Ash Samuels

Nonbinary Happy Meal

Ash Ariel (they/them) is a Caribbean-American artist, illustrator, muralist, and community arts educator based in Washington, DC. A RISD Illustration BFA graduate, Ash’s work blends imagination and introspection to explore generational memory, Black girlhood, neurodivergence, and emotional legacies. Their art has been exhibited at venues such as the Mexican Cultural Institute (DC), RISD’s Black Biennial (Providence, RI), and the DC Dyke March Community Showcase (2025).

In late 2024, Ash launched NeuroNest, a creative studio offering community-centered art experiences, including murals, workshops, neurodivergent-affirming lessons, and nature sketching sessions.

Outside of art, Ash loves birdwatching, biking, handcrafts, and rewatching animated series like Infinity Train and Avatar: The Last Airbender.