Doris L. Arnett-Gary (BFA 1987) Retired from the Paterson Public Schools in 2020. She was a Teacher/ Library Media Specialist for nineteen years after enjoying 13 outstanding years as an Art Teacher. “My artistic gift was given at birth but it was solidified when I stepped onto Howard’s campus. There, I realized that not only was I surrounded by people who looked like me but people who looked like me and had accomplished PHENOMENAL things. I didn’t truly learn the magnitude of African American contributions to the world until Howard. It sounds cliché, but at Howard I realized I really could do and be anything I wanted to be. I became a welder at Howard. I became a potter at Howard. I became an artist at Howard.” She plans to spend her retirement years making memories with her grandchildren, traveling, pursuing her life-long hobby turned passion; event designing and planning and continuing to plant seeds that will change the world.
marshall j. brown
Marshall Jaree Brown - A New Jersey native, currently residing in Bowie, MD. He attended Howard University at the urging of his parents and close family friend. After earning his Bachelors of Fine Arts, Marshall later obtained a Master of Science degree from The University of Pennsylvania.
I am influenced and strengthened by my Roots, because only through the love, sacrifice and prayers of ancestors, am I able to stand with the ability to create my own narrative - through art. Just as they planted seeds in hope that they would grow to change the world around them - it's my obligation to do the same.
larry bradshaw
Larry Bradshaw explores the interplay of color and light in his artwork communicating visions of the past, present, and future of Africa and her diaspora. Born and raised in Washington, DC, he took an early interest in art watching his father sketch and draw and his neighbor, an art teacher, create in various mediums. Professor Alexander “Skunder” Boghossian influenced his painting style at Howard, where he majored in Graphic Design and minored in Painting. Visionary sculptor, Ed Love, fueled his passion for being an artist. His duel disciplines have served him well as CEO of Driven Communication, an Alexandria, VA based web design, branding, and marketing agency. He utilizes his fine art skills to both create as a visual artist and designer of electronic visual communication. Though he works primarily in acrylic on canvas, he also embraces digital technology to create on the computer as well. Being a member of the 80’s Heavies has given him the opportunity to create for the love of art and to express his opinion of the past and present of African people and envision theirs as an empowered future.
monica guidry kelsie
Monica Guidry Kelsie resides in Chicago, Illinois. She is the wife of a Pastor and mother of Two adult children. Monica earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Howard University in Washington, DC and her Masters of Fine Arts degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her educational focuses were within the experimental studio environments where she explored the use of diverse materials and techniques. Monica’s art reflects a need for justice, freedom of self-expression and desire to produce work that is inspiring and tells a story that demonstrates love, provokes change and influences life. Her pieces whether on canvas, 3 dimensional surfaces, fabrics, wood or her creations of store front murals clearly demonstrates a cultural juxtaposition between everyday recyclable materials as well as traditional art resources. Monica is currently the Director of The South Side Arts Consortium and while this organization is in its infancy, the focus of the program is to generate art awareness within the community providing business incubating opportunities for the arts. In addition to original works of art, Monica offers limited edition prints, greeting cards, and curriculum-based programming to teach all ages. She has been recognized for various solo and collaborative exhibitions and publications. Monica’s art journey continues as she researches, creates, develops and explores ways to invite, educate and expose the world of art to those who want to experience the universe with an expansive and compelling perspective.
walter A. freeman
Walter Freeman resides in Chicago and is the owner of ef Design Group Inc. a 26 year old creative marketing & print services firm that specializes in developing visual communication strategies for website development; corporate identities; event & tradeshow graphics; consumer package design; pointof-purchase promotional materials and political campaigns. Walter is a Howard University 1987 graduate majoring in Graphic Design. He is credited with providing effective design solutions for several minority business entrepreneurs by helping them incubate their enterprises, providing product development strategies, and establishing new brands and a variety of private label products. He is a father of twin teenagers, Conner & Kennedy Freeman. He enjoys traveling and playing golf.
edith brown
Edith (Edie) M. Brown is the 80's Heavies Group Administrator. A native of Memphis, TN, Edie retired with over 30 years of government service. Edie has a background in procurement, contracting, property management, and possesses a wealth of other professional experience as an administrative officer. Now she enjoys travel, walking, weight training, interior design and time with family.
jasmine gary
Jasmine Gary is a 2015 graduate of Howard University (BA Communications) and a Paterson, NJ native. Jazz is the group’s Social Media Coordinator making sure that they have a positive presence across the web. Jasmine is the Managing Director for the marked dance project, and the producer of the Unstoppable You podcast.
