Tribute to Mary Tillman Smith
Led by Yusuf Yahya
Thursday October 23, 2025 from 6-8 pm EST
DESCRIPTION:
This session will be divided into two parts. The first segment will pay tribute to Mary Tillman Smith, a Black Deaf artist ancestor. It will showcase her yard art and share her background. The second segment will feature a hands-on activity for participants. They will be led step by step through the process of making an artwork inspired by Mary Tillman Smith’s style.
PARTICIPANTS CAP: 12
REGISTRATION: (Deadline is October 8, 2025). Zoom link will be sent after October 23rd.
REGISTER LINK: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/tribute-to-mary-tillman-smith
Registration fee of $20 includes materials which will be mailed to participants in advance.
Zoom session includes a powerpoint presentation and a hands-on wood art activity led by Yusuf Yahya
BIO:
Yusuf Yahya was born in Washington, D.C. He is the only Deaf child in his Hearing family. Yusuf graduated in 1992 from the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) which is located on Gallaudet University Campus. Yusuf is a dancer and self-taught visual artist. He currently dances with Guardian Baltimore, which passes on African American history and culture through dance. As an artist, he works largely with watercolor, paints (oil and acrylic) and collage. He is inspired by many Deaf artists: Takiyah Harris, David Call, and Nancy Rourke. Many of his pieces examine Black Deaf identity and equality.