When my art TOUCHES YOUR mind, heart, or soul IT IS A SUCESS

 My work can be deeply narrative, incorporating textured acrylic into mixed-media works, often by layering historic periodicals and textiles,  which transforms each canvas into a visual storybook. Blending abstract or stylized figures with political, historical or contemporary images, keeps my work emotionally resonant and thought-provoking. 

 Themes of resilience, hope, and empowerment remain central to my figurative work.  An “incurable optimist,” I capture cultural and societal experiences in ways that resonate deeply with viewers. Many of my titles carry uplifting messages, reflecting strength, perseverance, and triumph over adversity. My 2019 solo exhibition, "SHE Power… With Grace", at the Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles celebrated the beauty, strength, and grace of women while emphasizing identity and empowerment.

My artistic journey is self directed reflecting self-discovery, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit spanning more than 40 years in art. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, settling in California at an early age, California is home.  My relentless pursuit of creative exploration allows me to refine my distinctive style. My curiosity about color, texture, and composition continues to shape my evolution as an accomplished and expressive artist. One collector described my work as "a breath of fresh air" noting my works ability to inspire, uplift and beautify while telling meaningful stories.  Thanking you in advance for taking this journey with me and finding pieces of my collection that touch your heart mind or soul for only then will my journey with you be a success.

Despite her success, she remains deeply connected to her community. She frequently donates art and has created posters for the National Forum of Black Public Administrators, and the Pan African Film and Art Festival in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared on the cover of the Journal of the National Medical Association and in Ebony magazine. She also mentors emerging artists and advocates for greater visibility and support for artists of color by producing inclusive Pop-Up Galleries.

Her work has been commissioned by major organizations including the March of Dimes, Black Enterprise Magazine, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Pan African Film & Art Festival. Notable collectors include Billy Dee Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Alden Mc Donald of Liberty Bank, New Orleans and other prominent cultural and business leaders.

RESUME (SELECTED RECENT ENTRIES)

CURATED GROUP GALLERY SHOWS:

Gallery 626,  Santa Monica, CA  2025

Gallerie Aziz,  Leimert Park Village Los Angeles, CA  2025

Lancaster Art Vault,  Lancaster, PA  2025

West Chester County Studio Tour,   Westchester, PA 2024

Art Basel (Spectrum Art) Miami, FL.  2023

Harlem Fine Art Show, NY NY  2015-2023

CURATED SOLO MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS:

Museum of African American Art,  Los Angeles, CA 2025

Museum of African American Art,  Los Angeles, CA 2008

CURATED GROUP MUSEUM EXHIBITS

San Bernardino County Museum, San Bernardino, CA 2017

Bank One Museum,  Wilmington, DE,  2013

Riverside Art Museum, Riverside, CA  2012

PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

Dallas City Hall,  Dallas, TX

National Forum of Black Public Administrators,  Wash, DC

Morehouse School of Medicine,  Atlanta, GA

Black Enterprise Magazine, NY, NY

PRIVATE COLLECTIONS

V. Montgomery Rice, Dean, Pres. Morehouse School of Med. ATL, GA

Ed Gordon, Journalist, Political Commentator

Earl Graves Sr. Publisher

Billy D. Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Hon. Judge Greg Mathis

PUBLICATIONS

Essence Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Voyage LA Magazine. 

JNMA Magazine, LA Sentinel, Change the Narrative, (Hard Cover Book)

COMMISSIONS

National Medical Assoc.  Pan African Film and Art Fest,  

National March of Dimes,  Black Enterprise Magazine,

Diana Shannon Young

19510 Van Buren Blvd. Suite F3-235 Riverside, CA 92508 

(951) 536-2662 

dsyabstractart@gmail.com  or  dsyfineart@gmail

dianashannonyoungabstractart.com or

dianashannonyoungfineart.com