Editor’s note: Recognizing artists of color face barriers in the art world, the Equity In Art series seeks to amplify the work of minority artists. Through this series, ideastream will profile artists of various genres living and working in Northeast Ohio. Look for a new profile each Wednesday in September at arts.ideastream.org.

Cleveland artist Charmaine Spencer creates large-scale sculptures out of natural materials, finding new life for things like paper, dirt and wood.

Originally from Texas, Andrew Valdez now calls Cleveland home and creates in a variety of mediums, including theater and poetry.

Cleveland Jazz Singer Evelyn Wright grew an early love for music, which has endured for decades.

Cleveland graphic artist Jordan Wong grew up doodling and now creates whimsical drawings for a living. His Chinese-American Heritage shows up in his work, but doesn’t define who he is or his art.

Cleveland poet Dionne D. Hunter sparks conversations with poetry, most recently around Black Lives Matter.