Local Artists Celebrate Black Culture at International Museum of Art Gallery

Second annual exhibition spotlights Black excellence, creativity, and community through diverse artworks.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The International Museum of Art and the El Paso Black Arts Association are hosting the second annual Black Arts Gallery, featuring 125 pieces created by local artists that highlight a wide range of styles, perspectives, and stories rooted in Black culture and history. The exhibition is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to the entire community, showcasing the work of Black artists and aiming to foster greater understanding between people.

Why it matters

The lack of representation for Black artists in local art spaces inspired the creation of this gallery, providing a much-needed platform to showcase their work and celebrate Black culture, identity, and lived experiences. The exhibition resonates emotionally with visitors, particularly in its powerful portrayal of Black women.

The details

The Black Arts Gallery features a diverse collection of artworks across mediums, all reflecting aspects of Black history, identity, and personal narratives. For some artists like Christopher 'Maxxwrld' Mack, the work is deeply personal, serving as a 'homage' to the Black women who raised and inspired him. Organizers say the gallery is open to people of all races, aiming to bring the community together through art.

  • The Black Arts Gallery will be on display at the International Museum of Art through February 22, 2026.
  • This is the second annual iteration of the Black Arts Gallery exhibition.

The players

Janace Walker

President and founder of the El Paso Black Arts Association, which is co-hosting the exhibition.

Christopher 'Maxxwrld' Mack

An artist whose work in the gallery is deeply personal, serving as a 'homage' to the Black women who raised and inspired him.

Towanda Chabikwa

An artist who has used art to tell stories for as long as he can remember, and hopes visitors leave the exhibition with a deeper understanding of one another's humanity.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are people of all races here. It's not just for Black people.”

— Janace Walker, President and founder, El Paso Black Arts Association

“This is my homage. If it wasn't for the Black women who raised me and showed me how to express myself and feel comfortable doing so, I wouldn't be here.”

— Christopher 'Maxxwrld' Mack, Artist

“They make you feel something — proud to be a Black woman in society. The colors, the hues, how everything mixes together on our brown skin — it looks amazing.”

— Unnamed visitor

“Every person is a universe within themselves. Sometimes it takes time to grow, but in order to understand another person's humanity, you have to ask what they're bringing here.”

— Towanda Chabikwa, Artist

What’s next

The Black Arts Gallery will remain on display at the International Museum of Art through February 22, 2026, providing the community with an opportunity to experience and engage with the diverse artworks celebrating Black culture and creativity.

The takeaway

This exhibition highlights the importance of creating inclusive platforms that amplify the voices and stories of underrepresented artists, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the rich diversity of artistic expression within the local community.