The collection draws on a long tradition. From quilts handed down through Southern families to Kwanzaa’s call for gifts that carry heritage, Black families have given things that hold who they are. Each work in Give Intentionally carries that same spirit: art made to be given and kept.
Erin LeAnn Mitchell
Raised in Alabama under quilts her grandmother sewed, Erin LeAnn Mitchell works with textiles and familiar materials to hold stories about Black life, memory, and belonging. Her connection to making began at home: each holiday season, her mama asked her to make ornaments featuring Black people, so their decorations would reflect who they were.
“If we wanted to see ourselves represented in the traditions that shaped our lives, we had to create those images ourselves.” Erin LeAnn Mitchell
For the one who keeps the family traditions.
Chantel Walkes
Brooklyn-based artist Chantel Walkes builds collages from archival photographs of Black families, layering image, color, and fabric to hold moments of gathering and joy. Growing up in a Caribbean family that doesn’t celebrate Christmas, she spent the holidays at her aunt’s house, where the season was about simply being together.
“Really, it was just the being together, the smells of food, and cooking the final touches that pulled me in.” Chantel Walkes
For the person whose holiday is about who’s in the room.
Kemi Schleicher
Brooklyn ceramicist Kemi Schleicher shapes her work around ideas of home and place. She grew up in a home that was a gathering place for chosen family, where roast turkey shared the table with jollof rice and egusi soup. Her vessels are made to be used, shared, and lived with.
“Our home is a gathering place for chosen family; an intersection of cross-cultural celebration.” Kemi Schleicher
For the host whose table brings everyone together.
Give Intentionally is available through [date]. Works from $[X]. Order by [date] for holiday delivery.
