"I'm Often the Only Woman"

"I'm often the only woman when it comes to artists who have studied the arts. Education is so important."

Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Afro-Cuban artist, Darryl Chappell Foundation Artist Talk #5 (2021)

Magda's words name a reality Black women artists know intimately: isolation in spaces where they should belong.

The numbers confirm it:

0.5% — Black women artists' share of museum acquisitions
6.6% — Black women's share of the U.S. population
13x — The factor of underrepresentation
0.1% — Works by Black women in global auction sales (2008–2022)
Only a handful of professional galleries represent Black women artists

These gaps are structural — and solvable. This is our contribution.

What's at Stake

Across the arts ecosystem, Black women are still shut out of opportunity. When young Black girls don't see themselves reflected in museums or galleries, when their families witness Black women's creative leadership continually overlooked, the message is clear: your vision isn't valued.

We reject that message.

Artist Talk DC #12

In 2026 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, we will create space for what has been marginalized, celebrate what has been overlooked, and invest in what has been underfunded.

This gathering will:

Center three accomplished Black women artists sharing their creative journeys and artistic practice
Elevate an early childhood arts educator representing our Start Strong pathway, because representation begins early
Connect more than 50 community members in person and more than 200 viewers online
Ensure accessibility through ASL and Spanish interpretation
Document the full conversation through professional videography
Compensate every artist and educator fairly for their expertise

All core expenses are covered except the remaining $8,000, which will fund accessibility, artist honoraria, archive documentation, music, and light refreshments. This final amount brings the full vision to life.

Our work is grounded in the four phases of the Learning Pathway: Start Strong, Develop Youth, Center Artists, and Mentorship — supporting artists across generations.

Vision in Action

This is more than a panel. It's an afternoon of honest dialogue where artists share their processes, challenges, and hopes. It's a moment where emerging artists see concrete pathways. Where community members witness Black women's creative leadership affirmed. Where stories are preserved and shared well beyond one room.

We're bringing together support from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and committed donors like you, with the National Museum of Women in the Arts serving as venue and partner.

Your gift completes the funding.

Ways to Give

No gift is too small.

$25 – Provide food for the community
Create a warm, dignified environment with welcome and refreshments.

$50 - Set the tone with live music
Support live musicians for the event

$100 - Support event documentation
Help cover professional videography and photography to archive the event for future generations

$250 - Create an environment accessible to all
Contribute towards American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, helping to ensure the full 90-minute event is accessible

$500 - Language interpretation matters
Provide support for a Spanish bilingual interpreter

$1,000 - Fund one artist honorarium
Help us pay fair rates for artists to speak during the event

Custom Amount
Every gift advances the visibility and recognition of Black women artists. Give what you can. Thank you.

Beyond This Event

Artist Talk DC #12 is part of our long-term commitment to elevating Black women in the arts. Of the total number of artists we have supported, 45 percent are women artists; by 2028, our goal is to have at least 50 percent of the artists that we have supported be women. Get to know the 78 artists that we have supported since 2019.

When you give now, you fuel systemic change, not just a single program. You help build an ecosystem where these artists aren't the only ones in the room. Where young Black girls see themselves reflected. Where creative leadership is recognized and valued.

That's the pathway we are building. Together.

About the Darryl Chappell Foundation

The Darryl Chappell Foundation is a public charity dedicated to advancing the visibility, recognition, and professional growth of Afrodescendant artists. Through our Artist Talks, mentorship program, artist residencies, and advocacy efforts, we create platforms that center artists' voices and expand the cultural conversation.

Since 2019, we have:

Invested $422,000 in programming
Provided $138,500 directly to 79 artists
Maintained an 84 percent program expense ratio
Hosted 11 Artists Talks with 350 attendees and more than 1,500 online viewers

📍 1899 L Street NW, Suite 850, Washington, DC 20036
🌐 darrylchappellfoundation.org
📧 darryl@darrylchappellfoundation.org

Questions?

Email darryl@darrylchappellfoundation.org or call (312) 957-6679.

Thank you for supporting Black women artists. Together, we're building pathways.

Artists Talk DC #12 Building Pathways

By Darryl Chappell Foundation

Artists Talk DC #12 Building Pathways

A Discussion with Black Women Artists & Educators

Team Members