Famous Footwear has partnered with a group of talented Black artists to create a limited edition line of sneakers in honor of Black History Month. The series, titled "Art Meant for Walking" features four unique designs that celebrate Black culture and history, while also showcasing the artists' individual styles and creative talents. The series features the work of Alannah Tiller, Brock Seals, Glenyse Thompson, Melissa Koby, and Kristen Woollery . Each artist created an original design using a shoe as their canvas to celebrate Black History Month. They were given the freedom to express their unique perspective on Black culture through their designs, resulting in a collection of sneakers that is both diverse and impactful.
Famous Footwear is committed to celebrating Black History Month and the immense contributions of Black artists to the world of fashion, art, culture, and society. Highlighting the power of the Black community while also serving and celebrating Black culture, through this artist series is a testament to that commitment.
Mike Edwards, President of Famous Footwear, expressed enthusiasm when asked about the partnership. He added, "We are honored that these incredible artists chose to collaborate with us, and we feel fortunate to have them as part of this inspirational celebration of diversity in art. The beauty in this moment is that we get to highlight the varied and inclusive nature of art that inspires us all."
Glenyse Thompson is a Florida-based artist whose work spans contemporary original art and design. Inspired by people and conversations, her artwork combines vibrant use of colors and textures, conveying the exuberant connections we have with each other and our environments.
Alannah Tiller's work mostly draws from pop culture and imagery she sees online - it is a response to the people and objects in her everyday life. Sometimes abstracting, sometimes simplifying- Ultimately, Tiller looks to find an alternative view of these everyday objects and people. Through the use of bold imagery, she attempts to amplify these themes using color, form and crisp line work.
Melissa Koby is a Jamaican-born artist and illustrator living in Tampa, Florida. She is a self taught artist who started painting at the age of four, when her mother gifted her a set of paint brushes and an easel. Through illustrations and surface design, Melissa focuses on creating warm yet vibrant imagery and patterns which highlight the beauty of people of color.
Brock Seals is a multi-faceted artist, whose creativity spans many different mediums, including his skills as a rapper and songwriter as well as a heralded painter and designer. Seals' work compliments the historic city of Saint Louis as he has painted several murals throughout the city from The Delmar loop to downtown. The St. Louis artist draws inspiration from his surroundings and experiences to create timeless art that resonates with the everyday consumer and serves as a reminder that the only thing more boring than a blank canvas, is a blank mind.
"I chose to participate in this partnership because sometimes as a visual artist the creator can be overshadowed. With this being said I hope this partnership will shed light on the creators behind the artwork," said Brock Seal on his partnership with Famous Footwear.
Overall, the Famous Footwear x Black History Month collaboration is a powerful example of how art and fashion can be used to celebrate and uplift Black culture. By partnering with these talented artists, Famous Footwear has created a collection of sneakers that not only look great, but also carry a powerful message of solidarity and empowerment.
Kristen Woollery is an artist from Brooklyn, NY, based in the D.C. metro area. Her passion for artistry and faith in God led her to express her ideas of beauty through painting abstract portraits of black women. These portraits honor the women that have raised her and the community that loved her into her purpose. Kristen's work also pays homage to her Trinidadian heritage and New York City upbringing. Kristen's rich cultural perspective has shaped, not only, the subject matter of her work, but also the bold and vibrant colors that she uses to express the strength, resilience and beauty present in the diaspora and her community at large.
"This partnership gave me the excuse and opportunity to pick up my paint brushes again, to create alongside other amazing Black artists, and to have a chance to be able to give back to a non profit that means so much to me. The Art Meant for Walking Series really represents the perfect trifecta for me," said artist Melissa Koby on her partnership with Famous Footwear.
To further support the Black community, Famous Footwear will make a $2000 donation to each artist's charity of choice, including the Black Artists and Designers Guild. Melissa Koby will auction her shoes off as well for additional donations. The Famous Footwear is also proud to support Ticket to Dream's Black Futures program during this time. The Black Futures program is dedicated to supporting and empowering Black foster youth with diverse books, toys and hygiene items, providing cultural training to foster parents, and much more.
Famous Footwear has partnered with Ticket to Dream Foundation since 2020 to help foster kids, and give customers the opportunity to invest in foster youth within their communities. In total, Famous Footwear has raised over $8.8 million for Ticket to Dream Foundation to date.
Category: Alannah Tiller, Black History Month, Brock Seals, Famous Footwear Sneaker Designs, Glenyse Thompson, Kristen Woollery, Melissa Koby, Men's Shoes, Men's Sneakers, Shoeography, Women's Shoes, Women's Sneakers
