Meet our featured artist: Tony
At StreetEyes we are passionate about providing opportunity and extending compassion to as many artists as we can serve. Tony is our first featured artist and someone who champions our values. He feels strongly that every featured artist who follows him also fights for the same values of community, compassion, growth, perseverance, and service.
We hope that you enjoy getting a chance to learn a bit more about our first featured artist of many.
In his own words
Who is Tony?
"This is about something far bigger and greater than myself. It is an opportunity to do something I promised my lawyer I would do on the day I received the death penalty - that was, to make my mark. To make a difference and leave something behind. There is far more to a man or woman than a moment, even our worst moments and we have within us the power to overcome and to become. Often we must first get over ourselves, then over the world view of us. This happens not because of greatness in ourselves but because of love in someone else. A love someone chose to share and in that expression blooms flowers and fields of endless beauty. It awakens in us hope and possibility. We become more than a number- human, seen and believed in. We then find it in us to strive every day to be better than the day before and in so doing, begin to do more than exist, we begin to live."
OG
Tony's Save The People
It is Tony's belief that investing in people matters. No matter where you came from you deserve a chance. Investing in the people means saving the people. Tony's Save The People embodies this positive message. This bright painting also captures the vibes of classic progressive imagery and reminds of us how much more there is left to do.
Shop his work
More about Tony
Art Perspective
Interests and Hobbies
"For me, art is and has always been an opportunity to express my mood and in very tangible ways, allows me a way to give back. To express a gratitude of some sort. I am hopeful, now through StreetEyes to have a broader platform for that very expression - to give back, to open doors for others to have that same opportunity. That through art we can show the world the truth. That yes, many of us have experienced brokeness, trauma and have had very difficult journeys - but all of us, more than a # are full of hope. Hope to express ourselves in a way that opens up the world to view our creativity and mostly, our love and humanity."
-
Art- Tony loves to create art for family, friends, and nearly anyone who asks. It allows him to connect with others and to express himself. His work also includes many murals within his correctional institution.
-
Community Engagement - Due to Tony's hunger for learning and growth he has become someone that others can count on and look towards for guidance. For example, his Reach One Teach One license through the Department of Health and Human Services has him involved in redirecting new inmates and the youth. Tony is continually tapped by both peers and correctional employees as someone to help redirect individuals because of his relationship and communication skills.
-
Education - Whenever an educational opportunity arises Tony is the first to pursue it. He has over 50 certifications and counting. He also completed the Defy Ventures Entrepreneurship class, and pitched Street Eyes to the judges!
-
Magic the Gathering - One of the ways Tony likes to unwind, aside from art, is playing Magic the Gathering with friends.
-
Reading - Tony is an avid reader and will read just about anything he can get his hands on.
