Alumni artist turns passion into opportunity for Battle Creek youth
Alumni artist Jamari Taylor ’19 has partnered with GVSU to provide a free, eight-week summer program for youth in Battle Creek. Each week, the “Create with a Twist” class offers young artists an opportunity to experiment with new media under Taylor’s instruction.
“We’re not only providing these free classes, but we’re also doing something long-term for them, something for them to look forward to each week,” said Taylor, who graduated from Battle Creek Central High School.
Last year, Taylor painted a mural for the Battle Creek Innovation Hub. She said this opened the conversation for partnering with the university to expand her youth program into Battle Creek.
Jamari Taylor ’19 takes a cell phone photo of the young artists who participated in her workshop in Battle Creek. (Nikki Elder)
“It’s been so fulfilling for me to partner with Grand Valley," she said. "That was such a dream because Grand Valley has been so supportive of my artwork since I graduated.”
Al Shifflett, director for Southwest Michigan, said Taylor's workshops align with their commitment to engage area youth and create opportunities for them to connect and learn.
"Our work in Battle Creek isn’t about Grand Valley coming into the community and deciding what people need," Shifflett said. "It’s about listening, building relationships and partnering with people like Jamari who know this community and have earned its trust. Jamari has deep roots in Battle Creek. As a GVSU alumni, artist and entrepreneur, she brings a unique ability to connect with young people and families through her work."
Taylor owns Jaylei Art Studio and Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids, where she offers a variety of classes and provides a space for people to create. For her, succeeding as an artist and business owner was a result of forming authentic connections.
Taylor planned a free, eight-week summer program for youth in Battle Creek. (Nikki Elder)
“Usually, getting into business, you’re just so worried about making a sale. You keep promoting yourself online, but that’s not the only thing that matters," she said. "I started attending different events and meeting more people to build a clientele of organizations that worked with youth, as well as a clientele of people who simply want to come into the studio and create.
"I’m still learning and trying to figure out new ways to grow, but building genuine connections has really helped me to succeed.”
Taylor has painted 35 murals across Michigan and has six pieces in the Grand Valley Art Museum collection. She said she always saw herself teaching art, but never anticipated the scale and reach of her work as a muralist.
“Teaching classes, working with the youth and providing spaces for people to create, those were always my goals,” she said. “Being in the Grand Valley space at Battle Creek and seeing how my work is impactful for the community just reminds me that I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.”
— Sofia Ellis is a senior majoring in writing and a student writer for University Communications.