Briana Ariel

Black Voices & Visions at The Gallery at the Attucks through 04/03/26

Briana Ariel is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in contemporary textile art, oil painting, and photography based in Virginia Beach, VA. Briana Ariel’s art is poetry in visual form. Whether she is creating textile works, painting portraits in oils, or capturing moments through her lens, each stroke, each stitch, and each frame is a line from a poem. Just like her written poetry, all pieces are open to interpretation.

Through her art practice, she hopes viewers see themselves as strong, beautiful, more than enough, highly capable, and deeply loved. She received 2nd place in the Norfolk Botanical Gardens Diversity Gallery juried exhibition in February 2025. Her work extends globally through partnerships with organizations worldwide, reaching audiences as far as Brazil.

She uses her art as a form of philanthropy to create meaningful change in human existence. Through collaborations with nonprofits and community organizations, she leverages creativity to address social issues, promote mental health awareness, and foster conversations about self-worth and resilience-transforming art into a tool for healing and positive transformation.

Resume:
Visual Artist based in Virginia Beach, VA

EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Webster University
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Minor in Economics
Ferrum College

PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA
Book Illustration
Affirmation ABC for Little Ladies | Illustrated children’s book
Photography
Featured in FREED Magazine
Television
Featured on ABC 7, Washington DC for illustration work
Art
Tonkiri – Brazil

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
2025
2nd Place | Diversity Gallery Juried Exhibition | Norfolk Botanical Gardens

PROFESSIONAL FOCUS
Philanthropic Art Practice: Using art as a vehicle for social change and positive impact
Global Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations worldwide to extend artistic reach
International Exhibitions: Work featured in venues as far as Brazil
Community Engagement: Partnering with nonprofits and community organizations
Mental Health Advocacy: Promoting positive self-talk and self-worth through visual art
Social Impact: Addressing social issues through creative expression and authentic connection
Educational Outreach: Teaching children at Vacation Bible School, fostering creativity and positive self-image in young learners

ARTISTIC APPROACH
Specializes in mixed media works, illustration, and photography that combine textural elements, light capture, and emotional layering. Creates art intended as mirrors for viewers to recognize their own inherent worth and beauty, with a mission to help every person see themselves as beautiful, loved, and invaluable. Work spans multiple mediums including children’s book illustration and fine art photography.

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