In the Studio with Black Moon By B. L. Eikner
Black Moon original members from left to right: Alexander Tamahn, Tailynn Tindall, Elizabeth Henley, Audria Braggs, Summer Washington, Christina Henley, and Nosamyrag
Black Moon is a collective of Black artists in the Tulsa area defined as breaking standards, pushing innovations, and cultivating creativity among the local community. This group was formed in March of 2018 by Elizabeth Henley and five other artists, as a platform to engage Black artists. The group is composed of nine artists to include Melody Allen, Aundria Braggs, Christina Henley, Elizabeth Henley, Erica Martez, Nosamyrag, Alexander Tamahn, Tai Tindal, and Summer Washington. Black Moon has exhibited at venues to include Tulsa Artists’ Coalition, Living Arts of Tulsa, Gilcrease Museum, Art Hall in Oklahoma City, and Black Wall Street Gallery. There are
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two planned exhibits entitled, Limitations of Now, at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa and a mural project for Monroe Demonstration Academy, both planned for 2021. This, In the Studio With…, is a little different in that the interview will include three of the artists and their impressions of the Black Moon organization, where it is headed, and its future. Our interviewees are Melody Allen, graduate of Oral Roberts University and a painter; Aundria Braggs, graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, and Co-Chair of OVAC’s Momentum 2021; and Nosamyrag, who attended Tyler Junior College and currently
has an exhibition at the Center of Public Secrets in Tulsa. What has been the number one positive impact of Black Moon on your artistic career? MELODY: Being a part of Black Moon has really challenged me in so many aspects. They’ve helped me to elevate my artistic goals, to use more of my talents, to do a good job, to strive for greatness, and to do so much more than I’ve ever thought I could achieve. It has taught me to surround yourself with people who are better than you, not in the sense that we are not equals, but who have been where I want to go. This
