Jaye Tremille McNair

Jaye "Osunbunmi" McNair Obaseki is an artist, educator, and curator with a deep focus on textiles and fiber creations, particularly in the realm of cultural art. With over fifteen years of experience, she has honed her craft through teaching and collaborating on art projects with children. Her creative journey is strongly influenced by the vibrant colors and rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba tradition, as well as the artistic legacies of Faith Ringgold, Carrie Mae Weems, Kara Walker, and Harriett Powers. Obaseki holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design from Drexel University and a Master of Arts from the University of the Arts, both located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 After more than a decade of teaching children of various ages in public schools, she embarked on a path to further her education by pursuing a PhD in Art Education, which she completed in 2018. Her driving motivation is to develop a "critical pedagogy" for art education, aimed at empowering underserved youth in marginalized communities to help them develop self-determination. I want to create culturally relevant artistic experiences for diverse populations, particularly those of African descent. 

In 2019, Jaye "Osunbunmi" McNair Obaseki served as the artist-in-residence at Philadelphia's 40th Street AIR Gallery. During her residency, she had the opportunity to immerse herself in the local artistic community through Sankofa Artisans Guild and further explore her artistic practice. This residency provided valuable time and space for Jaye to focus on her quilting and doll work, experiment with new techniques, and connect with fellow creatives. Obaseki's residency at the 40th Street AIR Gallery allowed her to share her talents with the Philadelphia community. Jaye "Osunbunmi" McNair Obaseki's professional engagements and contributions in the arts and education sector showcase her dedication to fostering creativity, cultural empowerment, and social justice