Laura James

Working Artist and Independent Curator
Founder & Executive Director, BX200 Bronx Visual Artist Directory

Bio Photo

Photo credit: Enda Suarez

Laura James has been working as a professional artist and illustrator for over twenty-five years. In addition to painting sacred images from various religions, she portrays women, families, and scenes of everyday life; blending intricate patterns, text, vibrant colors and sometimes surreal imagery into what she calls “art for the people.”

Represented by Bridgeman Images for almost two decades, Laura James’ images have been published in hundreds of publications and media. Laura’s work is widely collected and exhibited, and Ms. James has also organized many exhibitions and special projects.

Laura is also a valuable member of her community, and is the originator and Executive Director of BX200: Bronx Visual Artists Directory, an online database of some of the Bronx’s best visual artists. This project is a collaboration with over 200 Bronx artists and organizations. In an effort to promote the arts and culture being created today in the Bronx, besides the Directory, BX200 is presenting events and art exhibitions around the city, making numerous studio visits with Bronx artists, and exposing their art worldwide. With an eye on creative solutions and service, she also promotes art and culture as a member of her community board.

Ms. James continues to be considered a leader on the Bronx art scene, and was recently a member of the Lincoln Center Cultural Innovation Fund panel, where over 1 million dollars was granted to art organizations in the South Bronx and Central Brooklyn. She is currently serving on the Bronx Children's Museum advisory board panel as they commission artists to make permanent art for their new facility.

Ms. James second children’s book, Boonoonoonous Hair! has just been released, and she is at work on special commissions, and preparing for three exhibition s this September, 2019. Ms. James lives and works in the Bronx, NY.

Video from The Nanny Series discussion recorded on October 20, 2019 at The Riverside Church with my sister/collaborator Dr. Sonia James-Wilson, Christine Lewis, Community Organizer with Domestic Workers United, and Rev. Alisha Gordon, Minister at The Riverside Church.