Maci Fulton hosted a golden glamour showcase Saturday to display her paintings of Black women, an event that was open to the community.
The atmosphere at the downtown gallery was warm and inspiring. The portraits displayed a full spectrum of emotions from each muse.
Each painting by the Florida A&M University student conveyed a different mood through color choice, patterns, and facial expressions.
It was difficult to not feel empowered after the showing because Fulton prioritized embracing each stage of womanhood at her showcase.
Fulton, a third-year chemistry student, started acrylic painting during the pandemic and she was excited to share her paintings with the community.
“I want people to know that there’s more to me and show my own self-acceptance with this showcase,” she said. “It took me a while to accept my own Blackness while embracing being a woman.”
During the pandemic in 2020, Fulton began to experiment with acrylic painting and learned how to perfect her craft with the help of YouTube.
“When I started, I painted all races and genders but because there were few Black people around me in the area, I decided to place a focus on painting people who resemble me. I noticed most of the paintings were of Black women, which inspired me to create the showcase,” Fulton said.
Though Fulton’s gift seems natural, she humbly expressed her joy for creating art and formally interacted with guests who had questions or wanted to learn more about the paintings.
A friend of Fulton, Vondarius Faulkner, a second-year mechanical engineering student at FAMU, showed his support at the showcase.
“I found out about Maci’s art during a class talent show during my first year. She had two of her pieces to show to the class. Everyone was amazed by her presentation. I really appreciate the diversity of her art. I saw a different side of women in a way I have not before,” Faulkner said.
Fulton’s diverse catalog displayed Black women of all shapes, sizes, and color shades highlighting the uniqueness of Black women in their entirety.
Veronica Scott-Fulton, chief nurse executive at Bons Secours Mercy Health and mother of Fulton, said that Maci’s art is a great demonstration of the full spectrum of womanhood. She said she was proud to support her daughter’s artistic talent.
“Maci’s art makes me feel like it is OK to be vulnerable. There is always positivity infused in her paintings in contrast to any feelings of sadness,” she said. “Her art carries a vibrancy, and it makes me feel like I can carry on despite any challenges on my journey.”
This event was a great showcase for the art enthusiast and those who admire creative arts.