The refresh is a dynamic Fall group show highlighting four artists, Reuben Cheatem, Nouman Gaafar, Barbara J. Mason and Cher Musico. The transformative power of artistic process and creativity are at the forefront of this invigorating new exhibition offering a fresh perspective on the notions of making and meaning in art. This inaugural show underscores the importance of artistic process, where innovation, material usage and technique converge to highlight the visually compelling and the thought provoking. Each artist, distinct in their methodology, approaches their medium from the traditional to the unconventional, revealing the evolving dialogue between artist and process. Join us as we explore the vital role artists play in shaping meaning and discover how these four artists are redefining the art landscape with their refreshing perspectives.

Barbara J. Mason

My work celebrates the deep emotional and cultural connection between food and the Black experience. I explore how food brings comfort and joy, nourishing not only the body but also the soul. Rooted in traditions passed down through generations, the dishes we prepare and share are symbols of love, resilience, and community. They tell stories of survival and triumph, of family gatherings, and the rich, comforting flavors that sustain us both physically and spiritually. Food is more than sustenance; it is memory, ritual, and heritage. It connects us to our ancestors and defines our communities. Food is central to our cultural identity. In every meal, there is a memory—a link to our ancestors, to moments of joy and togetherness. My art reflects this intimate relationship with food, capturing its power to heal, uplift, and provide solace. Food sometimes becomes a form of self-medication—a way to cope with stress, trauma, and systemic inequalities.

I focus on the vibrant and traditions of soul food, which embodies the warmth and richness of our heritage. Each dish holds a story of celebration, of survival through struggle, and of the comfort that food provides in moments of both happiness and hardship.Through vibrant colors and textured forms, I aim to evoke the sensory experience of food—its warmth, its aroma, its ability to gather people together. My work reflects on how food can be a source of joy and comfort, an emotional anchor that feeds not just the body, but the spirit. The act of sharing food brings us closer, fortifying our souls as much as our bodies.

While my art acknowledges the health challenges linked to our traditional foods, I focus primarily on the joy and love that come from nourishing both body and soul. This work is a tribute to the richness of our food traditions, the comfort they offer, and the profound role they play in our emotional and cultural lives. It is an invitation to celebrate the beauty of food as a source of joy, connection, and nourishment for the soul.

Cher Musico

Cher Musico (she/they) is a queer, autistic Filipinx-American interdisciplinary artist whose work delves into the dimensions of home, exploring themes of identity, domestic labor, and community. As a fiber artist, I focus on nostalgic Filipino items and foods, alongside my passion for thread portraiture. My work weaves together the warmth of nostalgia and culture memory, offering a heartfelt homage to my heritage. Through a vibrant interplay of mediums and techniques, I engage deeply with my Filipinx-American roots and queer identity, creating space for personal and cultural exploration.

Since drag performances became a part of my life in 2006, I have been captivated by the artistry and resilience they embody. In 2010, I co-founded Mustache Envy Drag and Queerlesque, a collective that celebrates the unique voices of local drag kings. As executive producer since 2015, I’ve dedicated myself to fostering this unique art form and I’m proud that Mustache Envy has become the longest-running king-centric drag troupe in Texas as of 2024. Our work holds special significance as we operate within one of only two lesbian bars in Texas and among fewer than 15 such venues nationwide. Through this journey, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of performance and community. Using thread as my medium, I weave together the stories of drag performers, highlighting the intricate layers of identity, creativity, and self- expression that define their art. I like to spotlight not only the beauty of drag culture but also the importance of safe spaces for diverse expressions of gender. Each portrait captures the vibrant spirit and individuality of those I deeply admire. These portraits are more than mere representations; they pay tribute to the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self and challenge societal norms. They celebrate the strength found in community and authenticity. It's about visibility. I hope my work inspires dialogue, fosters connection, and sparks appreciation for the diverse tapestry of identities within our community.

Nouman Gaafar

Nouman Gaafar embarked on his artistic journey at the University of Sudan for Science and Technology, College of Fine and Applied Arts, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 1994. Specializing in Sculpture and Drawing, Gaafar's early works include wood carving reliefs and life-sized figurative sculptures, along with terracotta portraits that vividly capture the diversity and richness of Sudanese culture. His unique talent in portraying the intricate details of various tribes garnered significant recognition within the artistic community. In 1996, seeking further artistic and personal growth, Gaafar moved to the United States. He continued his education at the University of Dallas in Texas, earning both a Master of Arts (MA) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) by 2002. During his studies, he focused on Sculpture and Fine Arts, with a particular interest in exploring themes of diaspora, identity, migration, integration, and assimilation.

Gaafar's professional career flourished in the United States, where he primarily showcased his works in Dallas, Texas, and at the Space Gallery in Denver, Colorado. His artistic contributions were not confined to exhibitions; they also included engaging community projects and educational endeavors. Driven by a profound desire to give back to his homeland, Gaafar returned to Khartoum, Sudan in 2016. There, he founded the Khartoum Arts Training Center, a pivotal institution dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists. Through this center, Gaafar offers training in drawing, painting, and sculpture, contributing significantly to the cultural enrichment of Sudan. Nouman Gaafar's commitment to art and community continues to influence and inspires both in Sudan and abroad, making him a notable figure in the global art scene.

Reuben Cheatem

Reuben Cheatem was born and raised in Des Moines, IA. He received his B.F.A. from The University of Kansas in 2003. His work is characterized by a distinct attention to detail and masterful use of color. His preferred bright palette is a reflection of his desire to let his environment influence and inform his artistic choices. His use of color reflects the vibrancy of everything from the architecture, to the local clothing and textiles, to even the food of his favorite places he’s lived, in New Orleans and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. His use of stripes echoes the rhythms of New Orleans brass bands and jazz music and the waves of the Caribbean Sea, where a short walk from home would take him for daily morning meditation in admiration of the sunrise.

I like to define myself as an artist that is constantly seeking discovery and reinvention. That’s not to say that there aren’t constants within my work. For instance, acrylic painting has been my primary medium for more than twenty years and although abstract elements periodically appear within my compositions, my pieces are usually figurative with realistic treatment of the subject(s). However, there are always new stories to tell and different lenses to view the world through that can influence my approach to connecting with and creating a work of art. As a former cancer patient, I’ve recently relearned the value of sharing personal experiences, insights and outlook within my narratives.

(Cheatem)