Naimah Creates

08/01/2025

07/09/2025

JOIN US SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2025
12:30PM – 7PM | EVENT IN THE ALICE CENTER FOR EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT

We are excited to present the Hidden GEMS (Goodman Entrepreneur Market) Pop-up! This year’s Pop-Up event coincides with the major revival of The Color Purple. In its third year, this market showcases and celebrates the incredible work of Black creators and brands across various fields, including fashion, art, music, literature, cuisine, and more.

Open to the public and all patrons attending the Goodman for the production of The Color Purple.

BOX OFFICE HOURS
Phone: 312.443.3800
Email: [email protected]
Group Sales: 312.443.3815
Open Daily, 12noon – 5pm.

On days with performances, the Box Office walk-up window is open one half-hour after curtain time.

06/15/2025

Hey! I’m vending Juneteenth market this year! I’m clearing out my inventory to make way for new ideas. I’ll be selling most prints for $10-$20, blank cards for $2, screen prints for $40 and more!

“Juneteenth is a reminder that freedom is a journey, not a destination.”

I look forward to seeing you all!

01/01/2025

2024 was a year of exploration, creation, pause, pain, and realizations.

I started the year off in Tanzania and I had a wonderful time reconnecting with people and taking time to be outside of the US for a bit.

In February/early March I was laid off. I saw this as time to rest and reset creatively. To get back to creating art, building community with others, and a much needed pause. Little did I know a little life was growing inside of me. I spent most of March being tired and not knowing why.,

In April 4th…my birthday I found out I was expecting.

At around 10/12 weeks I was told by a genetic counselor that I’m a Fragile X carrier and that I could possibly pass the gene on to my child. So wanting to proceed with an abundance of caution, care, and the knowledge of how cruel systems can be to folks who have different abilities I went through with an amniocentesis. It was uncomfortable and stressful to 24 hours to ensure no bleeding or complications occurred.

Fast forwarding to December I begrudgingly took some pregnancy pics via my friend and knowing what I know now…I’m glad I did my pregnancy despite being advanced maternal age was healthy. I walked almost 10k steps a day, gained about 10lbs the entire pregnancy, survived a fractured foot, and avoided gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Shortly after being discharged I noticed my optimal 120/80 BP was slowly creeping up. One day its was 129/84 and the next day it was 140/90. So I trusted my gut and went to ER. After two ER visits I was diagnosed with postpartum and was placed on emergency medication to prevent me from having a stroke or heart attack.

So the last 4 weeks have been a scary roller coaster ride. From being happy about having a baby to currently taking BP meds daily…I’ve never had to manage anything other than allergies. I hope to eventually get off the meds as time progresses.

Not sure what will happen in 2025 or what creativity will look like for me. I’m just glad to be here to cuddle with the little one, see people I care about, and create.

If you would like to send support or a meal feel free to Venmo me

💜

📸 by

07/22/2024

Join us for a free family-friendly event at Navy Pier! I’ll be tabling with

The Design Museum of Chicago’s annual outdoor program creates an approachable and surprising celebration of Chicago’s outdoor spaces through a design lens. Field Day is an annual summer event that brings together thousands of Chicagoans celebrate our environment, culture, and outdoor public spaces.

Art Design Chicago has sponsored an incredible Flag Exhibition featuring new work from these designers and artists:

Blake Jones, Bryanna Bibbs, Cristina Bottia, Eric O’Malley, Eugene Taylor Brand, Jeff Zimmerman, Jen de los Reyes, Jenny Beorkrem, Kevin Walsh, Krista Wortendyke, Nate Otto, Sickfisher, Tanner Woodford, Taylor Varnado, Lucie van der Elst, Brittany Vibbert, Delisha, All Star Press, Simple Truth, SPAN, Shawnimals, and more!

