Artists & Afros invests in next generation of creatives

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lance Newman’s art blends imagination with unexpected materials, made entirely out of Black & Mild cigars.

“My favorite and the one that gets the most reactions from people is the, I'm living in a hovel scene from 'Harlem Nights,'” Newman said.

One of 50 Black creatives featured at Artists and Afros , which returned for its second year at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center, Newman’s pieces sold big. The event is the largest Black fine arts fair in Kentucky.

“We want to make sure that artists are tapping into resources that they have been historically excluded from," said artist Shauntrice Martin, who is the founder of Okike , a collective that mentors Black artists in the city to ensure they have equal opportunities and fair pay. "Last year, the artis