Artist Statement (255 words): Nia Blue (b.2002) is a mixed media artist working to document social determinants of health in Black communities. Reimagining narratives of community health where Black neighbors see themselves amongst considered populations when changes are being enacted in their grocery stores, gyms, and the development of industries that impact air and water qualities. Blue with a background in health science and working in primary care was witness to the disparities for people of color with regards to their everyday lives and the predicted outcomes for their wealth and health based on just their zip code. Reeling from a pandemic where these outcomes were only heightened, Blue seeks to expand the dialogue and visual documentation to include the glows of Black connection in third spaces. Currently, the focus of her work is on documenting the ways in which Black communities engage with those around them in these shared spaces that promote communal wellbeing. Blue has aims of also bringing scientific literature to her artwork making it more digestible and accessible for those seeking to learn more about their communities with the inclusion of data embedded in her work. In creating mixed media paintings, Blue has found large scale works create an intimate setting between the viewer and her works, evoking emotions of shock and awe that drives Blue’s intention behind the works. Blue is curious about the interdisciplinary work of health and the arts and how they can be tools to bring a better life to Black people(s) and the zip codes they live in.
Artist Bio: Nia Blue is a mixed-media painter in Brooklyn, NY with a focus in creating storied landscapes with paint and cold wax on large surfaces. Blue has earned her B.S. in Health Sciences with a minor in Studio Art from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Blue’s work focuses on documentation of social determinants of health in the U.S. with a focus in portrayal of African-American experiences. Previously she has exhibited in North Carolina, Virginia, and several NYC galleries.
Exhibitions:                                                                                                                                                                                                                 SOLO:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2025 EPICENTER NYC X ART RETAIL THERAPY, NY                                                                                                                                                            GROUP EXHIBITIONS: 
 2026 FAB LES YOUNG ARTISTS OF COLOR CULMINATING EXHIBITION, FAB GALLERY, NYC                                                                               2026 catharsis collective, hot studios, nyc.                                                                                                                                                                2025  Its all in your perspective, el barrio artspace ps109, nyc                                                                                                                     2025 SVA CE Showcase, School of visual arts, ny                                                                                                                                             2025 Rooted in pride, art gowanus, nyc                                                                                                                                                               2025 THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THE LOVING, MAPSPACE, NY                                                                                                                                     2025 HOME, 2ND STREET GALLERY, VA                                                                                                                                                                              2025 The HUMAN LAYER, BROOKLYN ART HAUS, NY                                                                                                                                                     2025  Scaled Up, center for visual arts, nc                                                                                                                                                           2025 feminae, botanica grove, NY​​​​​​​
                    2024 Studio SLEW Exhibition, Myria Gallery, NY 
                    2024 Open Themed: "Exploring Boundless Creativity", Blue Space Gallery, ONLINE                                                                            2024 Salon Show, Greenpoint Gallery, NY 
                           2023 Salon Show, Greenpoint Gallery, NY
                           2023 "Annual Undergraduate Juried Show", Artworks Gallery, VA 
                           2023 "Wabi Sabi, Imperfect and Impermanent", Artworks Gallery, VA
                           2023 "Thrift Shop", Artworks Gallery, VA 
                                 2022 "Praise the Process", Artworks Gallery, VA 
Fellowships:
2026 Young artists of color fellowship, fab nyc
Awards:
2025-2026 rAY e. gOODBRED mEMORIAL sCHOLARSHIP, tHE aRT STUDENTS LEAGUE NY                                                                    2025 Eliza G. RADEKE sCHOLARSHIP, tHE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF ART                                                                                                              2024 Segal award, americorps                                                                                                                                                                                         2023 'Juror’s Choice', Annual Undergraduate Juried Show, Artworks Gallery 
Publications:
 2023 Phase Zero Issue #6 
Volunteering:
 2024-pRESENT Studio Slew, Studio Assistant 
PRESS:                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Voyages On the Move - Collaboration with CITYARTS & Voyages Prep
 PLG Arts - Nia Blue
epicenter nyc 
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES:                                                                                                                                                                                     2024-PRESENT VISUAL ART TEACHER W/ UNCOMMON CHARTER SCHOOLS NYC                                                                                                2024-PRESENT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR/LEAD INSTRUCTOR, Willow arts NYC                                                            2024 VARIOUS TEACHING ARTIST ORGANIZATIONS IN GREATER NYC                                                                                                            2024 INSTRUCTOR, MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART IN NORTH MIAMI (CONTRACTED)                                                                        2024 LEAD MURALIST, CITYARTS, NYC (5M)                                                                                                                                                                     2024 Consultant: Arts Fest Coordinator, PLG Arts, NYC (5M)                                                                                                                                      2023 - 2024 Resident Teaching Artist, ArtistYear, NYC (11M)                                                                                                                          2023 Instructor, Curious JAne, NYC (Contracted)                                                                                                                                            2023 Art Director, Artworks Gallery, JMU (6M)
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