Reliving the Second Installment of Her Canvas, Her Voice

On March 7, 2026, Urban Art Gallery became a vibrant hub of color, creativity, and community. We hosted our second annual Her Canvas, Her Voice Art Show & Mixer, a powerful celebration of women’s artistry and storytelling in honor of Women’s History Month.

From bold brushstrokes to thought-provoking installations, the evening showcased pieces that were not only visually appealing but deeply meaningful. All the art on display explored themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment, reflecting the dynamic voices behind it.

Her Canvas, Her Voice was more than an art exhibition. It was a shared experience that immersed all in attendance in creativity, conversation, and community, as every artwork offered a story waiting to be seen, heard, and felt.

Artistic Highlights

The second installment of Her Canvas, Her Voice, proved to be nothing short of spectacular. With a packed house from start to finish and an atmosphere buzzing with excitement, the evening highlighted the incredible talent of women artists across multiple mediums.

More than 15 artists exhibited 50+ original works, including paintings, photography, and mixed-media pieces that were striking and captivated guests throughout the gallery.

In an effort to expand the experience further, this year we debuted our digital gallery, curated by ForbiddenFruit. The installation added an innovative, modern, and immersive dimension to the exhibition, featuring over 50 digital artists across 12 monitors and highlighting the growing impact of digital artistry.

Entertainment & Atmosphere

From the moment guests arrived at the gallery, the night’s energy was unmistakable. 

Outside the gallery doors, classically trained violinist Laina Martin welcomed guests with a captivating performance that fused jazz rhythms with modern soul. Her presence and melodic sound set the perfect tone for the evening, offering attendees a preview of the creativity and artistry awaiting them inside.

Inside the gallery, DJ G33K kept the atmosphere alive on the third floor with seamless transitions, timeless hits, and an innate ability to read the room, delivering a soundtrack that elevated the experience and kept the energy flowing all night. 

The evening’s live performances took the night up a notch. Sunny D and the Female Takeover Band delivered a dynamic set that energized the crowd, followed by powerful vocal selections from Aliyah Khalyn and Patricia Stokes.

The night reached its peak with an electrifying performance by NeptuneXXI, whose high-energy rap and hip-hop set brought the night to an unforgettable close.

A Curated Experience

Beyond the art and live performances, Her Canvas, Her Voice offered guests a thoughtfully curated experience that engaged all the senses. 

Toast Cafe delivered exceptional hospitality and a delicious food offering throughout the evening. Of all food options, their salmon sliders quickly became the crowd favorite.

One of the evening’s most memorable attractions was The Bloom Bar, where guests were offered their own stunning floral arrangements. This interactive experience added an extra layer of creativity and personalization to the event.

And of course, no celebration is complete without great drinks. Milan Morris provided outstanding bar service, crafting refreshing cocktails that kept guests energized and mingling throughout the night.

Special Recognition

One of the most meaningful and historic moments of the evening was the presentation of our inaugural “Passion of the Arts” Award. This honor was proudly presented to West Philadelphia-based visual and movement artist Shanina Dionna in recognition of her tireless and consistent dedication, which has had a profound impact on the Philadelphia arts community. 

Beyond her own artistic achievements, Shanina founded ARTbuds Philly here at Urban Art Gallery ten years ago. This program continues to inspire and empower young creatives to this day. ARTbuds Philly offers free art classes and community engagement opportunities for youth ages 8-13, providing countless children with access to artistic expression and mentorship.

Her unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists has touched many lives, making her an incredibly fitting and deserving first recipient of this award.

Looking Ahead

The second annual Her Canvas, Her Voice proved once again that art has the power to bring people together to celebrate women’s creativity, amplify their voices, and strengthen the community.Urban Art Gallery extends heartfelt gratitude to the artists, performers, partners, vendors, and guests who helped make this evening such a powerful and memorable celebration. 

As we continue to grow and evolve, events like Her Canvas, Her Voice serve as a reminder that when creativity and community meet, something truly special happens. Follow us on Instagram @urbanartgallery or visit our website to stay up to date on all events, youth programs, and special announcements!