Charlecia Joy standing next to a young artist holding a Stapledon Arts paint kit for kids

We Are Championing Representation & Transforming Creativity

Our vision is that Black & Brown communities are empowered through seeing representation, having access to inclusive art supplies, and receiving support in activating their creative skills to positively impact the world around them.

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Creativity

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Representation

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Art Education

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Professional Development

2022 & Beyond

We Began With — Melanin Series!

Throughout my 10 years in art education I have served thousands of students and portraits were the most requested assignment. In NYC (and many other cities) 85% of our students are students of color. So I set out to find skin tone paints to meet the needs of my diverse students but options were few. Our solution to this problem is to provide representation for Black and Brown Students, Emerging Artists, and Art Professionals with our product Melanin Series. ~ Founder/CEO Charlecia Joy

Melanin Series is a set of student grade acrylic paints featuring 12 inclusive skin tone colors.

We Thank Our Supportive Partners!

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Up foundation logo
Communitas America black logo
Local Initiatives Support Corporation logo
Harlem Business Alliance logo
New York Urban League logo
Stapledon Arts founder, Charlecia Joy smiling and posing in front of the George Washington Bridge

FOUNDER

Charlecia Joy

Stapledon Arts was born from Charlecia Joy's deep desire to revolutionize art education, sparked by her experience as a dedicated art educator in the New York City public school system. Identifying a critical gap in creative expression for students of color, Joy set out to address the lack of resources for exploring melanin tones. Driven by her vision for an inclusive art supply company, Stapledon Arts offers meticulously crafted skin-tone materials and paint kits that eliminates the intimidation art can bring. The company celebrates creativity, vibrant narratives, and amplifies marginalized voices in collaboration with BIPOC artists.

 
For Joy, Stapledon Arts embodies more than a business venture; it represents her journey from her Bahamian and Floridian childhood to her role as an agent of artistic empowerment in New York City. Rooted in communal spirit, academic achievements, and creative innovation, Joy's vision bridges past experiences with present aspirations, symbolized by the name "Stapledon" and the George Washington Bridge. Through Stapledon Arts, Joy's legacy of creative innovation and empowerment continues to inspire inclusive communities worldwide.