ARTIST: WILLIAM

William lives and works in inner-city communities that often go uncelebrated. When his community is portrayed to outsiders, it’s usually through negative images of poverty and crime. However, residents know their lives are filled with joy, family, and community institutions that provide belonging. William creates murals in these spaces to ensure that even those who don’t visit galleries can experience art that reflects their lives. He aims to reconnect people to a sense of understanding and transcendence.

A 1985 graduate of Central Visual and Performing Arts High, William has received four art scholarships. After attending the Kansas City Art Institute, he returned to St. Louis to open an airbrush shop. He has taught mural arts classes at various organizations, including the St. Louis Art Museum and St. Louis ArtWorks. He served as scenic charge for the Black Rep for five years and has received multiple awards, including the Hidden Figures Award and the Artist of the Year Award from Portfolio Gallery. His work is included in the Missouri History Museum’s permanent collection.

For four years, William has designed and facilitated murals for Arts In Transit for Metro buses. In 2014, he opened the 14th Street Artist Community Gallery, which serves as both an art sales venue and an open studio, fostering hope and inspiration through creative expression.

I paint for my beloved community, the wellspring of my inspiration and
dedication.
I paint to tell stories . . .
For the ones silenced and ignored
For the ones discounted and denied
Or dead.
My mission is to visually document the trials and triumphs of an oppressed
people.
Through my work as an artist, I reveal and preserve the multidimensional
beauty, truth, and dignity of my people.
Every brush stoked is applied with a purpose. My intent, is to paint memories,
hopes and the dreams we have as a people into expression and
consciousness.
My art is about the people; my art is for the people.