Local Vendors, Designers and Cultural Institutions will be showcasing their work at this family friendly event. See the incredible work happening all across Chicago from these great folks:

Connect Gallery
SkyArt
6018North
Nest
Intuit
Callie Decor
Rebuilding Exchange
Corepower Yoga
TRACE - Chicago Park District Program
prgrssn llc
Lin Bader
Emilia Art Stuff
GOOSH
CHIRP
You Are Beautiful
Chicago Alternatives Comic Expo (CAKE)
Band of Gold
Soma Gems Jewelry
Chicago Design Archive
Reformed School
Southport Fundamentals
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Plantedby02
Alternatives
Butterscotch Sewing
Monday Coffee
Chicago Graphic Design Club
Depart with Art
Chicago Public Library Maker Space
Trash People
Bronzeville Neighborhood Farm
University of Chicago Arts + Public Life
L1 Cohort
Sandbox Carbon
mHUB
Chicago Adventure Therapy
Forest Preserve of Cook County
AIGA Chicago
South Side Community Arts Center
Art Design Chicago

-and more!

Times:
11:00am-12:00pm Free yoga flow from Corepower will kick off and celebrate the day at 11:00am on the south stage.
10:00am-3:00pm face-painting, chalk, bubbles available at the Design Museum’s member tent.

06/22/2024

Snapped a quick picture hike walking across the bridge. is really beautiful in the summer! ❤️

📸: Naimah Thomas

06/12/2024

Join the Chicago Poetry Center for the exhibition opening of A Bigger Table: 50 Years of the Chicago Poetry Center.

Absolutely free and accessible to all. If you can’t be there in person you can join the event virtually.

I’m a current Board Member and would love to see you there!

Join us for the exhibition opening of A Bigger Table: 50 Years of the Chicago Poetry Center.

06/11/2024

Come celebrate with me! I’ll be vending in a couture and possibly with my new set of crutches!

Swipe to see my boot ❤️

Posted • Come to our fourth annual Juneteenth Freedom Market, leave with a tooth gem. And a new tea to brew. Or a new piece for summer — preloved, brand new or crocheted by hand 🤲🏿⁠
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Todays vendor preview proves there’s something for everybody come June 19 🫂 ⁠
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As always — RSVP using the link in the bio 🔗⁠

04/12/2024

CALLING CREATIVE ARTS THERAPISTS

CROSS CULTURAL EDUCATIONAL
EXCHANGE PROGRAM TO KENYA

APPLY NOW
FEBRUARY 6 - 21, 2025
FEBRUARY 6 - 23, 2025*
“ OPTIONAL SAFARI EXPEREINCE
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

DUE MAY 15 / TRIP APPLICATION MAY

Join us for our 15th annual exchange of skills and knowledge about the creative arts therapies.

Image Description - 2024 TAPTA STORY Cloth hands intertwined with story clothes lying on the floor.

WE ARE
LOOKING FOR
We are looking for experienced
creative arts therapists(dance/ movement, drama, music, poetry, and /or visual art) and related professionals (counselors and social workers) to assist with basic and advanced training workshops.
Students and new professionals are also welcome to apply.

Two $2,500 scholarships available;
Preference is given to drama, music, and dance/movement therapists.

Fees: $4900 covers R/T airfare, accommodations, most meals, travel within Kenya, underwriting of trip leader, and program costs, including contribution to costs for East African participants. Additional $950 for optional safari.

Payment plans are available, non-refundable deposit is required.

Late trip applications are accepted, but may result in additional fees due to increased airfare, etc.

For an application and more information about trip logistics, please contact.

Linda Stolz, GAA Program Officer, [email protected]

03/26/2024

I had the chance to participate in another Brushes with Cancer program and was paired up with . JJ truly is an inspiration and has a warm spirit that radiates through time zones. Over our time working together I got a chance to hear his story and gain insight to what keeps him going. Here is the art we created together. It’s inspired by his favorite character .

“Have you ever been afraid of the dark? How does it feel to turn on the light? It (the force) feels like that.” - Obi-Wan

“Light, Strength, Goodness, and Hope.”

16” x 20” Digital Illustration printed on matte paper in 19” x 27” frame.

Artist: Naimah Thomas
Inspiration: JJ Singleton

“Cancer is all-encompassing and it can be the loneliest place in the world, but don’t isolate. Reach out and find your place your way or anything that helps you through. Finding amazing friends in communities I never knew existed and allowing myself to escape for periods of time has been the best lesson in dealing with cancer but also with life.”

-JJ Singleton

The 2024 Spring Brushes with Cancer Art Auction is live! You can bid on my art now and support people impacted by cancer.

Link to the 2024 Live Auction -
https://shorturl.at/bcKUW