In honor of Black History Month, The Ruth Bauer Neustadter Gallery at HACPAC presents Triumph in Color, an art exhibition featuring the impactful works of three talented artists, Michael L. DuBose Jr, Jonte’ Drew, and Winston Watt. The reception for this exhibition will be held Thursday, February 19, 6-9PM.
Michael L. DuBose Jr is a rising artist from Paterson, NJ. His inspiration stems from various sources such as nature, self reflection, and daily life.
Michael received his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Animation with a minor in Graphic Design from William Paterson University. He then continued his love for learning by attending the School of Visual Arts where he received his Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Computer Art. Michael currently works at the Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology where he was once a student. There he serves as the art teacher for 4th – 7th graders.
Jonte’ Drew is a visual artist from Paterson, New Jersey. He attended William Paterson University, where he received both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2018 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2021. His work features Black men in moments of peace, ease, and reflection, presenting vulnerability as a necessary and valued part of mental well-being. He is currently exploring connections between ancestry and identity through nature by researching plants native to the African diaspora. By placing these figures within colorful, idealized environments, he emphasizes their humanity and inner lives while challenging narrow or stereotypical portrayals of Black men. Humor, color, and personal references allow him to approach these ideas in a direct and accessible way, creating images that center calm, connection, and presence.
Born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Winston Watt has been drawn to art since childhood. He attended Rosa Parks High School of Fine and Performing Arts, where he began shaping his creative foundation. Although he did not pursue art formally in college, his passion never went away, and he continued creating as an escape and hobby.
