Community Engagement
Kicks n’ Culture
My approach through the Kick and Culture arts in education program is to engage youth and teens in a creative exploration of sneaker culture as a lens for self-expression, identity, and cultural pride. I collaborate with schools and community organizations to introduce students to the history of the Sneakerhead Movement and the influential role the Black community has played in transforming sneakers into a multi-million-dollar industry through innovation and collaboration. The program blends cultural education with hands-on art-making, guiding students as they design and customize their own sneakers and write artist statements that reflect their personal stories. Through lessons in color theory, design principles, and visual storytelling, students build confidence, creativity, and a stronger connection to their identities.
Kicks n’ Culture Sneaker Ball
The Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball is a dynamic celebration of art, culture, and community. Blending creativity with purpose, this unique event brings people together in support of arts education through an evening of bold self-expression and style. Guests are invited to showcase their individuality through fashion—especially their favorite sneakers—while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, art, and connection.
More than just a party, the Sneaker Ball serves as a fundraiser for education programs. A portion of the proceeds will go toward providing much-needed art supplies for young creators, helping to ensure that students have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive artistically and academically.
Celebrate culture. Support the arts. Be part of something that leaves a lasting impact.
Kicks n’ Culture Sneaker Ball at the Arts and Science Center
The Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball was a vibrant and memorable event hosted by the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, celebrating the powerful intersection of art, fashion, and cultural identity. Presented in partnership with local organizations, the event was a true community effort—bringing together artists, educators, creatives, and supporters to uplift and invest in youth through the arts.
Set against the backdrop of the Urban Sneaker Culture Exhibition, the evening highlighted the deep-rooted influence of sneaker culture on urban communities and personal expression and in a celebration of individuality, creativity, and cultural pride.
More than a just a stylish event, the Sneaker Ball served as a meaningful fundraiser. Proceeds supported both the Arts & Science Center’s arts education programming and Pine Bluff High School, helping to provide art supplies and creative resources to inspire the next generation of young artists.
The Urban Sneaker Culture Exhibition provided a powerful centerpiece for the evening—featuring the history, impact, and artistic innovation tied to sneaker culture. Through visual storytelling, the exhibition spotlighted how sneakers have evolved from functional fashion to powerful symbols of identity, creativity, and community, particularly within the Black community.
