Ethnic Mermaids
A celebration of culture.
the story of
The images and concept of Ethnic Mermaids (EM) was developed by artist Anthony Burks Sr. after a brief conversation with a woman who mentioned that she wished that there were mermaids that looked like she and her daughter. They both loved mermaids but all the ones they would see were blonde or redhead. None had natural hair (i.e. afros, locks or braids) or anything that could relate to them.
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Ethnic Mermaids was not solely created for people of color, but to expand the vision of what the world looks like through the lens of these mystical beings. And to celebrate the beautiful and rich cultures within Black, Asian and Native individuals.
EM has been portrayed on products such as coloring books, wearable apparel as well as fine art.
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Ethnic Mermaids (EM) is a brand created to show the mystical character in other ethnic images. ©2015 Ethnic Mermaids (EM) All rights reserved to ATB Fine Art Group Inc. Use of artwork without permission will be subject to legal action.
Meet the Artist
Father / Husband / Creative
Anthony Burks Sr.
Anthony Burks Sr. is a unique conceptual artist from Palm Beach County. His paintings mix colored pencils, watercolor, pen, and ink, and are characterized by his unusual choice of colors. Whether depicting birds, animals, mystical characters or people, Anthony is able to convey the intertwining of their beauty and their strength. He chooses his subjects because of what they mean to him, and he tells their stories through his combination of realistic forms, bright colors, and abstract images.
A graduate of the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Anthony has exhibited at galleries, museums, and events for over twenty years, including: the Endangered Species of Florida Exhibition at the Paul Fisher Gallery; Collaboration: African Diaspora at the Armory Art Center; juried exhibit at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens; CONTINUUM, ArtPalmBeach; Wild Things and The Mermaid Show.
He is the co-founder of ATB Fine Art Group Inc. an 28 art-based consulting firm that creates, sells, promotes and educates art of different disciplines nationally. This includes visual, performing and literary arts. Anthony has works in permanent collections including: the Cornell Museum, Broward College and the Canopy Hilton Downtown WPB.
One of the first of five fellows of the Artist Innovation Fellowship of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, Anthony has co-curated over 40 art exhibitions throughout the last 25 years.
Anthony continues to mentor fellow artists young and old, teaching them his techniques and encouraging them to pursue their own creative talents.