This creative social mixer brings together artists, art lovers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and culture enthusiasts for an evening of connection, conversation, music, and inspiration. Experience the exhibit one last time while networking with some of the area's most creative minds.

Theme: Color Is The New Black

Explore the artwork, meet fellow creatives, enjoy curated music, and celebrate the impact of art within our community.

✨ What to Expect:

• Final Viewing of the SMILE BRO Exhibition

• Creative Networking & Community Building

• Meet Local Artists & Creatives

• Live DJ Set by DJ Tommilee

• Curated Music & Elevated Vibes

• Interactive Art Conversations

• Photo Opportunities

• Drinks Available for Purchase

💛 Pay What You Want Admission

This event is open to everyone through a pay-what-you-want donation model. Whether you contribute $5, $10, $20, or more, every donation helps support the arts beyond this event.

100% of event donations will benefit Black Artist Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing Black artists through opportunities, resources, and community initiatives.

Hosted by Black Canvas | Al Bowman | Black Artist Forward

This program invites filmmakers, artists, and community members together for a curated screening experience centered on Black storytelling, men’s wellness, vulnerability, joy, and emotional expression. Throughout the evening, guests will view a selection of short films from independent filmmakers followed by thoughtful discussion surrounding the creative process, the art of filmmaking, and the emotional impact of visual storytelling.

The Art of the Short creates space for honest dialogue, artistic reflection, and community connection while celebrating the power of film to capture the complexity, softness, creativity, and humanity of Black life and identity.

Whether you are a filmmaker, creative, film lover, or someone simply seeking meaningful conversation and inspiring art, this experience welcomes you into an intimate environment where stories are meant to be felt as much as they are seen.

Soundtrack to Life: The Black Boy Joy Experience is an immersive creative wellness workshop designed to help Black men, creatives, and community members reconnect with themselves through music, reflection, and expression.

This experience combines guided journaling, live beat-making, freestyle/spoken word expression, and community dialogue to explore healing, identity, emotional wellness, and joy in a culturally relevant and engaging way.

Participants will experience:
• Guided reflection using the Soundtrack Journal
• Live music production and beat creation
• Freestyle, spoken word, and storytelling activities
• Group discussion and community connection
• A safe and supportive environment for creative expression

This is more than a workshop — it’s a space to create, reflect, heal, and connect.

No music or performance experience is required. Come as you are.

Hosted by Licensed Therapist, Creative Wellness Facilitator, and Music Producer D’Angelo Taylor of Soundtrack to Life LLC.

Date: Thursday, June 24, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Presented by Soundtrack to Life LLC

Limited capacity recommended for an intentional experience.

Black Men Bloom is more than a panel, it’s a gathering. A space where culture meets craft and conversation becomes medicine. Join me, LeJuane “El’Ja” Bowens, alongside Gabe Cooper, Keith Edward Sowell, and Samod Wilson as we sit at the intersection of artistry, identity, and brotherhood. We’re talking about the journey, the wins, the losses, the unseen battles, the creative process, and what it means to grow while carrying the weight and beauty of being Black men creating in the world. Expect honesty, laughter, perspective, and stories that live beyond the stage. Come build, connect, and pour into a space rooted in community and truth. Because Black men are more than survival stories. We are growth. We are art. We bloom.

The experience begins with a guided men’s yoga session focused on grounding the body, slowing the mind, and creating space to breathe with intention. Through movement, breathwork, and mindfulness, participants will be encouraged to reconnect with themselves physically and mentally while building community in a supportive environment.

Following yoga, participants will transition into Assembling Strength, a workshop from the Depression; Lack Of Expression? workshop series. This puzzle-based session guides participants through reflecting on past challenges, personal growth, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.

Together, both experiences are designed to work hand in hand — using movement to open the body and conversation to open the mind. Whether you attend for the full experience or a single portion, this gathering is meant to provide community, reflection, and practical tools participants can carry with them beyond the room.

Join us for an honest and impactful conversation centered on the realities Black men navigate while balancing creativity, career, relationships, fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal well-being.

As part of the Smile, Bro exhibition programming, Behind The Smile brings together artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, wellness advocates, media professionals, and mental health voices for a thoughtful discussion on emotional wellness, vulnerability, burnout, healing, and the pressures of everyday life.

This experience is designed to be more than just a panel discussion — it is an open community conversation. Guests will have the opportunity to engage directly with panelists through audience questions, shared reflections, and interactive dialogue throughout the event.

Whether you are a creative, professional, entrepreneur, father, student, or simply someone navigating life’s challenges, this conversation aims to create space for honesty, connection, and encouragement within the community.

Come as you are. Listen, reflect, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.

Join us for the opening reception of Smile, Bro.: A Visual Conversation on Healing & Joy, an immersive art exhibition exploring joy, vulnerability, identity, wellness, and the emotional experiences of Black men through contemporary art, culture, and conversation. This special evening invites guests into a thoughtfully curated space where visual storytelling, creative expression, and community connection come together.

More than an exhibition, Smile, Bro. is a cultural experience designed to encourage reflection, dialogue, and genuine human connection. Attendees will experience a collection of works from emerging and independent artists alongside music, interactive moments, and an atmosphere that blends creativity, emotion, and celebration.

This opening reception is intentionally rooted in culture, authenticity, and self-expression. Guests are encouraged to come as they are. Streetwear, luxe streetwear, sneakers, fitteds, grills, layered jewelry, cultural fashion, and personal style are all welcomed and embraced within the space. This is not a formal gallery experience — it is a culturally aligned creative environment where individuality, fashion, and expression are part of the art itself.

We want attendees to feel comfortable showing up fully as themselves while engaging with artwork that speaks to real experiences, real emotions, and real community. Whether you arrive elevated and fashion-forward or relaxed, Smile. Bro. is about creating a space where people feel seen, inspired, and connected.

Guests Can Expect:

• Curated contemporary artwork

• Opportunities to meet and connect with featured artists

• Music and elevated ambiance

• Interactive and community-centered experiences

• Creative networking and cultural connection

• A welcoming, culturally grounded atmosphere

• Fashion-forward energy rooted in Black culture and self-expression

• A pop-up shop featuring exclusive Smile, Bro exhibition merchandise and limited creative goods

The opening reception serves as the official launch of the exhibition and sets the tone for the programming to come throughout the exhibition run — blending art, culture, wellness, fashion, and community into one experience.

This exhibition is presented in collaboration with Black Artist Forward, advancing equitable opportunities, resources, and visibility for Black artists. Special thanks to Region Six Project for opening their doors and supporting this moment for art and community. This exhibition is sponsored by KTube.