Valeria Cray-Dihaan is an artist, activist, businessperson, and educator. She was born in West Palm Beach, Florida and holds a BFA from the University of Buffalo and an MFA from Pratt Institute in New York City. Her work as a sculptor incorporates such media as ceramics, metal, textiles, plexiglass, and wood. Cray-Dihaan has long been active in efforts to revitalize the East Side of Buffalo. Examples of her public art projects include a painted tile mural for Buffalo’s Apollo Theatre and exterior doors for the Merriweather Library, both located on Jefferson Avenue. She owns the East Wind hair salon. She is married to Sylvester Dihaan and has a son, Hiram, who is also a visual artist. For more information, visit burchfieldpenney.org.

Artists Seen: Photographs of Artists in the 21^st Century is an ongoing project by photographer David Moog in partnership with the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State. Moog has set out to make portraits of every self-identified working artist and arts professional in Western New York. To be included in the project, call David Moog directly at 716-472-6721 or contact the center at 716-878-4131. Artists working in all media are welcome; visit burchfieldpenney.org for more information.