Prince George’s County, Maryland, long known as a center of Black affluence, has a rich but often overlooked history of Black equestrians who engage with horse riding not just as sport or labor but as a leisure activity tied to intergenerational wealth and community. Emerging artist Bria Edwards’ exhibition, “What We Do, We’ve Always Done,” at Loyola University’s Julio Fine Arts Gallery, explores this tradition through photorealistic figurative paintings inspired by extensive interviews and photographs of Black riders and historic horse clubs in the region. Edwards’ work highlights a vibrant, tight-knit community that defies stereotypes and reveals the deep-rooted presence of Black cowboy culture in the area.

Edwards’ artistic process is deeply experiential and centered on capturing authentic moments of Black luxury, leisure, and care within this equestrian culture. Her paintings celebrate the joy, resilience, and heritage of Black riders, emphasizing beauty and authenticity while challenging common misconceptions about horse riding as an exclusive or unattainable activity. Through her tactile use of oil paint and attention to detail, Edwards honors the legacy and camaraderie of these riders, offering a powerful visual narrative that uplifts a historically marginalized but enduring tradition.