Image: Photographer Kevin Huver
University of Michigan - Flint Arts + Culture Research Cluster with Buckham Fine Arts Project announces Keyon Lovett as the 2024 Emerging Artist Fellowship recipient.
The Emerging Artist Fellowship collaboration between the Arts + Culture Research Cluster at University of Michigan - Flint and Buckham Fine Arts Project provides a nourishing space for artists to grow and acquire essential professional development opportunities to succeed as they enter the art world. This collaboration and Fellowship were established in 2021. Submissions to the Fellowship were reviewed by a committee of UM-Flint faculty, students, community members, as well as Buckham artists and leadership. The review committee interviewed a short list of the applicants and ultimately, Keyon Lovett was selected for the fellowship.
“The Flint Emerging Artist Fellowship is a catalyst for artistic growth in Flint. It provides crucial support and mentorship to artists ready to take their next big leap. The multifaceted approach that we've developed with Buckham Fine Arts Project, not only addresses immediate artistic needs but also enriches local culture, and supports a thriving and sustainable arts scene in Flint,” said Benjamin Gaydos, Associate Professor of Design and Chair, Arts + Culture Research Cluster.
Keyon Lovett, a self-taught Hebrew visual artist from Flint, Michigan, employs painting, graphic design, and illustration to weave a vivid narrative of his life and observations of the world. His work emanates a street urban grit, fusing fine art with expressive street graffiti, adorned with vibrant colors and poignant messages of self-empowerment, social awareness, and clever humor. As a visual historian, Lovett imbues each piece with the responsibility of storytelling, sharing historical events both past and present.
"I am thrilled to be accepted. This is my launching point, from here marks the new beginning for the ArtSchool Dropout,” said Keyon Lovett, the 2024 Emerging Artist Fellowship recipient.
Beyond being a personal expression, his art serves as a call to engage in dialogue beyond the canvas. Lovett aims to prompt reflection on shared history, one's role in it, and the potential for societal transformation. His creations act as a testament to the potent force of art, not only to inspire and provoke but to unite us all in a collective exploration of the human experience.
"Keyon is a courageous and emerging artist who has been navigating the Michigan arts scene for quite awhile and hopes that this fellowship will give him some space and time to develop a new body of work that is inspired by Flint and other Flint based artists." said Shelby Newport, Professor of Theatre | Department of Fine and Performing Arts.
The Emerging Artist Fellowship collaboration between the Arts + Culture Research Cluster at University of Michigan - Flint and Buckham Fine Arts Project provides a nourishing space for artists to grow and acquire essential professional development opportunities to succeed as they enter the art world. This collaboration and Fellowship were established in 2021. Submissions to the Fellowship were reviewed by a committee of UM-Flint faculty, students, community members, as well as Buckham artists and leadership. The review committee interviewed a short list of the applicants and ultimately, Keyon Lovett was selected for the fellowship.
“The Flint Emerging Artist Fellowship is a catalyst for artistic growth in Flint. It provides crucial support and mentorship to artists ready to take their next big leap. The multifaceted approach that we've developed with Buckham Fine Arts Project, not only addresses immediate artistic needs but also enriches local culture, and supports a thriving and sustainable arts scene in Flint,” said Benjamin Gaydos, Associate Professor of Design and Chair, Arts + Culture Research Cluster.
Keyon Lovett, a self-taught Hebrew visual artist from Flint, Michigan, employs painting, graphic design, and illustration to weave a vivid narrative of his life and observations of the world. His work emanates a street urban grit, fusing fine art with expressive street graffiti, adorned with vibrant colors and poignant messages of self-empowerment, social awareness, and clever humor. As a visual historian, Lovett imbues each piece with the responsibility of storytelling, sharing historical events both past and present.
"I am thrilled to be accepted. This is my launching point, from here marks the new beginning for the ArtSchool Dropout,” said Keyon Lovett, the 2024 Emerging Artist Fellowship recipient.
Beyond being a personal expression, his art serves as a call to engage in dialogue beyond the canvas. Lovett aims to prompt reflection on shared history, one's role in it, and the potential for societal transformation. His creations act as a testament to the potent force of art, not only to inspire and provoke but to unite us all in a collective exploration of the human experience.
"Keyon is a courageous and emerging artist who has been navigating the Michigan arts scene for quite awhile and hopes that this fellowship will give him some space and time to develop a new body of work that is inspired by Flint and other Flint based artists." said Shelby Newport, Professor of Theatre | Department of Fine and Performing Arts.
About Emerging Artist Fellowship
The Emerging Artist Fellowship is a collaboration between Buckham Fine Arts Project and the Arts + Culture Research Cluster. The fellowship runs the 2024 calendar year and offers mentoring, consulting, technical and promotion support to assist the fellow on their creative path. In addition to an honorarium, fellows are provided studio space, awarded for supplies, instruction, workshops, or other uses specifically related to the growth and development of the artist's artistic work. Fellows receive professional development and growth opportunities through mentorship from Buckham artists, and A+C faculty. As mentors, they help each fellow integrate into local and regional markets and access professional development through increased visibility, marketing, and networking.
“Past Fellows have included photographer My Proulx and rapper-turned-screenwriter Steven Banks. Each new cycle of the fellowship is an opportunity for rebirth of the program. The artists and their approach is new, as are the mediums and artworks of the culminating shows. As mentors we must learn how best to support each candidate and the connections we can provide.” explained Michele Leclaire, Executive Director of Buckham Fine Arts Project.
The fellowship includes access to UM-Flint's art studios, woodshop, soundstage, and studio space at Riverbank Arts, a new community-centered space for creatives, community members, and academics to develop and find support for artistic and cultural production in Flint. Through Buckham Gallery, Fellows receive invitations to artist talks, events, critiques and conversations regarding their work. Through these connections, they have opportunities to meet professionals working in Flint’s arts community.
The Emerging Artist Fellowship is supported by a grant from the COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER FLINT. Riverbank Arts is an initiative of the Arts+Culture Research Cluster at The University of Michigan Flint, and is supported by the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Office of the Chancellor.
The Emerging Artist Fellowship is a collaboration between Buckham Fine Arts Project and the Arts + Culture Research Cluster. The fellowship runs the 2024 calendar year and offers mentoring, consulting, technical and promotion support to assist the fellow on their creative path. In addition to an honorarium, fellows are provided studio space, awarded for supplies, instruction, workshops, or other uses specifically related to the growth and development of the artist's artistic work. Fellows receive professional development and growth opportunities through mentorship from Buckham artists, and A+C faculty. As mentors, they help each fellow integrate into local and regional markets and access professional development through increased visibility, marketing, and networking.
“Past Fellows have included photographer My Proulx and rapper-turned-screenwriter Steven Banks. Each new cycle of the fellowship is an opportunity for rebirth of the program. The artists and their approach is new, as are the mediums and artworks of the culminating shows. As mentors we must learn how best to support each candidate and the connections we can provide.” explained Michele Leclaire, Executive Director of Buckham Fine Arts Project.
The fellowship includes access to UM-Flint's art studios, woodshop, soundstage, and studio space at Riverbank Arts, a new community-centered space for creatives, community members, and academics to develop and find support for artistic and cultural production in Flint. Through Buckham Gallery, Fellows receive invitations to artist talks, events, critiques and conversations regarding their work. Through these connections, they have opportunities to meet professionals working in Flint’s arts community.
The Emerging Artist Fellowship is supported by a grant from the COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER FLINT. Riverbank Arts is an initiative of the Arts+Culture Research Cluster at The University of Michigan Flint, and is supported by the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Office of the Chancellor.
