ONYXCON, LLC . Joseph R Wheeler III is a proud southerner, born and raised in Atlanta, GA. He attended public schools in Atlanta Public School system and graduated honored from Benjamin Elijah Mays High School in SW Atlanta in 1993. He completed his foundation studies at Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, NY. He then went on to study drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture at the Atlanta College of Art (now SCAD Atlanta) where he acquired his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in 1997.
An important fixture in the Atlanta art community with a commitment and experience working with Fulton County Office of Aging, Fulton County Arts Council, Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Union City Parks & Recreation, Fulton County Parks & Recreation, Atlanta Fulton Public Library System, and countless other Arts & Culture providing institutions nation wide. Wheeler has been dedicated for over 20 years as an Arts Instructor and Therapeutic Creative Activities Specialist for both youth arts organizations and the Senior Citizen population (focusing on Adult Day Programs for Alzheimer's/Disabled Seniors). Wheeler has faced the challenges to Atlanta's Arts community with unfaltering service, maintaining progressive and innovative contributions to the Arts.
Currently, Joseph is very busy honing his skills for Film as a SAG-AFTRA Eligible Actor, a writer, producer, and director. In growing the ONYXCON INSTITUTE and his appearances as a panelist/instructor he has worked with other conventions like ECBACC, MOMOCON and organizations such as Atlanta Fulton Public Libraries, and Emory University's Michael C Carlos Museum, to list a few. He is currently open to bookings - JRW3ART@gmail.com
As a professional Artist, Wheeler's career continues to be praised with accolades in publications such as the International Review of African American Art ( IRAAA ) published by Hampton University and BLACK COMIX: African American Independent Comics Art and Culture - internationally and domestically distributed who's who of Black comics, conventions, and more.
* Wheeler's latest historic masterpiece is an homage to the history of the African Diaspora in Star Trek canon. The piece entitled UAC - ANKh Project ( United African Confederation ANKh) is a FAN ART work that features a chosen 50 plus faces of known and often overlooked legendary characters ( actors and actresses) from the Star Trek TV and film series.
TANYA WOODS - Queen of Cosplay
A Queen of Cosplay at ONYXCON and a regular contributor of Trivia PowerPoint presentations and Cosplay community outreach. Tanya is especially known for her absolutely amazing LADY SANKOFA/THE SANKOFA LADY Cosplay she debuted at the first ONYXCON:Sankofa held at Wolf Creek Library! Thank you Tanya for all your support and creativity! Keep making amazing cosplays and inspiring others of the Art that they can be whatever there imagination allows.
IYABO SHABAZZ With Her Art at the ONYXCON 5 Art Exhibition Opening.
IYABO SHABAZZ ( *Former Logistics Advisor/Designer/Co-Curator of Exhibits )
Miss Shabazz was the logistics advisor, co-curator of multiple exhibitions, and an assistant/contributing graphic designer for ONYXCON from 2009 - 2014. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Shabazz matriculated and graduated with honors at Clark Atlanta University. She is a prolific drawer, painter, jewelry and related crafts master, professional dancer of African dance/HipHop/Capoeira, and more styles. A true ambassador of the Arts - Miss Shabazz's contributions to ONYXCON's glorious history will forever be appreciated with honor in the annals of ONYXCON.
ZANO
ZANO - DJay Emeritus of ONYXCON
in some dimensions known as ERIC LUDGOOD is the DJay EMERITUS of ONYXCON! Infinite cosmic collector of soulful Funk from the depths of VINYL Galaxies! He is a true mix master and just when you think you know his style, or the depth of his collection, he will transport you to a new dimension whether HipHop, R&B, Soul, Funk, House, or something cannot even categorize. Forever a friend to ONYXCON, many a club, lounge, and store knows the legacy of ZANO as a DJay. He is also a truly PROLIFIC EMCEE who is a genuine wordsmith and freestyle legend in Atlanta and abroad. Infinite salutes to our friend and musical master of ceremonies - ZANO!
Salondia Popson - Aveni
FACILITY MANAGER - SOUTHWEST ARTS CENTER
(Our Primary Venue)
Salondia is a native of Ft. Gaines, GA and a graduate of Fort Valley State University with a B.S. in Animal Science. She began her artistic career at the tender age of nine as a dancer with Patti Rutland Simpson, a student of the legendary Gus Giordano and director of the critically acclaimed dance company Patti Rutland Jazz. Salondia relocated to Savannah, GA in 1997, began teaching dance, and became a member of Sankofa Dance Theatre. During her time with Sankofa, she served as a choreographer, the Rehearsal Director and the Assistant Artistic Director for the company. As an amateur and a professional dancer she has had the opportunity to work with world renowned choreographers, perform on national and international stages, and study traditional West African Dance in Senegal, West Africa. In 2006 she made Atlanta her home and began working in television as Director of Entertainment for Teen City Productions. In 2008 she transitioned back into theater and is currently the Production Manager for the Fulton County Department of Arts & Culture’s Southwest Arts Center Performance Theater and Gallery. In 2018 she became the new facility manager!
She looks forward to continued service in this industry.
BRIAN HEBERT - South West Arts Center Arts Specialist/ Exhibitions Specialist & Assistant Curator for ONYXCON
Brian Hebert is a visual artist, born and raised in Los Angeles, California. A graduate of Southern University, Brian was the Visual Arts Specialist at the Southwest Art Center and then he became Arts Education Coordinator before moving on in 2018, leaving his position to build many new Arts business ventures. One of which is his very own apparel brand known as Babylon B-Wear !
Brian is also currently working of curation and collaborative Arts exhibits domestically and internationally!
As a curator, he has conceived and organized many group juried and invitational exhibitions as well as solo exhibitions for artists.
Brian is a painter that works in acrylic on wood or canvas, his compositions are inspired by music, especially hip hop music and culture.