ARTIST OF THE MONTH: AYSHA CHARISE

April 1, 2026

Hailing from Schenectady, New York, April’s Artist of the Month Aysha Charise began her career by packing up and taking her dreams of being an artist with her to New York City. While enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology for Textile/Surface Design, Aysha was able to hone in on varied skills and crafts that further ignited her passion. After getting her start in the big apple as a painter and curator, she moved back home and got to work. Since returning upstate, Aysha has been teaching art classes and curating galleries. Her latest gallery curation, “No Ma’ammy”, featured forty pieces by Black artists that showcased and celebrated Black women. After taking the opportunity to examine her artistry, we discussed everything from her commitment to one day having a wardrobe filled with her own handmade pieces, to her dedication to not only paint in color, but to live in it. Aysha states, “No one thrives in a grey world.” In a world that can at times feel so grim, Aysha’s light illuminates us all.

Shade & Shine

Acrylic

PETTY: Who is Aysha when she isn't creating?

CHARISE: A student of life, and I do mean that in a sentimental and poet way. When I’m not creating I’m trying to finish more books, reduce the time spent on my phone, consider graduate school, and add more creative community events to my calendar.

PETTY: How important was it for you to create a space that showcased Black artists and celebrated Black women in your most recent exhibit "No Ma'ammy"?

CHARISE: It was extremely important because I’d spent years seeing a Black artist’s name highlighted for an art exhibit only to experience yet another retelling of Black trauma and the torture of colonialism and fragility mistold as “supremacy”. I purposely wanted an exhibit where no Black woman was a servant, slave, or victim. I wanted to remind artists and non-Black people we deserve more than breadcrumbs of representation.

No Ma’ammy Exhibition

Photos courtesy of Aysha Charise

PETTY: After the success of "No Ma'ammy", how are you feeling and what is your plan moving forward regarding future events? and during a project?

CHARISE: I’m feeling successful and proud. A lot of people have said “can’t wait to see what you curate next”, which caught me off guard as I learn to embrace those that do want to see me win and also be entertained. I want to be recognized as a Black artist and also curate cultural experiences and not be pigeon held as “a Black artist that makes Black art”.

PETTY: Who do you go to, or where do you go, to find inspiration?

CHARISE: I go to one of the five journals I routinely write in. I love my colorful bedroom, a big art studio to myself, or the library. I find inspiration from answers to questions that pop up as I watch something new from today or nostalgia, listen to new music, and read a lot. It’s a weird science of looking, not looking, and resting to then write down notes and build a new idea.

PETTY: Is there a specific subject you tend to be drawn to when creating?

CHARISE: There tends to be an underlying tone of nature and queer identity in my pieces. My pieces are often loudly colorful interior designs of spaces I’d love to be or have been immersed in, fashion illustrations that story tell miscommunications in relationships, self discovery, and colors that move around the composition like I’ve witnessed my whole life during the changing Upstate NY weather seasons.

Safe Space

Gouache Watercolor

PETTY: Before beginning a project, which materials can you not start without?

CHARISE: At least 2 pencils (one being an inch or two from being unusable), my favorite pilot pen, and at least two journals I’m taking notes from.

PETTY: Does your art help you escape or be present? Or both?

CHARISE: Both. I have to ground myself in the present so I can chill, get started, and get lost in a flow state.

Modly Fierce

Soft Pastels

PETTY: From once aspiring to be a fashion designer to becoming an artist of a different form, do you ever intend on leaning back into fashion design? How has fashion impacted your art?

CHARISE: Yes! Months ago I grabbed my Grama’s 80’s sewing machine out of the attic so I could begin practicing where I left off as a teen: using patterns. I desperately want to be able to tailor and make my own clothes and am committed to learning how. My understanding of fashion comes from wearing quality cotton, linen, and wool fabrics. From a young age I’ve had an understanding of quality or quantity in my presentations.

PETTY: Do you have a signature in all of your artwork? Something that stays consistent no matter the job?

CHARISE: I think the color usage is my signature. I love ultramarine blue, hot pink, bold red, rich browns, and moody greens. I will throw in queer Easter eggs but I’ve noticed I receive way more acknowledgment for my “command of color”, and that’s me straight up being rebellious against today’s gray epidemic.

Nice Women Finish Last

Digital Mixed Media

PETTY: From teaching art classes locally, to curating exhibits, and everything in between, where is your favorite place your art has led you?

CHARISE: ...Back to me. I don’t even care how corny that sounds. My art has led me back to the parts of me that are happy, proud, afraid, angry, resentful, passionate, and confident.

PETTY: What is the message you want your art to convey?

CHARISE: I want my art to convey the message that even in a world where the well-being of a woman like me is not prioritized, my mindset, skill set, and commitment to learning expands past limited beliefs.