About The Artist
Philip (Muzi) Branch
P. Muzi Branch is a native of Richmond, Virginia. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he received both his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (1980) and his Master of Art Education Degree (1986). He has been an arts instructor at The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA; Virginia Union University; Richmond, VA; Saint Paul’s College, Lawrenceville, VA. Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA. And served as Assistant Director at the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology . Currently He is The Director of Cultural Programs for VCU health, CEO of Muzi Graphics and Fine Art.
Branch is a painter, illustrator, designer and. He served as art director for Black Fire Record Company and N.A.M.E. Brand Record Company creating album cover art for The Oneness of JuJu, Plunky and Oneness, Southern Energy Ensemble, Kevin Christopher Teasley, Paris Ford and Wayne Davis.
He is registered with the state arts commission on the official roster of the “Artists In Education” program https://vca.virginia.gov/directory/p-muzi-branch/ . He has completed residencies in mural painting with following Virginia public school systems: Henrico County, Petersburg, Richmond, Nokesville, Covington, Big Stone Gap, Dinwiddie County, Staunton and Appalachia.
Branch expresses his love and respect for African and African American culture by painting images of the Diaspora. His award winning paintings have been exhibited nationally and internationally at the JVC Jazz Festival, Harlem, NY; PANAFEST, Ghana, West Africa; the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia; The Laredo Center for the Arts, Texas; Art Institute and Gallery, Salisbury, MD; Atelier Gallery, New York; The Frederick Douglas/Benjamin Banniker Museum, Annapolis, MD; and The Ashland Area Art Gallery, Kentucky. His work is a part of the permanent collection at The Museum of African American Culture, Dallas Texas; SunTrust Bank, Richmond Community Hospital, The Medical College of VA, Lynchburg College, First Market Bank and many private collectors.
Branch, also known as MUZI, is an accomplished musician and song writer. He plays the bass guitar. He performed and recorded with the internationally acclaimed musical group Plunky and Oneness. His compositions are featured on many of the group’s albums and compact discs.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Best In Show Award, Carroll Harris Simms National Black Competition and Exhibition, 2016
First Place Award, National Arts Program, 2003
Certificate of Appreciation, Appalachia Elementary School, 1998
Junius Haskins Award, Lynchburg College, 1997
Certificate of Appreciation, Henrico County Department of Recreation and Parks, 1991
Certificate of Recognition, United Negro College Fund, 1986
Certificate of Appreciation, 70001 Career Association, 1985
Certificate of Award, Alliance for Black Social Welfare, Inc. 1984
Certificate of Recognition, Richmond Afro-American newspaper
