Untitled (B14) Original

"What does dance give you? The freedom to be who you are and do what you want to do." — Arthur Mitchell. My love and fascination with the performing arts began when I was thirteen. I had accepted a summer job doing theater with Gallery 37, an arts nonprofit in Chicago that enabled kids like me to participate in several, paid innovative arts programs. Observing how I and other other young actors moved to tell stories has stayed with me throughout my creative journey. The performers I paint here come from many different traditions of theater and dance. Some are modern, some are classic. Some art street performers, some are just here to be fun and fabulous. I leave it a bit open ended to allow viewers to bring their own stories to the table: who does this remind you of? Do they inspire you to find ways to feel free? I hope they do. Artwork size: 6 x 12 in.