Artist in residence
SESH x Classically Black Visual Artist Residency | 2026–2027
Two artists. One creative community. A year of artistic exploration.
The Classically Black Arts Foundation, in partnership with SESH Coworking, is proud to introduce the inaugural cohort of the SESH x Classically Black Visual Artist Residency.
This year-long program, running from May 2026 through May 2027, brings together five talented Black visual artists whose distinct perspectives, creative practices, and artistic voices reflect the richness and diversity of Black expression.
Designed to provide more than a place to create, the residency offers each artist a dedicated creative home at SESH Coworking in Houston, with 24/7 access to workspace, opportunities to exhibit and sell their artwork, and a supportive community that encourages collaboration, experimentation, and professional growth.
Throughout the year, our Artists in Residence will engage with the Houston arts community through exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, and creative experiences that invite the public to discover their work and connect with the stories behind it.
In February 2027, the two artists will come together for a special exhibition, celebrating their individual artistic journeys and the creative work developed throughout the residency. This culminating showcase will offer an opportunity to experience their work collectively, engage with the artists, and celebrate the power of Black artistic expression.
At Classically Black, we believe that investing in artists means providing the space, resources, visibility, and community they need to thrive. This residency reflects our commitment to nurturing Black creative talent and building lasting opportunities for artists to develop sustainable careers.
We invite you to meet our 2026–2027 Artists in Residence, explore their work, follow their creative journeys, and join us in celebrating the next chapter of Black artistic excellence.
Kara Crowley
Visual Artist | Arts Educator Kara Crowley is a New Orleans native, Houston based Visual Artist, arts educator, and emerging curator whose work celebrates Black identity, cultural heritage, and the power of representation through art.
Working primarily with acrylic and watercolor on wood, she incorporates pyrography (wood burning) and layered materials (oil pastels and fabric) to create textured surfaces that reflect both visual and emotional depth. Through portraiture, she centers individuals whose stories often exist outside of traditional historical narratives, bringing visibility to everyday people and the communities that shape them.
Crowley's artistic journey was shaped by her formative years with YAYA (Young Aspirations/Young Artists), a New Orleans–based arts organization, and her studies at Xavier University of Louisiana. These experiences fostered both her creative voice and her commitment to arts education, mentorship, and community engagement.
Her work has been exhibited at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, where she received the Audience Choice Award for the Louisiana Contemporary exhibition. She has also contributed to public art initiatives celebrating Black cultural icons, including a New Orleans mural honoring influential women in music.
Beyond the canvas, Crowley is passionate about creating opportunities for young artists to discover their voices. As an educator and creative mentor, she believes in art's ability to inspire confidence, preserve cultural narratives, and build stronger communities.
As an Artist in Residence with the Classically Black Arts Foundation, Crowley continues to expand her artistic practice while contributing to a creative community dedicated to elevating Black artists and their stories.
Through her work, she reminds us that representation is more than being seen—it is about honoring identity, reclaiming narratives, and celebrating the richness of Black life.
Explore Her Work: @artbykaramariee
Wyntress X’ion
Multidisciplinary Artist | Designer | Filmmaker Wyntress X’ion is a Houston-born multidisciplinary artist, designer, and filmmaker whose bold, expressive work explores themes of identity, resilience, cultural memory, and personal transformation. A self-taught painter with an unconventional creative journey, X’ion uses art as a powerful vehicle for storytelling, healing, and self-discovery.
Known for her vibrant color palettes, rich textures, and layered symbolism, X’ion creates visually compelling works that invite viewers to look beyond the surface. Her artistic practice incorporates repurposed materials, mixed media, and hidden messages, weaving together elements of history, spirituality, and personal experience. Through each piece, she seeks to inspire reflection, affirm self-worth, and celebrate the beauty of transformation.
Before pursuing her artistic career, X’ion spent nearly two decades immersed in competitive basketball, an experience that helped shape her discipline, determination, and creative perspective. Her transition into the arts became an opportunity to reclaim her voice and redefine her path, transforming personal challenges and moments of reinvention into meaningful artistic expression.
Her creative practice extends beyond traditional painting to encompass wearable art, digital design, filmmaking, and community-centered projects. Through collections such as Ebony Love Letter and When the Ask, X’ion examines the intersections of Black identity, cultural heritage, and the human experience. Her work often challenges conventional narratives, encouraging audiences to embrace their individuality and recognize the strength found in their personal journeys.
Deeply committed to the relationship between art and community, X’ion approaches creativity as both an individual practice and a collective experience. Her work serves as a reminder that art can preserve stories, spark important conversations, and create space for voices and perspectives that deserve to be celebrated.
As an Artist in Residence with the Classically Black Arts Foundation, X’ion continues to expand her multidisciplinary practice while contributing to a community dedicated to supporting Black artistic excellence. Through experimentation, collaboration, and storytelling, she is building a body of work that celebrates authenticity, challenges limitations, and explores the transformative power of creative expression.
At the heart of her artistic philosophy is the belief that art is more than something to be observed—it is something to be experienced, felt, and carried forward.
Explore Her Work: www.wyntressxion.com