Bio:

Shanina Dionna is an award-nominated visual and performing artist, mental health advocate, non-profit youth arts educator and an expressive arts therapy student based in the Greater Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania (USA). Since 2011, her Embryo art exhibition series has helped build a platform raising awareness to mental health; currently supported in-part by DBHIDS (the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services). In 2016, she helped found the non-profit @artbudsphilly (on Instagram) currently housed at the Urban Art Gallery in West Philadelphia. In 2018, Shanina Dionna became one of 20 artists worldwide to receive The Dean Collection 20 grant presented by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. Her social change intent encourages a revolution in how our world perceives and responds to mental, emotional and behavioral discord and wellness - providing intention-based art activations within her annual exhibition series, Embryo, as part of a creative solution to the cause.

Artist Statement:

Shanina Dionna’s multidisciplinary works help encourage civic engagement via solution-based art installations and honest dialogue concerning mental health; helping to relieve the stigma and taboo yet plaguing our communities. Her advocacy translates via the visual and performing arts (acrylic portraits, movement and improv, live music performances and botanical therapy) - chronicling the life of one millennial of color as she exposes and learns from her own mental health and wellness journey. Since 2011, preparing for the annual Embryo art exhibition series has offered the opportunity to extend her personal “safe space” and address intimate behavioral health issues; educating guests via partnerships with local wellness communities.