Dedicated artisans with a proven record of success.
Senior Leadership
The creative geniuses who make it happen!
CEO/Creative Director
Cary Michael is a native of Mobile, Alabama, now based in Washington D.C. He earned his BS in Fine Arts from Florida A&M University and MA in Design Management from Savannah College of Art and Design. While at Florida A&M, Cary served as Founder and President of the FAMU Fine Arts Society while working as a graphic artist for Tallahassee’s Brogran Museum.
In 2018, Cary founded Artbae (“Art Before Anything Else”) – an award-winning arts education, advocacy and events organization based in Washington D.C. Artbae facilitates “sip and paint” events, group and intimate paint parties, art therapy events and unique art buying opportunities for professionals, residents and visitors in the Washington D.C. and greater DMV area.
In 2020, Artbae was named Emerging Creative Winner in Washington D.C.’s 35th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. In 2021, the organization received the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC) Artist Fellowship grant. As of 2022, Artbae has been awarded with grants from the National Black Arts Project Relief Fund as well as the D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities.
In addition to his work with Artbae, Cary Michael serves as Design Examiner for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Studio Artist at the Creative Saints Loft in Hyattsville, MD and Welcome Team Ministry volunteer at Zion Church in Landover, MD. In recent years, he has served as both mentor and creative facilitator for Best Kids, Inc., a Washington D.C.-based non-profit committed to empowering foster youth in the D.C. area, as well as the YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Cary Michael’s artwork has been featured in the 2016 BET Awards, Harlem Fine Arts Show, the African American Civil War Museum and various other exhibits, including permanent collections, throughout the Washington D.C. metro area, New York, New Jersey, Alabama and Florida. Cary enjoys planning events and exhibitions that inspire courage – and is passionate about promoting equity and sustainable living, improving overall quality of life for all through effective use of creativity in all endeavors.
Alsean "Sean B" Bryant,
Creative Genius/Biz Manager
Sean B (PharmArtist) is, by profession, a pharmacist. Yet, through rediscovery, he has been driving in the HOV lane towards his "Promised Land" - the Land of intellectual and real property, that is! Enraptured by his passion to help and empower others, love of the entertainment arts, and desire to create generational wealth, this Soulstar is embracing every dimension of himself to bring his "PharmArtistREE" (Pharmacist, Artist, Real Estate Enthusiast) to life. As a pharmacist in the nonprofit sector, Sean B works with a team who provides quality health and advocacy services to clients "regardless of their ability to pay." As an artist, he sings on the worship team at his church and is a member of the Washington Redskins Marching Band Drumline. In addition, as a songwriter with funk, house, pop, R&B and disco influences, Sean B has most recently been in the studio, or the Crockpot as he likes to call it, creating a blend of sweet and savory vibes suited for any palette. As a real estate enthusiast, let's just say he has plans that have the capacity to impact communities and change the narrative of wealth building for his family and others. With these avenues being three integral pillars woven into his makeup, Sean B is on a quest to create an experience, The Sean B Experience, as his brand and reminder to others that good health, true expression, and wealth are all attainable with desire, faith, and the willingness to take action.
The Sean B Experience. This is Artbae in motion.
Ashanti Brown-Daniels,
Logistics & Operations Manager
Ashanti comes from a line of dancers and musicians and she follows in their footsteps. She's modeled for years and has been a star track athlete. However, Ashanti's “Art” is Events Logistics. Her goal is to make your event (whatever it might be) a success beyond your dreams. That’s Ashanti's #Artbae
Andrew Moore,
Programs & Design Strategy Coordinator
Andrew Moore is our Programs and Design Strategy Coordinator. His background in arts started with church where public speaking, Easter plays and choir were a part of the Sunday school curriculum. As he got older his artistic side further developed in high school when he joined Dem Raider Boyz step Squad, the dance company and took a liking to architecture. So grew his duality as he balanced the life of multi-team sports player, performing artist and science and technology student. Later at Drexel University while studying for his BS in Business and Engineering he started two companies, Premier Entertainment and Moore Wood. Both of these companies served as the creative outlets where he curated club events, open mic nights, pop-up boutiques and concerts as well as created paintings on his favorite medium; wood. Now working in construction management he uses his free time to create routines and teach the new generation of steppers as one of two coaches for the Lady Raider Step Squad as well as bringing his talents to the Artbae team.
Andrew's Artbae is “step” and teaching/inspiring people to do more than they thought they could. He's not quite a therapist or even a motivational speaker but he's a leader that will take you farther than you thought you could. He uses this to motivate students to not only be successful off stage in classes but also on stage to not only have fun but to win.
Aliya Duran, Strategic Partnerships Coordinator
Creative Director Aliya Duran, is the founder and owner of an innovative company called Mindbolic Studios. She drives on providing the ultimate creative client experience with the intent to service all music, media, beauty, and promotional needs.
She is highly proficient in project management and strategic planning, but also specializes in interior designing for restaurants, as well as residential and small businesses.
You can reach her via website www.MindbolicEnterprises.com or on all social media platforms:
@mindbolic
@mindbolicStudios
@mindbolicbeauty
Ground Team
In-House Artbae Artists
Artbae Apprentice
