Ashley McKenzie-Barnes premiered last week her latest art collection titled Black Diamonds – which is entirely dedicated to 7 women who have made great strides as black women performers in the Jazz and Motown scene, dating back earlier than 1900 who to this day still have a strong impact on music and culture today. These women were also huge influences in the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights movement. The collection is up for the whole month of February at N’awlins Jazz Bar & Dining in Toronto. You can also view and purchase the pieces here.

Black Diamonds captures the following women:

1. Billie Holliday
2. Lena Horne
3. Etta James
4. Ella Fitzgerald
5. Dorotthy Dandridge
6. Nina Simone
7. Diana Ross