Jessica Hightower | The Artist
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.’
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| 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, |
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| 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 | |