I am a self taught artist. I paint under the moniker Melosa Basquiat as a tribute to my cousin, the late artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat and the Basquiat legacy of activism, Our grandmother, Cheristine Basquiat was an activist and political prisoner in Haiti while under the Papa Doc dictatorship, Following her release, our family fled to the US to escape political persecution. My cousin, Jean-Michel went on to be one of the most notable artists of our time. Prior to painting full time, I have over a decade of experience working with children and families in the non-profit sector; mainly child welfare and family preservation, I currently instruct private paint events for both adults and children. As a tribute to my both grandmother’s and cousin’s strength and bravery; I have purposed to help mentor a generation of artists who are not afraid to be leaders; and are not afraid to use their gifts to be and agent of change for the good of their own communities.