Mission
We promote local Black artists who highlight Black culture through expression in craftsmanship, fine design, visual arts, performing arts, filmmaking, and literature.
"I really wanted the opportunity to make space for Black artists to show their work, and that's what I did."
— Maria M. Williams, Founder & Artivist
The Founding
In October 2019, Maria Williams launched The Art of Four after watching a news segment honoring local artists and realizing none of the celebrated artists looked like her.
She started with four Black artists. The collective has since grown to over forty ambassadors, with a sister gallery — In the Eye of the Beholder — and active partnerships with leading San Antonio cultural institutions.
Our work is grounded in a clear posture: Black artists are fine artists. Their work needs no translation, no permission, and no apology.
40+
Ambassadors
6
Disciplines
7
Years of programming
3
Institutional partners
The Work
Six art forms.
One collective.
One collective.
01
Craftsmanship
02
Fine Design
03
Visual Arts
04
Performing Arts
05
Filmmaking
06
Literature
In Partnership With
Trusted by the institutions
shaping San Antonio's cultural life.
shaping San Antonio's cultural life.
Texas A&M
San Antonio
San Antonio
Artpace
San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio
River Authority
River Authority
Sister gallery: In the Eye of the Beholder · San Antonio's first Black-owned gallery
Make space with us
Fund the work.
Your support directly underwrites artist stipends, exhibition costs, programming, and the gallery space that keeps Black artists visible in San Antonio. Three ways to participate.
Individual
Make a gift
A one-time or recurring contribution that goes directly to artist support, exhibition production, and programming. Every dollar moves the work forward.
Give now →
Recurring
Become an ambassador
Join our circle of monthly supporters. Ambassadors receive early invitations to openings, behind-the-scenes updates, and recognition in our annual publication.
Join the circle →
Institutional
Partner with us
For foundations, corporations, and cultural institutions: we welcome conversations about grants, sponsorships, and multi-year partnerships that align with our mission.
Start a conversation →
Art of Four Art Initiative is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. EIN: 99-1689891. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.