generations. I have constantly been inspired by my surroundings and those around me. I aim to capture the pure beauty and essence in all my subjects. In a world where representation is at times overlooked,I work to show the beauty around me and create the representation I always wanted to see.
Earl Manning
Photographer
Earl Manning III is a photographer who uses black and white imagery to capture the depth and emotion of Black culture. His work explores themes of love, heartbreak, and human connection, revealing raw and intimate moments through his lens. With a strong focus on storytelling, Earl’s photography goes beyond the surface, preserving the essence of each subject and scene.
His work has been exhibited in Richmond through Catalyst Studios at John Marshall and displayed at Southside Contemporary Network and the Hermitage Museum in Norfolk. Earl’s photography has also been featured on billboards and murals throughout Norfolk, commissioned by the city, with an upcoming billboard set to debut in 2025. Additionally, he has held a studio residency with the Contemporary Arts Network, further expanding his artistic reach. Through his powerful imagery, he continues to create work that sparks conversation, emotion, and connection.
Kobi McCray
Photographer
Kobi McCray is a Richmond-based artist from Newport News. He utilizes visual art to reflect deeper expressions of his perspective of the world amongst him.
Antonio Smith
Photographer
My name is Antonio Smith I am a 20 year old cinematographer from the northern Virginia area. I am a sophomore at VCU that studies in media production, and I mainly make short films, music videos, and fashion films, but I can shoot a wide variety of videos if needed.
Yosef Woods
Fashion
Based in Chesapeake, VA, Yosef Woods is the owner of Righteous & Eagerly Determined (RED4fashion), founded in 2013. He is a fashion designer and industrial engineer. At RED4fashion, they create wearable art that fuses powerful messages with functional, abstract streetwear.
Zariah Parker
Sculpter
Zariah Parker, a native of Emporia, Virginia, discovered her passion for art early in life. As a child, she expressed her creativity by crafting dollhouses from shoeboxes, painting faces on rocks to form whimsical rock families, and sewing outfits for her dolls. It wasn’t until late high school that she recognized her true calling in art. After considering paths like English teaching, fashion designing, and art therapy, she enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University where a surface research class sparked her fascination with sculpture. Today, Zariah's work reflects her experiences and her attention to detail, inviting viewers to engage with the beauty of everyday materials in fresh and inspiring ways.
