Arizona Humanities

Rooted in Place: Identity, Home & the Canvas of Community Change
2026-02-17 11:30 - 12:45 UTC | Chandler Gilbert Community College, 2626 E Pecos Road, Chandler, AZ, 85225, United States
This presentation invites audiences into the vibrant world of Phoenix-born artist Antoinette Cauley, whose powerful murals and community activism are deeply shaped by her connection to place. Through personal storytelling, striking visuals, and reflection on her journey of self-discovery, Cauley explores how understanding her identity and hometown became the foundation for her art and her impact on Arizona’s cultural landscape. This talk reveals how place-based identity transforms not only individual expression but also entire communities — turning city walls into living landscapes of heritage, resilience, and hope.

International artist Antoinette Cauley was born in Phoenix, Arizona and draws her inspiration from the grittiness and beauty within her place of birth. Her work is heavily influenced by Black American hood culture with a feminist undertone and an overall focus of Black empowerment. Visually, she combines the dynamism of Black American culture with powerful punches of vibrant color and deep, emotionally driven messages. Cauley attended Mesa Community College (MCC) where she studied Fine Art with an emphasis in painting. Along with her unique and distinguishable paintings, Cauley is most known for her nine stories tall mural of Civil Rights activist, James Baldwin in downtown Phoenix, Arizona and her recent mural project with Brittney Griner & the Phoenix Mercury. Cauley has won several awards for her works including first place at the Artlink 19th Annual Juried Exhibition in 2019. Along with her awards, Cauley has been featured on various television and print publications including PBS, NPR, JAVA Magazine (cover), Forbes and was named one of Phoenix Magazine’s “Great 48: 48 Most Influential people in the state of Arizona” in 2019.
