About Keyonna Butler
Keyonna Butler is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and curator based in Lansdowne, PA. She began her career as a creative assistant to renowned creatives and brands, including Dame Collins of RM67 Studio, James R. Sanders, Sibby Liv, and The Sable Collective. She has also interned at internationally recognized events like Philadelphia Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, and FAME Worldwide in London, as well as during Art Basel Miami.
In her transition from creative assistant to freelance artist, Keyonna’s work as a wearable art designer has been showcased at James Oliver Gallery, Art to Ware, and HOT•BED Gallery during Philadelphia Fashion Week. Through her artistry, she has also conducted upcycling workshops, including her participation in the award-winning program Barnes West, where she taught upcycling fashion courses in the West Philadelphia neighborhood in collaboration with Kanvas Event Center. In recent years, she has transitioned from just creating wearable art to exploring a variety of artistic avenues, such as photography, digital collaging, and fiber arts. She aspires to incorporate all of these mediums into her creative practice. When she is not creating art, she provides a platform for BIPOC artists to showcase their work by curating gallery shows and installations around the city through her
“I AM CREATOR” project, a traveling interactive art installation that highlights creatives in all mediums, celebrating Black culture. Keyonna’s latest venture is as the founder of Black Hippie Art, a vibrant digital space and art club dedicated to empowering artists of color through creative expression and well-being. With a mission to foster self-care and personal growth, the collective offers a diverse range of art experiences, workshops, and educational resources tailored to meet the unique needs of BIPOC artists.
Artist Statement
As a community artist, I want to make art that celebrates everyday people through the exploration of their style, their inspirations, and their creativity. I focus on community and people because hearing other people's stories inspires me to keep going. To capture the joy of individuals being themselves and expressing themselves through everyday creation is both fascinating and engaging. Through many different mediums such as collage, photography, and fiber art, I can create pieces that invite viewers to look at themselves as not just a muse but also as the creators.
CV
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Currently works and lives in Lansdowne, PA
Education and Fellowships
2025 - Tramando Taller Puertorriqueño’s Textile Design Workshop Series
2016 - 2017 - B.S coursework, Fashion Design, Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA
2012 - 2016; 2020 - A.A., Liberal Arts Honors, Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
2012 - Moore College for Art & Design Young Artist Workshop
Awards, Grants & Residencies:
2024 - Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grant
2024 - Philadelphia’s Cultural Treasures Project Grant
2023 - Bartol/Marrazzo Teaching Artist Micro-Grant
2021 - Barnes West “Everyday Artists Partnership” Residency
2020 - Black Theatre Alliance of Philadelphia Grant
2018 - Small but Mighty Professional Development Grant, 2018
Group Shows & Exhibits
2025 - Bye, Buy 100 Artworks at $100, Luster Gallery & Studio
2025 - Creative Women in Lansdowne, 20*20 Gallery
2025 - The Philadelphia Show Exhibition, The Jane Gallery
2023- New Designer Showcase, Art to Ware Westfield World Trade Center
2023- Artblog’s 20th Anniversary Fundraiser & Auction, The Galleries at Moore
2023- Art & Textile Market / Showcase, James Oliver Gallery
2023- “MADE AT UTILITY WORKS” Gallery Show, Utility Works
2022- ArtWell "Awaken Your Dreams" Art Showcase, Old City Jewish Art Center
2019- Philly Fashion Week Kick Off, HOT•BED Gallery
2028- Taste the Runway Fashion Show, Asian Arts Initiative
2018- Raw Artist Philadelphia Showcase, Trocadero Theatre
2017- RM67 Eclectic Elegance Fashion Show, Indigo Bleu Design & Culture Center
Curated exhibitions & Projects
2024 - Building Community Through Creativity: Celebrating the Movement of Sketch Clubs, The Arts League
2023 - Creation in Community - Celebrating Community Arts in Philadelphia, The Arts League
2023 - I AM CREATOR / CREATION x Vicarious Love Installation, Philadelphia
2021 - I AM CREATOR / CREATION x Juneteenth Installation, Philadelphia
Publications
Kira, Bria: “A Stellar Life with Keyonna Butler”, Daydreamers Magazine, vol. 1, November 2017, p. 14 -19
Sander, R James: “Lookbook: Stellar Design”, Huff Post, May 2017
Sander, R James: “5 Ways to Wear Statement Denim” Huff Post, March 2017