Nadege D. Tessono Okotie, a seasoned visual artist, has honed her craft for over two decades. Her diverse work includes 2-dimensional graphic design, illustration, textiles, patterns, and printmaking, showcasing her versatile artistic pursuits.

Her artistic expressions craft captivating narratives, rekindling perspectives and lived experiences that explore her identity. Nadege's creative exploration delves deeply into pattern design, symbolism, language, textiles, textures, black identity, women-centric perspectives, and cultural influences.

A distinctive aspect of Nadege's work is her exploration of themes related to black identity and her endeavors in celebrating and empowering women. This creates a profound connection through shared experiences and perspectives.

Nadege is dedicated to active community engagement in both her professional and personal life, recognizing the pivotal role of visual influence in the arts. She is not only an artist but also a facilitator and visual communicator. Her balance between collaborative and solo artistic endeavors is achieved through facilitating arts-based projects and workshops. She actively participates in exhibitions hosted by educational institutions, community organizations, and various communal platforms.

Nadege holds a Master of Education in Community Arts and Education from Lesley University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication with a minor in Art Studio from Framingham State University.

Nadege D. Okotie, M.Ed., is a multidisciplinary artist and educator whose work centers healing, reflection, and creative restoration. Through guided art practices, she creates spaces where individuals can slow down, reconnect with their bodies, and return to themselves.

She is the founder of She Moves Forward, LLC, an organization devoted to creative empowerment and community-centered growth. Her work bridges art, education, and emotional well-being—inviting others to experience creativity as a pathway to steadiness and self-trust.

Pattern Design: skilled in creating intricate and meaningful patterns that add depth and visual interest to artistic creations.

Symbolism in Art: Knowledgeable in using symbols to convey deeper meanings and provoke critical thought in art.

Textile and Texture Art: Proficiency in incorporating textiles and textures into artwork, adding tactile elements, and enhancing visual aesthetics.

Black Identity Exploration: Specialization in exploring themes of black identity through art, providing a unique perspective, and challenging social norms.

Female-Focused Design: Expertise in creating art and design that specifically addresses and empowers women, celebrating their experiences and perspectives.

Cultural Influences in Art: Knowledge and understanding of diverse cultural influences and their integration into artistic expressions.

2024

Soirée ciné - The Myth of the Black Woman - and discussion with artist Nadege Tessono Okotie | WOMEN IN HISTORY

Join us for the screening of The Myth of the Black Woman in partnership with La Délégation du Québec followed by a discussion with artist Nadege Tessono Okotie

“The Myth of the Black Woman” is a feature-length documentary which investigates the image of black women in society, from the hypersexual Jezebel to the amiable Nanny, including the insolent “Bitch”.

According to specialists, the black community is the minority most affected by images created years ago centuries. Black women, acclaimed leaders in their field, tell of the challenges that these representations of them entail in their lives. Their exciting stories are supported by never-before-seen and fascinating archival footage from centuries past until our days.

Then join us with artist Nadege Tessono Okotie to talk about the experience and day-to-day resonance of the documentary.

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Cambridge Art Association | Creative Diaspora: The Haitian Artistic Experience in Massachusetts | Moderator

Moderated an engaging panel discussion featuring prominent members of the Haitian Artist Assembly of Massachusetts (HAAM). This event delves deep into the intersections of migration, culture, and the arts within the Haitian community, viewed through a multi-generational lens as Haiti celebrates its 220 years of independence. The panelists include Charlot Lucien, Myrlene Legendre Desir, Duken Delpe, and Joseph Chery.

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2023

Montserrat College of Art | Visiting Artist Talk | Restorative Practices

• Restorative Practices: showcase ways in which art educators can actively cultivate artistic practices to address compassion fatigue and prioritize self-care.

2022

Lesley University | Graduate School of Education | Language Arts, Social Studies, and Technology

• Digital Storytelling: Self-reflection and positive self-concept through zine art

Lesley University | Teach-In & Graduate School of Education | Art & Identity

• Understanding the meaning of identity while creating symbols as a theme illustrates the definition of personal perspective vs. world perspective to create a visual language telling the story of your identity.

Lesley University | Center for Inclusive and Special Education | Tools, and Strategies Series

• Creating Accessible Art

• Accessible Art: Art Workshop - All art is accessible with modification. We'll discuss accessible art-making and share tools and strategies in the classroom and community programs.

• Storytelling through Art Elicitation Activity

Lesley University | Graduate School of Education | Pedagogy of Play -Tools and Strategies

• Art workshop about learning through creative play that emphasizes engagement, curiosity, and enjoyment. The goal is to use your imagination and take risks with your creativity.

2021

Lesley University | GSOE Community | Addressing Mental Health and Trauma Experiences through Art Elicitation

• Exploring the intersectionality of identity and traumatic experiences using art elicitation as an elective prescription for mental health healing.

Kids4Peace Boston | Intersectionality and Identity

• Exploring personal identity and the identities of others in communities; thinking about different ways of building community across differences and how to apply ideas to the problems we see out in the world, using art as the vessel.

• Public Spaces: When Art, History, and Social Justice Collide

• What do we do about public displays of a difficult and harmful past? What do we do with statues and art pieces, displayed and maintained in public spaces, that honor historical figures who kept other human beings enslaved? Talking about difficult decisions and using art as a tool to come up with a solution for justice.

Lesley University | Teach-In | The Armor Workshop

• The workshop explores the intersectionality of identity that helps shield and protects our person as a defense mechanism. We will use collages, illustrations, character drawings, and words to tell a story, for each Armor. We will name and identify strengths and weaknesses within the creative process.