Emeka Okoro

The brand, Emeka! was born of the artistic and entrepreneurial spirit of Emeka Okoro. In his art, Emeka draws heavily from his Nigerian roots and boldly displays the pulsating, multi-colored traditions of his country. His insatiable creativity led him to convert his paintings into rugs, and he has recently dabbled in designing velvet slippers, cuff links, and T-shirts, all inspired by the 50th anniversary of Nigerian independence. The blend of rigid structure and the unbridled zest for life portrayed in Okoro's paintings is a feast for the eyes, and the story behind the art twines the life of artist and viewer together. "As you move towards your journey, wherever you are, you will find people who will enable you to achieve your ultimate dream," he said. "My ultimate dream is to continue to create as long as I live, wherever I am, whatever that is." We spoke to Okoro as he prepared for his San Antonio debut, opening on August 13 at The Bright Shawl Gallery.

When did you first come to the U.S. and to San Antonio?
I came to the U.S. in 1985 on a scholarship to attend a prep school in New Mexico at the Armand Hammer United World College, a school founded by King Charles's brother in order to promote international understanding. ...

Masters in Business Administration (MBA) December 1994
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC Concentration: General Management

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration May 1991
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC Concentration: Finance

International Baccalaureate Diploma May 1987
The Armand Hammer United World College, Montezuma, NM