MAYA IMANI WATSON | ArtsDriven

Visual Art – Houston

MAYA IMANI WATSON | ArtsDriven Someone once asked me how many more paintings I am going to make. I was taken back because for me art is like breathing; It is necessary. Art is a lens through which I see the world. Light and shadow describe form and creamy paint illuminates the beauty that still exists in the world. Ultimately art is about communicating and problem solving. How can we communicate our ideas, thoughts, dreams and passions? How can we build bridges across our communities and how can we think outside of the box to come up with innovative solutions to the challenges in our lives and our world? As a teaching artist I have experienced the transformative power of art. I recognize that at times art has been the tether that has anchored my soul when I have experienced tremendous loss. I strive to awaken the curiosity in the lives of all the young scholars in my life. While I recognize that not everyone wants to be an artist when they grow up, I know that art can be that anchor or that breath of fresh air in the midst of turbulent times. I am an artist, an educator and cultural arts historian. I have worked in the field of museum administration and arts education for 20 years. I am a product of HISD having graduated from HSPVA (The High School for Performing and Visual Arts) with a concentration in ART. I received my BA in Fine Arts from Mount Holyoke College and did my graduate work at SUNY Binghamton in the MBA/Arts Administration program. I worked for over 13 years at Texas Southern University, serving as the Museum Registrar, Education Coordinator, Museum Graphics Specialist and Museum Archivist. Currently I am a teaching artist at the historic Booker T. Washington High school and the High School for Engineering Professions. I am over the yearbook and strongly believe art has the capacity to tell the story of a people and empower youth and humanity. I have had solo exhibitions at The Ensemble, The Breakfast Klub, The Community Artists’ Collective, The DuVintor Gallery, Prairie View A & M University and Texas Southern University. I have exhibited with 5 A, The African American Advisory Association to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and numerous group exhibitions. I am proud to be one of 23 artists selected to participate in the first annual HISD Art Teacher Showcase at the Mid Main Project. I have painted live at the Wortham Theatre and the annual PrinceDayHou celebrations hosted by Craig Alexander. I curate memorable creative experiences for churches, social organizations, private parties and ladies nights with ARTS DRIVEN | PAINT PARTY SOCIAL, a mobile painting party service in local hot spots in Houston.