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Art Exhibit Reception: The Art of Being Seen Featuring Raven Blanche & Mariah Nkoh

May 8 @ 6:00 am - 8:00 pm
Free
portrait painting of woman, announcing the art exhibition of Raven Blanche & Mariah Nkoh

This May, the Village Arts Factory is proud to present two compelling exhibitions by Detroit portraiture artists, Raven Blanche and Mariah Nkoh.  Both artists use their art as a form of storytelling to capture the significance, grace and strength of the individuals in their portraits.  Be sure to join us for a special evening reception on May 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM to meet the artists, explore their work, and experience the depth of artistic expression, creativity, and talent showcased in these exhibits.

Exhibition Titles:
“The Becoming: She Rises “ – Raven Blanche
“Life in Color “ – Mariah Nkoh

In “The Becoming: She Rises”, Raven Blanche celebrates the power, resilience, and beauty of women, especially African American women, through a vivid and empowering lens.  She paints women as she sees them-powerful, luminous, and unapologetically themselves.  Drawing inspiration from Jean-Michel Basquiat’s fearless mark-making and Alma Thomas’ story of becoming an artist later in life after a career in education, Raven blends raw creativity with intentional storytelling.  Her mission is to create artwork that draws people in, making them feel seen, valued, and inspired. Each piece is a celebration of individuality and the boundless creativity of women, crafted to encourage others to explore their own artistic journeys.

In “Life in Color”, Mariah Nkoh’s work centers on portraiture as a form of preservation and affirmation. She is drawn to the subtle details in expression, posture, and gaze — the quiet elements that reveal individuality and lived experience. Working primarily in acrylic and charcoal, she balances softness and strength, contrast and depth, mirroring the complexity of the people she paints.
As a Detroit artist, community is deeply embedded in Mariah’s practice. She creates not only to document beauty, but to reflect it back to the people and spaces that shape her. Whether through gallery exhibitions, curated shows, or public murals, her goal is to make art that feels personal, accessible, and resonant. For Mariah, portraiture is both storytelling and honoring — a way of saying: you are seen, you matter, and your presence is powerful.
Mariah Nkoh is both a portrait artist and curator who is committed to creating spaces where art is accessible and reflective of community. Through exhibitions, murals, and curated shows, she shares work that honors humanity and connection. Her work explores identity, presence, and the quiet power of everyday people.

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