SAN ANTONIO — Maverick Pascal is passionate about the stories behind artwork. 

“How do you know when it’s done?” Pascal asked an artist. 

He found it invigorating to see young artists, such as 19-year-old Josiah Harris, at his first art show.

Harris was one of 15 Black male artist in the “Non-monolith Art Exhibition.” 

“There’s not a lot of spaces where Black men get to feel vulnerable and safe,” Pascal said. “That’s what we wanted to have that conversation amongst each other.” 

Beyond art, conversations revealed how artists, including Alexander Mcbeth, used coffee and watercolors to depict the untold stories of Black hockey players. 

“I don’t see too many brothers that’s into hockey,” Mcbeth said. “Come to find out, that’s ours, 1895.” 

A show was co-curated by Pascal and artist Calvin Presley in San Antonio’s downtown. 

He questioned whether finding fifteen Black male artists was possible in a city where only 7% of the people are Black. 

“For him (Josiah) to be in this show, it’s healing to me,” Pascal said, pointing to Harris. “As far as my own inner child, as far as finding my way as an artist.” 

According to Zippia, Black painters makeup 9.8% of the art profession. Pascal has been creating spaces for Black artists by hosting six major arts shows in the past few years. 

“Thank you Mr. Maverick,” Harris said, hugging Pascal. “I’m happy to be here, it’s opens doors for me.” 

The name “Non-monolith,” Pascal and Presley believe, underscores the Black community’s diverse nature.

“We are not all the same, but at the same time, we can all come together as one,” Pascal said. 

Their collaboration produces art, forges relationships and creates opportunities that might not have otherwise emerged.  

“There’s a lot of talent here in San Antonio, African American talent,” Mcbeth said. “Shows like this gives us an opportunity to say ‘here we are.’”