A.R.T. – Acknowledging Real Talent

Creativity Lives Here. Opportunity Begins Here.

For young artists living in rural communities in the Mississippi Delta, passion often outpaces opportunity. Access to quality fine arts and digital arts education can be limited, leaving talented students searching for ways to grow, stretch, and truly develop their craft.

A.R.T. – Acknowledging Real Talent was born as an answer to that challenge.

A Vision Sparked by a Young Artist

What began as the idea of one former high school student —Shaquanna Nolden-Robinson, an emerging artist with a big heart for her peers, has grown into a powerful creative movement. Shaquanna imagined an after-school experience that went beyond traditional art classes, one that nurtured young visual and digital artists and gave them the tools, exposure, and mentorship they deserve.

With the support of Earnestine Johnson, Executive Director of the Floyd & Bessie Johnson Foundation, Shaquanna’s idea transformed into a living, breathing program ready to serve youth across the area.

-------

A.R.T.’s Vision
A springboard for young, underserved visual and digital artists.

A.R.T.’s Mission
To engage and nurture young, underserved visual and digital artists in rural communities.

A.R.T.’s Purpose
To motivate young, underserved visual and digital artists through meetings, workshops, speakers, and events that center around molding their creativity and developing their creative problem solving.

-------

Dewon Hall, Owner and Lead Creative of That Creative Guy, shaped the visual identity of A.R.T., creating a logo and brand presence that reflected imagination, energy, and the bold potential of young creators.

We also partnered with the talented Jamie Mathews of Mathews Film Company, who generously donated their time to produce A.R.T.’s first promotional video. This piece was used early on to introduce the program to local schools, sponsors, and community partners.

That Creative Guy further supported A.R.T. by helping develop its mission, vision, and purpose, while connecting students with professional artists, screen printers, graphic designers, and art spaces that expanded their world. From hands-on workshops to gallery visits, the journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring.