Omi Gray

Artist, Designer, and Teacher in New York

I am a teaching artist based in Harlem, New York, and creativity is woven into my very being—it’s in my DNA!
My passion for art and design was passed down through generations, from my mother and grandmother to my ancestors from the Mende Tribe in Sierra Leone. I grew up surrounded by creativity, watching my mother and grandmother—self-made businesswomen in Harlem during the 1950s—run a thriving hair salon and tailoring business. As a child, I marveled at how they transformed hairstyles, recreated the latest fashions, and uplifted their community through their artistry.
Today, I continue that legacy through my jewelry and textile designs, teaching and interpreting fashion trends with a deep appreciation for nature’s gifts. My jewelry incorporates precious and semi-precious stones, glass, metals, and shells, while my textiles feature botanical prints made from vegetables, fruits, and plants. I create Nuno felted fabric using Merino wool and silk, and I weave garments using a mix of silk, wool, sequins, leather, and various yarns. Each piece is a reflection of my connection to both tradition and innovation.
For me, the creative process is more than making something beautiful—it’s therapeutic, spiritual, and grounding. Teaching allows me to share this joy with others. In my "Make it and Take it" workshops, students explore diverse materials and techniques, crafting one-of-a-kind wearable art to take home the same day. I welcome both beginners who doubt their creativity and experienced makers looking for fresh inspiration. There is something truly rewarding about watching someone say, “I made this myself!”
My Harlem studio is just a short walk from Central Park, where I often collect leaves and weave on my loom, turning nature into my outdoor art studio. Passersby are drawn to the rhythmic movement of the loom, fascinated by the transformation of thread into fabric. When they stop to watch, I smile and say, “Would you like to try? It’s easy—I’ll show you!”

  • Work
    • HARLEM DESIGN STUDIO
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