Artist: SHENNA VAUGHN
Shenna Vaughn is a Queens-born visual artist, educator, curator, and community powerhouse whose bold, soulful work reflects the energy of New York City. Her abstract expressionist style—layered with rich textures, geometric forms, and vivid color—explores themes of identity, empowerment, and self-reflection.
With roots fine arts (Hunter College, F.I.T), and business (MBA), Shenna blends creative vision with strategic insight in both her studio and public art practice. As co-founder of Vaughn Bentley Creative LLC, alongside artist William Bentley, she leads impactful projects that uplift local artists and build meaningful cultural connections through exhibitions, murals, and community programming.
Her work has been showcased in dynamic spaces, including the A Traveling Dream exhibition at JFK Terminal 8, and collected by high-profile names such as Beyoncé, NBA player Josh Powell, and journalist Mara Schiavocampo. Shenna’s contributions have earned her recognition and awards from the Queens Council on the Arts, RDRC, and City Artist Corps. She has also completed artist residencies in Japan, Governors Island, and is currently in studio residence with JCAL, and Art on the Ave.
Through every piece and project, Shenna creates work that resonates with collectors, uplifts communities, and inspires the next generation of artists to lead with purpose and passion.
Shenna Vaughn: Legacies
Shenna Vaughn is currently showcasing her series, Legacies: A Portrait Collection. Her art work fuses abstract expression with meticulous brushwork, layering symbolism into lush gradients and whimsical dimensions. Shenna often paints directly onto wood, a medium she values for its natural texture and enduring resilience, using it as a foundation for her collage-like compositions that merge painting with mixed media.
Her innovative process incorporates 3D elements such as beading, hair, and African-inspired masks—especially within her portraiture. These compelling works predominantly celebrate the beauty, resilience, and cultural legacy of women. Each portrait is not only visually striking but also deeply rooted in themes of ancestral strength, triumph, and radiant identity.
Select pieces from Legacies are currently exhibited in galleries across New York City. Shenna also debuts new work at her studio space in collaboration with Art on the Ave.