IE Voice Contributor
World-renowned artist KADIR NELSON (frequent contributor to The New Yorker magazine) and award-winning educator and socialpreneur, DR. JUNGMIWHA BULLOCK N. (owner of Downtowne Bookstore) welcome 10 young and emerging artists (age 17 – 22yrs) from around the U.S. and abroad for the inaugural all-expenses paid, two-week Kadir Nelson Institute for Young and Emerging Artists (KNIYEA) Summer Art Intensive Academy, beginning July 25, 2026. This competitive academy marks the students’ first visit to Riverside, CA, each of whom were hand-selected by instructors Nelson and Bullock N. who will provide hands-on art and business instruction, studio art space, field trips to the USA BASKETBALL 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Competition and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy for live sketching, and special guest lectures. The academy will culminate with an art exhibition opening at THE JKBN GALLERY in Downtown Riverside, CA on August 6th from 7 pm – 9 pm during Riverside ArtsWalk and will feature the original artwork created by KNIYEA artists during the academy.
The exhibition entitled “BRIGHT LIGHTS” will be open to the public (by rsvp only–space is limited. RSVP info@thejkbngallery.com ). Sales from the exhibition will benefit KNIYEA student artists and the KNIYEA program.
The KNIYEA Summer Art Intensive Academy is sponsored by Dr. Bullock N and Mr. Nelson, as well as a host of national organizations including USA BASKETBALL and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, the City of Riverside, and a host of local downtown Riverside businesses.
About KNIYEA
The Kadir Nelson Institute for Young and Emerging Artists, Inc. (KNIYEA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing and empowering aspiring artists across the lifespan through education, mentorship, and opportunity. Your tax-deductible donation helps supports our programs to inspire creativity and build a brighter future for young and emerging talents.