Evita Tezeno

College Park, Md. — The Driskell Center is pleased to announce the exhibition Solace & Sisterhood, a group exhibition featuring the work of contemporary artists Lavett Ballard, Amber Robles-Gordon, and Evita Tezeno. The opening reception will be held September 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. and is part of the NextNOW Festival. The exhibition will be on view at The Driskell Center gallery from September 10 through December 5.

Solace & Sisterhood brings the powerful dynamic of sisterhood to the forefront by showcasing the work of three prominent Black female artists: Lavett Ballard, Amber Robles-Gordon, and Evita Tezeno. Curated by Dr. Lauren Davidson, this exhibit explores the depth of Black sisterhood, highlighting the strength, resilience, and bond that unites these women, both individually and as a collective.

Through their artwork, Ballard, Robles-Gordon, and Tezeno invite viewers into their personal and shared experiences, offering a window into the powerful friendships and sisterhood they have cultivated over the years. Drawing from their own histories and the broader African American and African diasporic narratives, the artists use a diverse range of media — including painting, collage, photography, and mixed media — to reflect on themes of self-identity, Black female beauty, spiritual awakening, and the impact of shared cultural traditions. Their work transcends simple categorizations, questioning conventional perceptions of Black womanhood and challenging stereotypes in both contemporary and historical contexts.

Each artist brings a unique perspective to the exhibit. Lavett Ballard's work explores themes of spiritual and cultural connection, using visual storytelling to reflect on the power of faith and the transformative nature of Black womanhood. Amber Robles-Gordon blends abstraction with personal symbolism, creating intricate and thought-provoking works that delve into the complexities of Black female identity and empowerment. Evita Tezeno's vibrant and layered collage works engage with the intersection of history, race, and Black joy, offering a reflective vision of Black womanhood that celebrates its quiet beauty and strength in the face of societal challenges.

Solace and Sisterhood has been guest curated by Dr. Lauren Davidson, an independent curator and scholar, who notes, “Sisterhood is more than a familial bond — it’s a vital, necessary force for survival and affirmation in the lives of Black women. The work of these three artists goes beyond mere friendship and becomes a manifestation of this sisterhood: a way to reframe narratives, challenge societal expectations, and assert our rightful place in the world.” Works in this exhibition have been generously loaned by the artists (Lavett Ballard, Amber Robles-Gordon, and Evita Tezeno), private collectors, Luis De Jesus Los Angeles Gallery, and Morton Fine Art, L.L.C. The exhibition will be accompanied by a publication — available for free — with essays by the curator and Dr. Jordana Saggese, as well as full-color images of the works. This exhibition was originally organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Arlington, VA, and is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS), and the University of Maryland's Arts for All initiative. The opening is part of NEXTNow Fest.