Meet Xiang Liang Xu, AFH's Featured Young Artist of the Month!

Meet Xiang Liang Xu, AFH Featured Young Artist of the month!

We are so excited to introduce you to Xiang Liang Xu, one of AFH’s talented teen-painters! This John D. O’Bryant senior has only been working with AFH since March, but has already fully embraced every opportunity including our tutoring program to help perfect his resume and college applications. His passion for the arts has even landed him at MassArt to take art classes on the weekends. And this hard-worker is already excelling in a variety of media, including fashion and screen printing. It has been fun getting to know Xiang Liang  and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for this bright and ambitious teen! (Fun fact: this year, Xiang Liang was nominated for the prestigious We Are Boston Youth Action Award!)  

Check out his work and interview below, and be sure to stop by the AFH EpiCenter on 12-12-12  from 4 -8 pm to meet him and other talented teens at our Greatest Gifts on Earth Holiday Sale and Party!

 AFH: HI Xiang Liang! How did you hear about AFH?
 XLX: A friend of mine recommended that I work at AFH and brought me to one of the open houses.

AFH: What first interested you about art?
XLX: What first interested me were the famous artists that I saw on TV.  I wanted to be just like them.


AFH: What  groups/organizations are you a part of outside of AFH?
XLX: In school, I am the president of our GSA. I am also a performer in the Asian Culture Club and a volunteer for the recycling and origami club. Also I am a record secretary in student council.

AFH: Wow, you do so much! How do you find time to do all these awesome activities?                                      
XLX: I just do! I am very organized.

AFH: What’s your favorite part about AFH?  
XLX:My favorite part about AFH is the giant studio I’m able to work in. The painting studio is set up beautifully and is really inspiring. 

AFH: What painting are you working on right now? What inspired it?
XLX: I am painting one of my favorite fashion designers, Alexander McQueen. His creations inspire me.

AFH: What do you like to paint?
XLX: I like to paint about my beliefs and my freedom.

AFH: What or who inspires you?
XLX: Lady Gaga inspires me because she’s very supportive about gay rights and she is also a very unique, bold innovator.

AFH: What classes have you taken at MassArt?
XLX: I have taken fundamental drawing, fashion design, and screen printing. Now I am taking a black & white photography class. It’s all about learning more and more and getting new experiences. 

AFH: Where do you want to go to college and what do you want to study?
XLX: I want to go to Hampshire College to study fashion and music.

AFH: Where do you see yourself in 6 years?
XLX: In six years, I will be famous! I’d like to be a comedy actor and a pop singer, and be the owner of a new fashion brand!

AFH: What is the most important thing you’ve learned at AFH so far?
XLX: The most important thing I’ve learned at AFH so far is to be unique and not to feel afraid of any constructive criticisms or comments about my art. 

AFH: What music is on your playlist right now?
XLX: Currently, I am listening to “Desperado” by the Eagles. 

Thanks Xiang Liang! (And…we love the Eagles too).

For more work by AFH talented teen painters (that you can buy at our holiday sale on 12-12-12!), keep checking back here and on our facebook page! 

AFH Teen Artists Invite YOU to our 12-12-12 Holiday Sale and Party at the EpiCenter!!

AFH teen artists have been busy as elves preparing  for The GREATEST GIFTS ON EARTH! Holiday Sale and Party. It is FREE and EVERYONE is welcome. The EpiCenter will be full of affordable gifts of art to buy for everyone on your list. You will find paintings, funky furniture, photographs, graphic designs, our new line of eco-friendly jewelry and original t-shirts and hoodies in all sizes. The best part is that everything is designed and created by our talented, entrepreneurial teen artists. And this year, we will grant you an AFH passport to all 6 studios in the EpiCenter for the fun of  meeting our talented entrepreneurial teens at work and finding out what inspires them. You can have your photo taken, make art on-site, try your hand at decorating cookies and enjoy tasty treats compliments of the fabulous La Fête Catering.  

So mark your calendars and spread the word...AFH's GREATEST GIFTS ON EARTH is NOT to be missed!

Please RSVP on our facebook page here!

See you at the EpiCenter on 12-12-12 from 4pm-8pm! 

AFH's B.E.A.D. Winter Exhibit!

B.E.A.D. artists and mentors

 This past Monday, Artists for Humanity's Lewis Gallery was filled with the newest work to come out of our newest program, B.E.A.D., which stands for Broadening Education through Art and Design. This new apprenticeship program began recruiting 18-25 year old participants late last year, and Monday night celebrated a successful second session. In just 12 weeks these young adults were given the tools and space to create, learn, and work in a creative environment. The exhibit  is a testament to dedication and talent.  While enjoying their success, AFH mentors and staff provided treats including mentor Stephen Hamilton's own home-fried chicken. Friends, family, and community members came out for this memorable event, and we're so proud of our participants and the impressive work they've created. Check out the pics (taken by the talented Mary Nguyen) below and be sure not to miss out on the next AFH event! 

       

        

    

Mentor Stephen Hamilton's home-cookin!

                                          

       

Treats!

         

    

       

Interested in working for AFH's B.E.A.D. program? Interviews for the next session are taking place on Wednesday, April 4th at noon in the Gallery.
Email Lesley for more info or if you have any questions call 617-268-7620. 

For more info on upcoming AFH exhibits, including our 7th Annual Greatest Party on Earth, check out our calendar and facebook!