JJC Talks: Rodney “Qrcky” Elliot & Murjoni Merriweather

JJC Talks presents a conversation with artists Murjoni Merriweather and Rodney “Qrcky” Elliot, the 2025 JJC Artists-in-Residence at MICA. Both Merriweather and Elliot will share work from the residency and discuss its impact on their larger practice.

This virtual conversation will stream on the BMA’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

About the Artists

Rodney Jermaine Elliott (Qrcky)

Qrcky’s artistic journey began in the 1970s in southern Virginia, where the art world seemed distant and disconnected from his family’s experience. Yet he was captivated by the creative genius of Chuck Jones, Norman Rockwell, and Bob Ross. He spent endless hours emulating their techniques and immersing himself in cartoons.

It wasn’t until two decades later, facing the challenges of a difficult marriage and turbulent relationships, that Qrcky reconnected with art as a powerful outlet for self-expression. This return to his creative roots brought forth a newfound clarity and passion, allowing him to carve out a style unmistakably his own style.

To fully embrace his artistic vision, Qrcky chose solitude, temporarily distancing himself from friends and family. This deliberate seclusion became a sanctuary, providing the focus and freedom to produce some of his most impactful works. Through this deep, introspective process, Qrcky discovered a unique artistic voice and a profound sense of peace and fulfillment.

Murjoni Merriweather

Sculptor Murjoni Merriweather grew up in Temple Hills, Maryland. During her time there, she fell in love with art at the age of 8, learning how to draw from trial and error and art kits her parents would give her. After dabbling in photography, drawing, painting and graphic design, Murjoni tried out ceramics by the time she was in 8th grade, where her heart grew whole. While feeling so connected to clay, she started making work that reflected the black experience. In 2018 Murjoni graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art with her BFA in Ceramics and concentration in Film/Video. During this time, she explored celebrating blackness through figurative forms. Murjoni has been able to expand her knowledge and experiment at places like Creative Alliance (Baltimore, 2019-2022), Fountainhead Residency (Miami, 2021) and The Alma | Lewis Residency (PA, 2022) in ways that talk about emotion through the clay itself. She has shown in institutions like Rubell Museum DC (2023), Baltimore Museum of Art (2023), St. Louis Art Museum (2023), The Walters Museum (2023), Jeffery Deitch LA (2021), and many more.

Murjoni currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland with her cat, Kiva, where she continues to aim towards inspiring and celebrating black culture in ways that make us feel seen.

About the Joshua Johnson Council (JJC)

Joshua Johnson Council (JJC) Members share a passion for African American and African art. Named after an 18th-century African American portrait painter who lived and worked in Maryland, the JJC is one of the oldest African American museum support groups in the U.S. Its mission is to forge meaningful connections between Baltimore’s African American communities and the Baltimore Museum of Art by promoting and highlighting the achievements of African American artists.

JJC Membership offers a wide range of opportunities for active participation within a network of friends and colleagues dedicated to art, education, community, and family. JJC programs and meetings take place on the second Thursday of each month. Find JJC on Facebook.