Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud is an artist, writer, and leader.

She creates art about geography, mapping, space, and nature. She has participated in exhibitions and residencies throughout the Americas, including the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America. She was a 2023-24 Artist Studio Program at Lawndale Art Center and has had recent solo exhibitions at Lawndale in 2024, the College of the Mainland Gallery in 2025, and recent group shows at DiverseWorks, Orange Show for Visionary Art, Artpace, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and Houston Public Library’s Gregory School.

She also leads environmental advocacy and cultural strategies. Since 2021, she has served as the Executive Director of Bayou City Waterkeeper, where she leads collaborative efforts on water quality, wetland protection, and flood resiliency, with a focus on environmental justice and climate resilience. Before this, Ayanna launched public programs at Houston Botanic Garden; led multidisciplinary and cross-cultural program development at nonprofits and universities throughout the U.S.; served as a consultant for Index Art Services; and founded labotanica, a cross-disciplinary creative studio at Project Row Houses.

Ayanna studied Visual and Critical Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Recent awards include the Texas Women in Conservation – Terry Hershey 2025 award through the Texas Audubon; Rachel’s Network 2024 Catalyst awardee for mid-career environmental leaders of color; the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund in 2023-24; and Artadia finalist in 2023.