Best of 2023 * the winners December 2022, Cobbs unveiled concept drawings he designed that will inspire the Henrietta Lacks sculpture to be erected later this year as a part of the Henrietta Lacks Hidden Histories Project. The reveal drew a big crowd of local supporters, and it also received national attention. In February, Cobbs completed the Heart of Gainsboro Project in which he created an oil painting acknowledging Black community members that were displaced during the urban renewal efforts of the 1950s. Cobbs presented the painting to the individuals represented in the piece before it was digitally reproduced and displayed on the back side of the Berglund Center. He also participated in the creation of the 2020 " End Racism Now " street mural on Campbell Avenue and served as a collaborator on the Nipsey Hussle mural outside The Humble Hustle Company as well as on rapper Wale's " Wow... That's Crazy " album cover. Cobbs has also shown his artwork at numerous exhibitions in the region. While Cobbs says that his biggest challenge as an artist is staying motivated through the ebb and flow of daily life, there's nothing more rewarding than loving what you do and following your dreams. " Every painting or drawing I finish [feels] better than my last and that constant feeling of progressing in my passion gives me the best feeling I can imagine. " Learn more about Bryce Cobbs, his artwork and upcoming projects on his website at artbybryce.com. -SR 102 May/June 2023 TheRoanoker.com DAVID REHOR / COURTESY OF BRYCE COBBShttp://www.artbybryce.com http://www.TheRoanoker.com