Judges
Rose Luangisa
Founder and Visionary, Luangisa African Galler, Mount Vernon, New York and the annual community event, the Wakanda Celebration
Born in Bukoba, Tanzania, Rose came to the U.S. in 1987 and earned both a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and an MBA from IONA College. She got her start at African Family Day at Memorial Park in Mount Vernon (her U.S. hometown) and opened Luangisa African Gallery in 1996.
Rose is is the founder and visionary behind Luangisa African Gallery and the annual community event, the Wakanda Celebration. LUANGISA African Gallery is located in Mount Vernon, New York and is currently open by appointment only. They carry authentic, Fair Trade, modern African art, artifacts, fashion, home decor, jewelry and textiles. They work directly with artisans across the continent to share our rich African culture and heritage with the world.
Over these 25 years, Rose has showcased artifacts and other crafts at those fairs, festivals and museum events which are symbolic of Africa’s rich cultural heritage, including Afropunk, International African Arts Festival and Dance Africa! In Brooklyn; Essence Music Festival in New Orleans; Capital Jazz Fest in Maryland, African Festival of the Arts and Arts and Crafts at the DuSable Museum, both in Chicago, African World Festival in Detroit, Newport Jazz Fest in Rhode Island, the Harlem Fine Arts Festival, the Zora Festival in Florida and many other venues.
Luangisa African Gallery social mission is:
Support economic empowerment for artisans and makers, especially women
Empower, connect and preserve African culture, heritage and traditions
The Gallery proudly feature the beautiful Makonde Sculptures from Tanzania, which are traditionally carved out of a single block of premium Tanzanian ebony hardwood. The sculptures are hand carved by renowned Makonde artists by only using a hammer and chisel; no modern power tools are used. We also have a wide variety of handcrafted Namji dolls, beaded shields, Tikar bangles, Juju hats and other decorative items made by Bamileke, Fulani and Tikar artisans in Cameroon. Our extensive collection of fine beaded Jewelry and accessories, inspired by the Maasai tribe, is made in our workshop in Tanzania.
Rose’s mission has always been to make both artisans and customers happy, to preserve African culture and traditions, and to empower and connect its people across the world. All are invited to make connections and enjoy live African music, drumming & dancing, various entertainment, an accessory fashion show, and refreshments while commemorating Celebrate Wakanda – A celebration of black excellence!
Learn more about Rose and the gallery on www.luangisa.com