Akua Fayette, a lifelong Houstonian born in the Fifth Ward and educated at Wheatley High School and Texas Southern University, is a poet, artist, art teacher, interior designer, author, storyteller, and activist.

Fayette says her work has been described as symbolic art. “I was inspired to paint everyone jet black, no eyes or face, because we could place our face there and feel humankind’s inclusiveness, all included in the blackest to the whitest. After 21 years of symbolic art, I am entering my new 21-year time cycle. The people I paint are usually women and children, as my work uplifts the family and the community, leading to the country and then throughout the world for unity. Women best do this: we fill the churches, organizations, hospitals, and schools and nurture the children that come through us at birth or by other methods.

“We must work on our issues and learn to feel the vibrations of energy in ourselves and others…If we could see each person’s energy, it would not matter what we looked like, what sex, or what culture or country we came from. Our value or integrity would be found in the positive and loving energy…I love Art because Art is Life, and Life is Art.”

Fayette also shares her years of experience and wisdom with her audience as host of KCOH—1123 Saturday radio program “The Source, What’s Your Life Changer.” In addition, she continues to work on an upcoming book that reflects her journey and community support, as well as her Goose Sense Series stories for children and adults.

An artist talk will be held Saturday, February 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. The exhibition continues through March 18.

The Collective is open Thursday through Saturday from 12 noon until 5 p.m. and by appointment.

For more information about the exhibit, contact The Collective at 713-523-1616 or visit www.thecollective.org.