When we merge with our dreams, we can break molds and reinvent the way things are done and perceived. Mr. Wilson is revolutionizing the misconceptions around teaching and Street Art, introducing this movement in his classroom at John A. Ferguson Senior High and into the school system, harmonizing this relationship with the colors of his creative soul.
Mr. Wilson is a multimedia artist and an art teacher (he prefers Art Coach) with over 25 years of experience, currently teaching at John A. Ferguson Senior High, in Miami, Florida. He’s the founder of Elevate, a nonprofit organization that bridges street art and schools in challenging communities. He’s bringing Wynwood West into the schools, focusing on beautifying the school- campus with hopes that the students see, feel, and experience street art right in their halls.
One of his favorite classes in elementary school was art. He used to draw soldiers, superheroes, and war zones, and at the age of 11, the hip-hop and break-dancing culture inspired him to pick up the spray-paint can. Soon thereafter he was executing murals throughout West-Miami. Art became his competitive sport, but it was still just a hobby. It wasn’t until his senior year in high school when he took an AP Art class that his true passion for art was ignited. “I wasn’t the most talented, but I was determined to outwork everyone.” Mr. Wilson remembers honing on new work ethic and focusing on fulfilling an artistic path for himself, going above and beyond, and working diligently to achieve his goals.
“In a very short period of time, art became incredibly important for me,” smiles Mr. Wilson sharing that at age 17, he was helping classmates with concepts/ideas in his art class, realizing he was digging the “teaching thing” and by 20, he was a substitute teacher and there was no looking back.
He attended FIU (Florida International University) and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts (in sculpture). By age 26, he was a full-time DCPS employee, teaching at Tucker Elementary School in Coconut Grove, Miami. After teaching at the elementary level for 2 years, he quickly carved the path to high school. Mr. Wilson wants students to be creative beyond any media, and he’s constantly on the move, making sure he accommodates all of them. Alumnus often reach out to him thanking him for his lessons and for opening their eyes to the healing power found in art.
For some time, Mr. Wilson hid the fact that he was an art teacher due to stigmas around being an educator among artists in the professional art world. But art is his passion. It is who he is. “Cut me open, I’m going to bleed -colors,” Mr. Wilson expresses that he now embraces the name and his role as an educator. “I’m Mr. Wilson in the classroom and on the streets!”
Elevate broke ground in 2022 with Homestead Middle School, beautifying the space with 13 murals and counting: receiving appreciation from the students and staff members alike.
Children’s Home Society helped with the funding of materials, which helped him launch the project. Six months later, artists from around the country have participated, including Renda Writer, Marcos Conde, Alvin Surreal, and many more. Homestead Walls as he now calls it, represents the largest outdoor gallery in the DCPS South Region.
Mr. Wilson expresses his excitement in regard to continuing his efforts at Homestead Middle School. The next phase of the project involves hiring the current muralists to teach students in the afterschool program. This will “truly elevate the level of appreciation for the arts -for the entire student body.”
Mr. Wilson aims to adopt more schools every year. You can stay up to date with all things Elevate by going to his website: elevateartsfoundation.com
Amongst the many impactful projects, Mr. Wilson has been commissioned to do some impressive murals at several locations in Miami, including Lincoln’s Beard Brewery and Strange Beast as well as at John A. Ferguson, where he currently teaches. In addition, one of Mr. Wilson’s biggest claims to fame is the curation of The Union Wall, at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing. It is an incredible project that features over 47 South Florida artists.
Wouldn’t it be great if art were the priority in our education system? Thanks to Mr. Wilson, schools are seeing how positive and transformational art is, especially Street Art. Teenagers who are in need of support and guidance are finding hope that they can do better if they give it a chance. Mr. Wilson is here to give them that chance and help Elevate their souls, cracking open their colors and inspiring them to #makearthappen.
