2023 40 Under 40 Honoree: Jessica Gaynelle Moss (36)
“Regardless of if it’s a painting or an exhibition or a residency, my priority is the mission that the work is in line with. And that mission is about liberation for Black people, artists, women, mothers — those who historically have been excluded.”
Jessica Gaynelle Moss
Artist, Curator and Administrative Director, Sibyls Shrine
Jessica Gaynelle Moss calls herself a world builder — one who creates spaces that serve as “portals to see what is possible” for Black artists in Pittsburgh.
Moss helped to launch Sibyls Shrine in 2019 to empower Black artists who mother.
The art collective offers programs to its nationwide network of members to help them build successful art careers while supporting their families.
Moss has furthered her mission through philanthropic efforts around the city.
She used her platform as a philanthropy fellow at the Pittsburgh Foundation to support and reform initiatives such as the Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh grant program. And she also launched the Aboveground Railroad grant program that provides up to $10,000 awards to emerging Black arts administrators. It’s now in its third year.
