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New York-Based Mixed Media Artist Tamara Belinda Selected To Be 2021 CRAFT + DESIGN Featured Artist

August 18, 2021 News

Richmond, Va. (Aug. 18, 2021) – The Visual Arts Center of Richmond has selected New York-based mixed media artist, Tamara Belinda as the featured artist of its 57th Annual Craft + Design Show, which will take place Nov. 19-21, 2021 at historic Main Street Station.

Artist Tamara Belinda of Crown Inspired with african print parasols

Belinda’s work is a fusion of cultures inspired by her heritage and her travels. Her handcrafted parasols, inspired by Asia and fashioned out of West African wax print textiles, are making their colorful debut at Craft + Design 2021.

Belinda’s brand, Crown Inspired, is new to the contemporary craft show scene. The colorful and intricately constructed parasols she designs will be featured on all marketing materials at this year’s Craft + Design show. Belinda describes her work as conversational protective garments, statement pieces meant to spark conversation around spirituality, culture, and art. “I want people to ask questions when they see my work. Questions that tune people in with themselves, the world around them, and the cultures they’re influenced by.”

“Tamara’s designs are unique, colorful, and functional. Just as inspiring as her designs is her creative process which she describes as a meditation on self-awareness and personal evolution,” says Stefanie Fedor, executive director of the Visual Arts Center of Richmond. “Her artistry is an example of the beauty that can result from exploring the shared connection between culture, art, and the human experience.”

Belinda received a BFA in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art & Design. This is her first time exhibiting at Craft + Design.

Craft + Design is a contemporary craft show produced by the Visual Arts Center of Richmond. Now in its 57th year, Craft + Design has garnered a national reputation for showcasing the finest in museum-quality craft. Locally, it’s become the event that kicks off Richmond’s holiday shopping season. Shoppers spend the weekend browsing the works of over 150 artists from all over the country. Awards are presented in ceramics, precious metals, glass, wood and recycled materials, contemporary design, innovative use of traditional craft materials, and fiber.

African Wax Print Parasols by Tamara Belinda on Craft + Design visual