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Writer's pictureIsabelle Chirls

Trinity City Artivists Club at Orleans Justice Center Holds Its First Graduation

In his classes with the Trinity City Artivists Club, DeWayne Davis's creativity has flourished.

 

On Saturday, September 7, 2024, the first-ever 12-week Trinity City Artivist Club program came to a close at the Orleans Justice Center.  The event honored the first program graduate, 21-year old DeWayne Davis, who, through his dedication, has set an inspiring precedent for future participants.


L-R: Damon Smothers, Clinical Program Director; Analiese DeSaw, Instructor; DeWayne Davis, Creator; Mat Schwarzman, Program Co-Director; Sheriff Susan Hutson.


In the program, DeWayne chose a focus in activism: homelessness in New Orleans. He then researched organizations, interviewed two local activists, and learned how to use Procreate to create his project inspired by his work.


DeWayne conceived and illustrated the cover for a comic book about an original character, Rocky, who lives in the Trinity City Universe. Rocky lives with schizophrenia, and he works as a line cook by day and fights crime by night. His superpower is being able to move rocks, which he uses to build homes for unhoused people in the city.


“I want to help homeless folks’ mental states by showing them a character like them who is powerful and helps others,” DeWayne explained. "When I am released, I see myself going out and feeding the homeless." DeWayne also plans to continue educating people about homelessness through his art, as well as photography.


Following graduation, audience members offered to help DeWayne pursue his legal case and receive mentorship to develop his ideas for future arts projects while he is incarcerated.


Learn more about DeWayne in his interview with WWL Louisiana.


Congratulations to DeWayne and all the participants in the program!

 

Help Trinity City Arts continue programs like these by supporting our biggest fundraiser of the year, the 2024 Trinity City Artivist Awards! Get your ticket here.


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