Journey Allen is a native New Orleanian working in the city’s historic 7th Ward Community. Recognized by her use of vibrant colors, Journey Allen creates works that capture the celebratory aspects of New Orleans culture that is indigenous to the lineage of its historically African American communities. With her signature design of an abstract interpretation of hand-woven African fabric acting as the backdrop to many of her works, the artist strives to pay homage to her ancestors while also creating a sense of movement, rhythm, and celebration within each piece. Defying the odds presented by an art instructor who once said she was “practically unteachable” and “could never learn to paint well enough to become a professional artist,” Journey received a BA in Fine Arts from Texas Southern University, now owns a gallery-painting studio after her namesake, and is also an art educator in both formal and community-based settings.