By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
You live in Atlanta, Georgia now but you’re originally from New Bern and still do a lot of projects here. Can you tell me about the work you do here in New Bern?
Yes, I run a non-profit called “Colorfest Inc.” I work with local kids in the communities in the surrounding areas to do beautification projects. We are working on developing art after school programs with gifted kids in the arts. I also paint murals and do graphic design projects as well.
How did you get your start in art? Are there any teachers that have really impacted your artistic practice?
I got my start in art, believe it or not, in the 5th grade. I drew the elementary school year book cover. That was a big accomplishment back then. My teachers saw I had a gift way back then and encouraged me to use it. Art came so easy for me so I stuck with it to this day. I ended up wining 2nd place in an art contest in HS and that pushed me to go to college and explore art further. One of my professors from college at NC A&TSU, professor Canady, really pushed me to explore different mediums and perfect my skills even more! I was really weak at watercolor and acrylic painting in my early stages. He was an amazing watercolorist. R.I.P to him an amazing artist. He was actually from Kinston, NC I later found out.
Is there a central theme to your work, or many different themes?
There are many different themes to my work. I studied as an illustrator artist so I like to tell stories through my art. So you may see or view an entire scene in my artwork. Right now my silhouette style paintings are doing very well with the public.
Beyond the public art that people are familiar with, what other art forms do you work in?
I do a smidgin of carving, but just for my own delight. I’m actually getting into animation heavy right now.
I know you are the Executive Director of Colorfest, can you tell me more about that organization and what it does?
Simply we aspire to grow and brighten the minds of young artist and our community through the arts. A main focus of the Colorfest Team is to reach kids in impoverished communities. We see the arts as a way to give young artist positive ways to channel their creative energy and talents. For many years we have seen the decline of funding in schools for art based programs, causing children to loose access to curriculum that would otherwise enhance and nurture the creative process.
Is there an artist in your field or any other whose work you admire and inspires you?
That’s a tough question.. so many artists to name. (smile) I really love all types of artists period. Brings me joy to see art in all forms, because that represents growth in a community. Just like in our community here in New Bern, more art is coming and bringing people together again.
In one sentence, what is art to you?
Art is an unspoken language communicated through unspoken words…
Is there any specific piece, award, or exhibition your particularly proud of, and why?
The HighRise art exhibition in downtown Atlanta in 2019. The art show was a one night art show at a rented out building. Three floors of artwork! All of the top artist you could think of were there! It was an honor to be invited! It was amazing. I was privileged to paint an entire wall! I think the old building was an old office space downtown. I was on a floor with muralist and graffiti artist! Amazing talent! The top floor was from a well known collection and some originals from Jean- Michel Basquiat. It felt so reviving to be amongst other artist and just working on our craft. No better feeling than completing those impossible deadlines! Ha! Or that’s what I call them.
Do you have any advice for other artists just starting out or people who want to become artists?
I would say to any one pursuing the craft of being an artist, you should definitely work on your respective skill weekly. Share your work with as many people as you can. Your work won’t get noticed just sitting at home. Most importantly have patients, love your work, and yourself! It’s a life long journey so it’s best to enjoy the view on the way.
Where else can people view and purchase you work, or commission you for murals?
They can find a lot out about my business and the services I offer on my website
www.artbybenetez.com.
And if people are interested in the art non-profit with the kids they can sign their kids up at www.colorfestinc.org we are offering online drawing classes presently for the kids until we can get back to normal and host our bigger event that we normally do outside.
317 Middle Street | New Bern, NC | www.cravenarts.org | 252.638.2577