Branford | Arts, Culture & Community
Black in Print Collective founding member, Shaunda Holloway, reflects on the collective's new show, Chapter 2: Soul in Motion
Earlier this year while sitting at a small rustic kitchen table, a thought occurred to me: “Start a group for Black printmakers.” The feeling was strong. It was indescribable. It was something which had to be done.
I have been affiliated with Creative Arts Workshop for decades. It is where I learned to print. CAW has given me a solid foundation as a printmaker. It has been a gift to learn so many techniques and methods from knowledgeable artists. I am happy I made the decision to do so.
On the other hand, though I have met scores of outstanding artists I had only been in classes with a few Black printmakers. Never had I ever had an instructor who shared heritage or similar cultural experiences.
I was introduced to Portia Scott-Thiam through instructor Maura Galante from CAW. Maura mentioned Portia previously as Portia had been creating really beautiful and detailed monotypes based on her love for science and insects.
Portia was the first one I called. We talked about the idea of starting a group and immediately the response was, “I’m down.”
Siobhan Carter-David and I have worked together to showcase the work of Black artists through the Africana Studies program at Southern Connecticut State University.
Over the years we have been able to bring quality exhibitions to the university and greater New Haven community.
When I reached out to Siobhan regarding BIPCO she said, “I’m down.”
Having worked with Siobhan previously it was a no brainer. Each exhibition has shown me the depth of her commitment to her students. I was thrilled when she agreed.
It might be shocking to hear this once again. But when I spoke with Dana Simmons about joining BIPCO, she responded, “I’m down.”
Dana is another artist I met through CAW. Dana contacted me upon suggestion from members of CAW.
Dana is one of the most passionate people you will ever meet. She is light years ahead in thought and execution of her artistic expression.
BLACK IN PRINT COLLECTIVE/BIPCO is something we each need. In my humble opinion there is a bigger picture that is beyond the four of us, but we are definitely the catalyst for bringing awareness to printmaking and Black printmakers to the community and beyond.
Recently we had a show at Source Material in New Haven, Prologue: Soul in Hand. During the reception guests were very receptive. Curator Nico Okoro did an amazing job of hanging our prints. It was a pleasure working with Nico. Her keen eye from over twenty-five years of curating experience was more than appreciated. Source Material is very welcoming. It was a wonderful show. A smaller space but a perfect prelude to our upcoming exhibition, Chapter 2: Soul In Motion.
We learned a lot about communicating, marketing, organization, planning, tasking, with Prologue. At the heart of it all is community.
"What I have gained from BIPCO so far is sisterhood, an understanding of the art world in terms of framing and selling work, and deeper community connections here in Connecticut. BIPCO has influenced my printmaking by leading me to trust myself in engaging with the themes that are important to me, as well as strengthening my belief in executing my visions. I am also considering new techniques that I am learning from the other women in the Collective. It is an ongoing and exciting process!"
-Siobhan Carter-David
"I see us building a legacy. A collective that honors the generations of Black artists while creating space for those who are coming after us. I want BIPCO to be more than a platform for showcasing work. I want it to be a movement rooted in community, cultural preservation, visibility, and collective power.
"Moreover, I want us to open doors that weren't always open to us, pull up chairs for others, and ensure the next generation knows there is a place for them at the table. We aren't just making prints; we're making history, together.
"Ultimately, I see Black In Print Collective growing into a nationally recognized community of Black printmakers, with exhibitions across the country, meaningful collaborations, and opportunities for artists to learn, connect, and thrive. The world is not our oyster; the ink is our oyster!"
-Dana Monique
"I said yes to Black In Print Collective because I thought it would be a good way to represent women artists who are working with the medium. Each one of us has a different lens, but there is something that connects all of us. Our work is not always exposed to a larger audience and sometimes there’s expectations especially for Black artists that they talk about or show the same thing which is why my fascination with nature is exposed through my work. I joined because I love the idea that we are creating something for ourselves and not going out begging people to be a part of their space. We are creating our own space."
-Portia Scott-Thiam
This Sunday November 8, 2026. We will have our second exhibition at the Keyes Gallery at the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library.This is very exciting as we were selected to exhibit. When we received the news that Keyes was interested in showing our work it was further confirmation that we are on the right path. Between Keyes Gallery and Source Material this journey has been really fulfilling.
There is more to learn. I am certain of it. But, in the spirit of Romare Bearden, on the strength of Elizabeth Cattlet, Dox Thrash, Jacob Lawrence, John T. Biggers, Bettye Saar, Hale Woodruff , David C. Driskell and many others. We will keep our prayers in the ink.
We will make art that is authentic to each of us and at the same time honor those who came before us. We will keep on rolling.