On Friday, June 5, 2026, Smile, Bro., a new group exhibition curated by Al Bowman in partnership with Black Artist Forward, will open at Region Six Project in downtown Fayetteville. The evening will begin with a private preview tour at 6:00 p.m. for participating artists, Black Artist Forward members and invited guests, before opening free to the public at 7:00 p.m.. The exhibition will remain on view through July 5, 2026.
Bringing together more than 30 artists and over 40 works from across the country, Smile, Bro. explores the emotional landscapes of Black masculinity through themes of joy, vulnerability, softness, healing, identity and community care. Through painting, photography, mixed media and contemporary visual storytelling, the exhibition creates space for reflection and honest dialogue around mental well-being and emotional expression among Black men.
Featured artists include JaLisa McCullough, Samod Wilson, Zairis TéJion Miles, and Mar-Keith De’Quan, alongside a national roster of emerging and established creatives whose work challenges limiting narratives surrounding Black identity and masculinity.
Rather than presenting Black men solely through struggle or survival, Smile, Bro. intentionally makes room for tenderness, celebration, rest, intimacy, humor and emotional honesty. The exhibition invites viewers into a shared conversation about what it means to be seen fully, beyond expectation or stereotype.
“Smile, Bro. is about creating space for joy, for honesty, and for the full spectrum of emotion that Black men carry every day,” said curator Al Bowman in a press release. “It’s about reminding people that there is strength in feeling, and that community plays a vital role in healing.”
A portion of artwork sales from the exhibition will support Black Artist Forward and its ongoing mission to provide opportunities, resources and visibility for Black artists throughout the region and beyond.
For more information, media inquiries, or partnership opportunities, visit:
The US Army Special Forces (SF), known as Green Berets because they are awarded a green beret to wear following the rigorous selection and training process, are specialized military units trained to conduct special operations. Photo provided by the G
Fuel to Serve will go “beyond the dining hall,” using food and shared meals as trusted entry points to link families with a broader network of resources. Photo courtesy of USAA.USAA and the Robert Irvine Foundation recently announced Fuel to Serve. T
Yes, those are decorations currently in my home. Yes, I may have spent more money than average for two oversized mums that are taking up way too much space on my porch, and yes, I may have stood my ground in a Lowe’s hardware store arguing with my hu
