Overton, Morgan, Mlezi (Swahili for Guardian), oil on canvas, 36 x 48 inches, signed lower right Artist Bio: Morgan Overton (born 1993, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is a visual artist currently based in Pittsburgh. Her work focuses on amplifying the voices and visibility of society's historically silenced. Morgan's work has featured unsung heroes to keep their legacies alive beyond history books, to the heroes within ourselves - amplifying the resilience and beauty of Blackness. Morgan also believes that art is a powerful platform to challenge the social paradigm. She creates in various mediums to vibrantly convey the Nina Simone quote - "It is the artist's duty to reflect the times". Morgan's work has been featured across Greater Pittsburgh - notably at the Carnegie Museum of Art, August Wilson Center, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. In addition, various social justice exhibits across the United States - namely The Whole 9 Gallery in Culver City, California. Her work also internationally exhibited in St. Paul de Vence, France. From the University of Pittsburgh, Morgan earned a Masters in Social Work with a focus in Community Organizing and Social Action, and a Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Studio Art. In 2019, Morgan was inducted into the Pittsburgh Business Times' 30 under 30 Awards. As a staunch advocate of gender, racial, and economic justice, Morgan holds a demonstrated commitment to uplifting lived experiences, and its ability to foster collective impact in the political process. Currently, Morgan serves in Mayor Ed Gainey’s Administration in the Office of Management and Budget to support the administration’s efforts in creating a more equitable city. Mentored by international sculptor Selma Burke at its founding, Women of Visions has sustained 40 years in the city of Pittsburgh as the only non-profit collective of African American women visual artists. Women of Visions mounts group and collaborative exhibitions, teaches classes to people of every generation, and networks to build relationships in the arts and lay community both in and outside the city of Pittsburgh. The members of Women of Visions represent a diverse range of lifestyles and artistic experiences; thus rich and varied expressions of personal, social, and political views are presented in each exhibition the group organizes. Over the course of 40 years, Women of Visions has continued to nurture and support professional and emerging women artists of color, and to bring to the general public the full richness and scope of our cultural heritage. Currently, Women of Visions is the oldest women’s organization of its kind in the country. They have experienced the years of both revolution and evolution. Now, with the country’s historic placement of a woman of color in the role of Vice President of the United States, this historic organization seeks ways to push themselves and their art to the next level. As part of their growth strategy, Women of Visions has inducted 16 new members in one year, amplified their mission with ground-breaking exhibitions, and are poised to pass on their legacy of establishing “excellence in the visual arts” to the next generation of African American women. In 2021, Women of Visions was awarded the title of “American Cultural Treasure” by the Ford Foundation and Heinz Foundation. For more information visit womenofvisionspgh.org. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .