Master Artist Michael Bernard Stevenson Jr. is Black, Italian, non-binary, and practices primarily in America. Their collaborative approach results in artwork by and for the people.

Stevenson’s creative work is rooted in the concept of relationships and how people, as community members, can learn from each other and honor each other and themselves. As a socially engaged artist, they seek opportunities to hone in on the actions, rituals and cultural exchanges that may appear to be ordinary, but in fact transcend to create powerful connections and bind communities together. Through their work, they have explored the role of food, matriarchs and grandmothers, neighbors, and community celebrations, among many other topics. They are dedicated to using socially engaged art to mentor and develop young people of marginalized groups as an approach to combating institutionalized racism.

Community Design Organizer, Jefferson High School Modernization