2026 Wind Challenge Artist
Emilio Maldonado was born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic - "a city situated in the sun's trajectory" (Pedro Mir). A first-generation college graduate and father, he holds degrees from Altos de Chavón (AAS, 2007), Escuela de Artes Plásticas (BFA, 2011), and the Savannah College of Art and Design (MFA, 2013).
After relocating to Philadelphia in 2017, Maldonado co-founded the "Philly Group Crit" to engage the local arts community. In 2021, he received the Mural Arts Fellowship for Black Artists, which enabled him to establish his first dedicated studio and expand his practice.
Maldonado has been a Professor since 2014 and has held roles as Artist Relations Director at Mural Arts (2022-2025) and member Gallerist for Tiger Strikes Asteroid. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with support from the Fleischer Art Memorial Wind Challenge and the City of Philadelphia Illuminate the Arts Grant.
He has completed residencies at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Elsewhere Museum, Tiger Strikes Asteroid, and the Fitler Club. Maldonado lives and works in Philadelphia, PA.
