Deirdre Washington
Deirdre Washington
Was born in Harlem where she attended A. Phillip Randolph High School, and was a Library Page at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
After graduating from Clark University with a degree in Arts Education, she taught middle and elementary school students in Atlanta for 15 years. Deirdre enjoyed infusing art appreciation into school culture and giving young people opportunities to reach their full potential through creative expression.
Deirdre returned to New York City and committed herself to her artistic journey. She developed the Faysĭz of Fōlk series, depicting people who look somewhat similar but are actually very different.
She created her first collection of handmade tote bags based on her original canvas works. These versatile bags, constructed with red interiors and handles and designed to carry books and an ipad, are dedicated to her mother who lost her battle with HIV/AIDS in 1990.
Deirdre served as an Apprentice at SoHarlem until 2019. As an apprentice, she assisted with studio management and sales while perfecting her work in textiles. In 2017, she joined the City University of New York’s School of Medicine as the Site Coordinator in the Physician Assistance Program.