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Jessica Hightower | The Artist


 Jessica Hightower bio pic
Artist Statement

My desire is for my art to foster positive shifts in perspectives. I believe we need more introspective dialogues, and my painting style encourages such contemplation. I began painting amidst a backdrop of prevalent illness, both physical and mental—depression, anxiety, and racism. My art serves as a conduit for engaging in these challenging conversations, a personal means of grappling with these issues.

I depict people of color in a manner that demands attention—loud and bold. I want viewers to connect with and relate to the faces depicted, making it difficult to harbor animosity towards them.

The vivid colors in my work bring me a sense of bliss. Digging into how color inspires joy grounds me in the present moment. By manipulating unconscious predispositions and exploring color harmonies, I aim to inspire others to find similar joy.

Each painting is a form of self-validation; I am embedded within them, transforming my own perspective from 'I can't' to 'I am capable.’

 
 CV
Awards
2011 Kimiko Petersen Fine Art Award, Digital Photography 
Kimiko Petersen Fine Art Award, Graphic Art
Education
2018 B.S, Graphic Design
Solo Exhibitions
2021 My Color is Beautiful, ARS Gallery Benton Harbor, MI
2022 My Color is Beautiful, Black Arts Cultural Center 
Group Exhibitions and Collaborations
2021 Port of Opportunity 
2022 Shaping Reality Fun Squad Show, DAAC, Grand Rapids MI
Community Art Show, Krasl, St. Joseph MI
Around the bend, South Bend Museum of Art, South Bend IN
MACC in the Box, Box Factoy of the Arts, St. Joseph MI
2023 Community Art Show, Krasl, St. Joseph MI
Decks for Dental , Water Front Framing, St. Joseph MI
Murals and Public Art
2021 Have a Heart, Our Freedom, Benton Harbor MI
2023 Boys and Girls Clubs Teen Center,  Benton Harbor MI
Timeline of Communication, Ravitron, Benton Harbor MI
Pop ups
2021 Benton Harbor Art Association, Art in the Park, Benton Harbor MI
Fall Art Hop, Benton Harbor Art Association, Benton Harbor MI
Winter Art Hop, Benton Harbor Art Association, Benton Harbor MI
Spring Art Hop, Benton Harbor Art Association, Benton Harbor MI
Summer Art Hop, Benton Harbor Art Association, Benton Harbor MI
Juneteenth Celebration, Benton Harbor, MI
Riverfest, 2021
Spectacular Art Show Watervliet, 2021
2022 Benton Harbor Art Association, Art in the Park, Benton Harbor MI
Fall Art Hop, Benton Harbor Art Association, Benton Harbor MI,
Winter Art Hop, Benton Harbor Art Association, Benton Harbor MI
Spring Art Hop, Benton Harbor Art Association, Benton Harbor MI,
Summer Art Hop, Benton Harbor Art Association, Benton Harbor MI,
Juneteenth Celebration, Benton Harbor MI
2023 Artist and Authors 
Summer Art Hop
Juneteenth Celebration, Benton Harbor, MI
Speaking Engagements
2022 Pecha Kucha St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, MI
2024 Arts & Culture Event, Beacon Health System, Goshen, IN
Speaking Up With Women, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI
Classes
2021 Art, Boys and Girls Club Teen Center, Benton Harbor, MI
Painting and Drawing Animals, Krasl, St. Joseph, MI
2022 Drawing and Painting People, Krasl, St. Joseph, MI
Graffiti, Krasl, St. Joseph, MI
Art, Boys and Girls Club Teen Center, Benton Harbor, MI
2023 Go Big or go home, Large scale painting class, Krasl
Graffiti, Krasl, St. Joseph, MI
Dynamic Painting,  Krasl, St. Joseph, MI
Family Days, Krasl, St. Joseph, MI
Family Nights, Benton Harbor Library, Benton Harbor, MI
2024 Portrait Painting with Acrylics, Krasl, St. Joseph, MI
Volunteer
2021 Cookies and Canvas Fathers Day event
2022 Juge, Krasl art Fair, 2022
Press
2021 Previously In the Gallery (Feb 2021 - Mar 2021)
Start From the Beginning Episode 28 Podcast
Benton Spirit News Interviews Jessica Hightower at Benton Harbor Arts in the Park (August 2021)
2022 Krasl Art Center Announces 2022 Art Fair Jury, New Director Of Events
2023 Voyage Michigan, Rising Stars: Meet Jessica Hightower
Permanent Art Installations
New Mural Unveiled in Benton Harbor,
News Talk Sports 94.9 WSJM, Moody on the Market, The Herald Palladium
Benton Harbor's new art projects pay homage to technology's influential inventors
Downtown BH Mural Showcases Tech Heroes, Local Talent
Benton Harbor interactive mural highlights technology, innovators
NEW BENTON HARBOR MURAL FOCUSES ON AFRICAN AMERICANS, WOMEN IN TECH