Meet Naiyo: Artist and Content Director of "Art(is) for Kids"
My name is Jonai Gibson-Selix but I go by Naiyo. I'm from Philadelphia, PA, and I do a few things but it all comes back to being an artist. I'm a freelance artist, mostly working with charcoal; I'm the Content Director for a non-profit, children's art therapy organization called "Art(is) for Kids," based here in Philly; and I'm a preschool art teacher.
Urban Time: Tell us about the organization, did being a preschool art teacher influence this? And how did you find interest to start it?
Naiyo: We're a community outreach organization that uses creativity and the arts to enhance mental, physical, and social health and well being in the community. We do this through workshops, art exhibits, pop-up shops, and collaborating with other artists and organizations. I didn't become an art teacher until after I joined the A4K (Art(is) for Kids) team. I was actually influenced by my little sister. She's 8 years old and her school, much like the rest of the Philadelphia Public School System, doesn't have any art classes. I attended private school and was introduced to art in the classroom when I was 7. I just don't see it fair that she'll miss out on the opportunities that I had just because our mother can't afford to provide them anymore. I saw one of the A4K founders promoting the org's ideals on twitter and expressing that he needed to build a team, so I reached out.
Urban Time: I would assume you are a strong believer that art is imperative for a child’s education?
Naiyo: Absolutely. I believe that self-expression is vital for a child's growth and development, and art is a great source of that. I believe that children need to be exposed to all facets of self-expression - art, music, dancing, writing, etc. - in order to become themselves freely and to make their own rules.
Urban Time: What does being a part of A4K involve? What are some personal experiences?
Naiyo: My time with A4K has consisted of getting the organization started. At the moment, we're doing all of the dirty work to get recognized as a non-profit and promoting our brand. Everyone on the A4K team individually embodies the organization's mission. Most of us are artists, from graphic designers to photographers. Others are scholars and very business-oriented, so our team meetings consist of wandering off into conversations about nothing, roasting each other, just chilling with friends, and us trying to get back on track with handling the business we actually planned on. It's funny. But we definitely get our work done amongst the fun. We try to make it out to local events as a team but our schedules conflict sometimes, so one night I took one of my partner's camera and shot an art show here in Philly and personally spoke with the artists to inform them of A4K and its cause and work with them in the future.
Urban Time: How would you hope to involve the kids in these local art events and creatives etc.?
Naiyo: We plan on hosting fundraisers and art shows, sharing proceeds with children's health organizations, hosting art shows featuring children artists, and providing art therapy workshops to children and adults, just to mention a few ideas.
I personally want to create a crazy mural with the kids but that's about to take some thorough planning!
Urban Time: Have you done any in the past? Or in what ways do the children show interest?
Naiyo: A4K has partnered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to host its annual art fair. The team will also be visiting the preschool that I teach at this summer to give an art workshop. We bring our organization to the children.
Urban Time: Tell me about yourself as an artist! You have an event coming up?
Naiyo: I've been drawing mostly portraits since i was about 12. I tried the whole college thing, but after taking some time off I realized that my purpose was to pursue art. I just recently began doing shows though. I'll be featured and live painting in the Digital Art Gallery Anniversary Party this weekend. I'm so excited!
Urban Time: Would you mind telling us what you have planned for this weekend?
Naiyo: I'll tell you that I'm celebrating Black Music History Month, but that's all I'm going to say. As far as the live painting, I have no clue yet.
Urban Time: Do you improvise your art when you paint?
Naiyo: Yes I guess so because this is only my third time live painting. I'm still scared lol.
Urban Time: And is it Digital Art Gallery that’s celebrating their one year anniversary?
Naiyo: And yes the Digital Art Gallery Tour was put together a year ago this Saturday, so all of the artists and DJ's that were part of the tour are coming together for one big art party!
Urban Time: Tell us about your other times live painting! What is the experience like?
Naiyo: The first time I live painted was at a sexy Valentine's Day event, so I did an acrylic and pastel portrait of a woman eating a chocolate covered strawberry. I didn't finish though, so I began practicing by timing myself over and over again when I got home. The second time was on Biggie's birthday so I did a piece dedicated to him, it was pretty cool.
Urban Time: What are some pros and cons of live painting?
Naiyo: The pro is that everyone gets to experience your process with you - your frustrations when the piece isn't looking quite how you envisioned it, your excitement when it starts coming to life. I get a rush from it. Cons would be the pressure to make sure that shit looks good when it's done, and just being watched. I'm never been a huge fan of being a spectacle, but that's also what kinda gives me the rush.
Urban Time: That's very cool I bet, very unique feeling!
Naiyo: Definitely a crazy feeling. Whether I'm live painting or simply showcasing, I feel that rush of facing my fears.
Urban Time: Where do you see yourself going with your art and A4K? What is your goal?
Naiyo: I just pray that my art will continue to save my life and children with social and mental health issues like myself. And I'm happy that I found A4K to give these prayers a foundation. My goal is to transform at least one child's life, and then my next goal will be to transform another one.
Urban Time: Looking forward to the development of such a great innovative program and a passionate woman like yourself Thank you so much for talking to us!
Naiyo on Twitter
Art(is) for Kids on Twitter
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