The New Britain Museum of American Art is proud to serve as a host organization for the Artists of Color Accelerate (AOCA) Fellowship for the third consecutive year.

AOCA is a regional initiative that supports artists of color through cultural ambassadorship, collaboration, and community engagement while working to build a more equitable arts landscape.

This year, the Museum is delighted to welcome Saedi McLaughlin as our 2026 AOCA Fellow. A multidisciplinary mixed media artist based in Windsor, Connecticut, McLaughlin explores themes of spirituality, ancestry, healing, and the complexity of the human experience. Working with acrylic paint, coffee, found materials, film, and immersive storytelling, she creates transformative experiences that invite audiences to reflect on identity, purpose, and connection.

Beyond her artistic practice, McLaughlin is an active community leader and student advocate at CT State Manchester Community College. Her award-winning short film, Chapter 28, has received both state and local recognition, and her visual artwork has been featured in multiple group exhibitions, establishing her as an emerging creative voice in Connecticut.

At the heart of McLaughlin’s work is the belief that art can be a powerful catalyst for healing, transformation, and community. Throughout her fellowship, she will collaborate with Museum staff to develop a public-facing project that reflects her artistic vision while creating meaningful opportunities for visitors to engage with her work and creative process.