Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud is an artist, writer, and environmental advocate. 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. Ayanna was recently named a 2024 Catalyst Awardee by Rachel’s Network, devoted to mid-career environmental leaders of color. She was a 2023-24 Artist Studio Program at Lawndale Art Center and a 2023-24 awardee of the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund. In 2025, she had a solo exhibition at the College of the Mainland Gallery, following previous exhibitions at Lawndale Art Center and DiverseWorks in 2024.
Ayanna has also worked in arts and environmental institutions throughout the United States. Currently, she serves 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.
