Artivism: Inspiring Change Through Creativity with Artist Nikkolas Smith

Serenbe Stories

Nikkolas Smith is an artist Artivist and illustrator widely known for his distinctive style and emphasis on social justice issues. He is the illustrator of multiple children’s picture books, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, I Am Ruby Bridges, That Flag, and Black Panther Wakanda Forever: The Courage To Dream as well was a gilm illustratorfor films like Space Jam 2, Black Panther 2, and Judas and the Black Messiah. His own latest children’s picture book, The Artivist, explores how children can combine art and activism in their everyday lives and was released last September to widespread acclaim.

Monica and Garnie caught up with Nikkolas while he was the artist in residency at the Art Farm in the Spring of 2024. They chat with Nikkolas about transitioning from a career in architecture to a full time artist (or artivist, more appropriately), the inspiring mural he designed with students at the Terra School, and how everyone can use their own unique skills to make positive change in the world.

Shownotes

• Serenbe Events
• Nikkolas Smith
• The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith
• Sunday Sketch: The Art of Nikkolas
• Nikkolas Smith Online Art Store
• The Art Farm at Serenbe
• Artist Nikkolas Smith Engages Serenbe Communty in Ten-Day Residency with The Art Farm