One of the creative forces in my upcoming LEROI: In Living Color Exhibition at the Burchfield Penney Art Center is Jay Hawkins Sr., lead instructor for the BPS Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives (CLRI) of the Buffalo Public Schools (BPS.)
In addition to his exhibition responsibilities, Jay serves as a youth director for the WNY-Urban Arts Collective and is the head of his own artistic brand, Revolutionary Strokes LLC. Outside of those duties, he channels his creative energies into barbering, clothing design, and working as an emcee, rapper, and event coordinator in Buffalo’s hip-hop scene.
Jay's role relative to my exhibition is to mentor BPS students in their pre-exhibition planning and creative artwork, and to coordinate their efforts with myself and the Burchfield Penney Art Center. He is teacher, motivator, critic, and friend to the 20 students under his guidance, inspiring them through a combination of humor, kindness, and straight talk.
LEROI: Living in Color is revolutionary in the way WNY businesses, organizations, and individuals are collaborating to guide the youth of our community to the ultimate experience of a museum exhibition of their art. I am pleased to introduce you to Jay Hawkins, Sr. as an integral part of this process.
LEROI: Living in Color will be on view at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, presented by M&T Bank with additional support from organizations and individuals throughout the community.
LEROI: Living in Color Exhibition includes the work of students from Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT,) Buffalo Public Schools (BPS,) Just Buffalo Literary Center (JBLC,) and Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center. The exhibition will be on view at the Burchfield Penney Art Center through March 26, 2023, presented by M&T Bank, with additional support from organizations and individuals throughout the Western New York community.