About the Artwork​

With one hand on her hip and a confident gaze, this woman radiates poise and self-assurance. She was likely from the Philadelphia area, where artist Laura Wheeler Waring lived and worked. Waring’s portraits—often of sophisticated, dignified African Americans—challenged the racial stereotypes of her time. Her rich color palette and expressive brushwork flourished during the Harlem Renaissance, a vibrant period of African American art and cultural pride during the 1920s and 1930s.

About the Artist
Laura Wheeler Waring was a pioneering painter and educator whose work captured the beauty, strength, and individuality of her subjects. Her portraits of notable figures like Marian Anderson and W.E.B. Du Bois helped define an era of empowerment and artistic excellence.

Artist Statement

“This piece immediately caught my eye for its bright colors and striking floral elements. Waring’s portraits celebrate beauty and strength, and I knew her bold, expressive style would translate beautifully into chalk.”
— Holmes, Del Oro High School Via Arte Team