early life and education rosena disery, later known as rosena van dyke, was born in 1805 in new york, united states. this pioneering artist's early life was marked by her attendance at the new york african free school, where she demonstrated her artistic prowess by stitching her sampler in 1820. marriage and artistic pursuits by 1834, rosena had married peter van dyke, a successful black businessman. this union not only provided her with stability but also encouraged her to continue exploring her artistic interests. artistic contributions and legacy though her work may not be as widely recogn…