Black Excellence Now: The Art of Storytelling

February 6 – March 8, 2026

Black Excellence Now: The Art of Storytelling is a storefront portrait mural exhibition on view from February 6 – March 8, transforming the window storefronts of six Black-owned businesses on Myrtle Avenue into an open-air public gallery. The exhibition features illustrated portraits of influential Black authors Richard Wright, Octavia Butler, Walter Dean Myers, Isabel Wilkerson, Amiri Baraka, and Queen Afua brought to life by Ashley, Jodi and Marissa, honoring Black authors whose storytelling challenged power and shaped cultural consciousness.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership has proudly partnered with artists Ashley Crawford, Jodi Dareal, and Marissa Molina to celebrate those who refused silence and turned storytelling into power. You’re invited to see the exhibition of storefront portrait murals at these locations on Myrtle Avenue:

  • Just Because Hair Therapy Salon, 141 Carlton Ave (Richard Wright by Jodi Dareal)
  • Rhed Salon & Spa, 362 Myrtle Ave (Walter Dean Myers by Marissa Molina)
  • The Brooklyn Sweet Spot, 366 Myrtle Ave  (Isabel Wilkerson by Marissa Molina)
  • Miracles Barbershop, 470 Myrtle Ave (Amiri Baraka by Ashley Crawford))
  • Mr. Lee’s Bar, 471 Myrtle Ave (Octavia Butler by Jodi Dareal)
  • The Peach Wall, 563 Myrtle Ave (Queen Afu by Ashley Crawford)

Featured Authors

Contributing Artists

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    ASHLEY ``AWESUM`` CRAWFORD

    About the Curator & Artist: Ashley “Awesum” Crawford, is a Bronx-born, Brooklyn-based, multidisciplinary artist. Her works, which range from paintings and textiles to music, focus on self-discovery rooted in her life experiences, cultural background, and personal identity. As a full-time Teaching Artist, and Muralist, Ashley has collaborated with various non-profits to bring the arts back to New York City public schools. She continues her passion for arts advocacy through Art on the Fly NYC, her own initiative offering free art workshops in communities across New York City for residents of all ages and lifestyles. @sumofallawe

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    JODI DAREAL

    About the Artist: Jodi Dareal is a Staten Island-based Black artist and muralist blending comic book, street, and pop art. Through spray paint, acrylic, and digital media, she creates vibrant, story-driven works exploring mental health, activism, feminism, legacy, and inclusivity. Jodi transforms public spaces into bold, thought-provoking art that celebrates community and resilience. Her live paintings and murals engage audiences and spark meaningful dialogue. For Jodi, art is more than visual—it’s a platform for storytelling, empowerment, and social change. @jodidareal, jodidareal.com

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    MARISSA ``MINHAFOFA`` MOLINA

    About the Artist: Marissa “Minhafofa” Molina is a New York based Latina artist specializing in vibrant large-scale paintings, murals, and wearable sculptures. Fueled by a profound interest in people, her art is a garishly vibrant and playful merger of people with the objects, environments, and energies that embody them. Marissa strives to create empowered, bold and energetic portraits that illuminate the energy individuals possess while setting a general tone of positivity, brightness, and fun into the world.  She has worked extensively in public arts, primarily serving the youth and community through educational programs and public mural opportunities. @minhafofa, marissamolinaart.com