HOPE For Such A Time As This

01/26/2026

Glory be to God! All who can accept the truth see this light.

Artist’s fireflies burn brightly at new PSU-Schuylkill Art Space gallery: https://www.republicanherald.com/2026/01/24/artists-fireflies-burn-brightly-at-new-psu-schuylkill-art-space-gallery/

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — When Ibiyinka Olufimi Alao was growing up in Nigeria, his father tasked him to go out and gather fireflies.

The boy complied, and proudly presented his father with a jar filled with tiny winged beetles, sometimes called lightning bugs or glowworms.

Alao, who was 7 years old, wasn’t prepared for the reaction of his father, who demanded — Now, my son, let them go.

It took many years, but Alao finally realized the wisdom of his father’s dictate.

03/11/2025

https://youtu.be/j7P8UfxhYzw

"The Strength of the Buffaloes" is an inspiring animated story that follows the transformative journey of young buffaloes, guided by a kind and wise lady. St...

03/09/2025

Observe how the water lilies grow; see how beautiful they become!
Without water, air and sunlight - elements that do not mix, lilies cannot live.
As we are without the love of one another, even when our ideas don't mix.

This Painting: Grazing among the Lilies.

10/06/2024

Spreading Happiness over the Susquehanna River Basin.
October 7, 2024.
Thank you, Daily Item Newspaper:

LEWISBURG — If bothered by the divisiveness of our country, try spending time with a thoughtful arts ambassador for Nigeria, architect, artist and author who hopes his positive messages bring

08/29/2024

GCSSM - TASTE AND SEE

join for the evening -

07/10/2024

When Scholastic Published "Ibi's Fireflies," some important parts of my story were omitted because it won the grand-prize before my permission was given. I am however thankful that it brought the story to light. The painting upon which the story is based has in it's final part elements of Astronomy and Science Fiction. That part comprises celestial objects, space and the physical universe as a whole dealing with Peace, climate change, Freedom and more. I am glad that the Shed in NYC, The Carnegie Hall's Artistic Planning and Bucknell University are open to working with me to tell a more complete story on Stage and through my Upcoming Immersive Art Exhibits including the 100-foot painting. Here is an excerpt of that section:

Title of Painting: Girl with Red Hair releasing her Fireflies for Stars in the Milky Way Galaxy

The soft light of a different world shone upon her red hair. When she let her Fireflies go, it seemed to her that they became Stars of their own. Everything was moving but not in the Earthly motion way we are used to. They moved in slow motion, yet they travel at the Speed of light. Each firefly had an escape velocity capable of catapulting it so high that it becomes a new light in the firmament of our Universe. This Light grew brighter and brighter as the Jar she held became darker and faded away. At one moment she wept, and the Stars alone remained. The whole thing reminded her of the cosmic phenomenon of a Supernova - That is new stars are born when an old star is destroyed. If there's any truth to learn, if there's any hope to believe, it is that by letting go of a cherished thing, we gain a new and more vibrant version of that thing. By letting go of conquest in war, we gain peace. By letting go of slavery, we gain Freedom. By not being possessive of Earth, we reduce the effects of climate change. By loving another human being and allowing them to be free, we gain the true meaning of Love. By letting go of her fireflies, she gained the more permanent stars of the Milky Way Galaxy. And if each star represents a life she had known, of our ancestors and loved ones, what a beautiful constellation of stars they all made from this Spiral Andromeda Galaxy!

06/17/2024

From our childhood days, we've been told to long for Freedom
Yet Freedom is lost when we are carrying,
instead of climbing the mountain of history
Let your Fireflies go free,
and it will Surprise you what new Stars are made of them

06/14/2024

"I love your work, but it wouldn't work in my house." Artists hear some version of this almost every time they exhibit. My response has always been, "How is it that your house is not filled with things you love?"

02/27/2024

One of the extraordinary things I've seen about an Eagle is when confronted by a venomous snake, it does not fight on the ground. It simply picks it up into the sky and changes the battle ground, and then releases the enemy into the sky. The snake has no stamina, power and balance in the air. It is useless, weak and vulnerable unlike on the ground where it's powerful, wise and deadly. Learn to take your fight into the place where God has called you. He'll protect and fight for you there. The person(s) who hurt you will not know what to do when you take them to the sky of Forgiveness and Grace. Don't fight the enemy in his comfort zone. Change the battle ground to a higher elevation like the Eagle. Let God free you from dangerous entanglements and take charge through your prayer. You'll be more than Victorious!
Joys in Blackness: Fireflies' Profound Lyric Lessons in the Dark

02/25/2024

Let us come together in unity and worship our King Jesus! Hope to see you there!

Creative Arts Ministry - Workshop. Storytelling. Dance. Worship. Theater.

02/23/2024

"Oftentimes, Blackness is imagined as an object of knowledge making rather than a subject that makes its own knowledge. This explains why there is so much misunderstanding amongst many views as they still visit the vacuum of "Black Experiences frozen in time". They forget that being human makes it so that what is authentically joyful about us is what we've done with our experiences. It's not about the grave circumstances visited upon any one of us. In these paintings, I have symbolized the meaning of "Black Joy" through the biology of 3 animals - Eagles, Oysters and Fireflies who metamorphosize from a state of melancholy, struggle and despair into joy, strength and a marvelous light! Looking forward to exploring these, and more with you here at 7pm on March 6." - Ibiyinka Alao, Artist

02/07/2024

USA NE area friends (especially but not only Pennsylvania friends). One month from now - on March 6, 2024, I'll have the honor of presenting my art in the 2024 Bucknell University Griot Institute Spring Series called "Black Joy." It's in partnership with the Dept. of Biology and Theater & Dance, cosponsored by OCE, BCSE and Samek Art Museum. The GI has issued a notice, which I'm posting here. I'll post additional details of the event, and information, when they become available.
https://calendar.bucknell.edu/griot-institute/event/42634-ibiyinka-alao-joys-in-blackness-fireflies