Alex Smith is an alum of JXTA programming and currently leads the Textiles & Screen Printing Lab and teaches Free Wall in the Summer. He recently transitioned to full-time staff, adding to our roster of full-time program leads.
Q: What are you excited about in this new chapter of JXTA?
A: I am excited to see the new building. And to keep working with all the dope people at JXTA
Q: What originally brought you to JXTA?
A: I came to JXTA when I was a kid for the Aerosol Art Summer Mural program in 2001!
Allison Wagstrom became our new Director of Financial Operations this year!
Q: What are you excited about in this new chapter of JXTA?
A: Economic justice and more art on the Northside.
Q: What originally brought you to JXTA?
A: The organization’s commitment to youth and Black and POCI leadership.
Carla Schleicher recently became our newest Ceramics Lab Lead.
Q: What are you excited about in this new chapter of JXTA?
A: I’m excited to see JXTA growing both internally as a culturally rich institution, and externally in reach and community impact.
Q: What originally brought you to JXTA?
A: I first interacted with JXTA years ago through my work at West Broadway Coalition, and since then have been enamored with the style and immersive approach to an arts and design education. JXTA is what I wish I had had access to when I was younger, and being able to contribute to that for others is surreal.
Hawwa Youngmark, a graduate of JXTA programming, is now one of the teaching artists in VALT and co-leads the Tactical Lab.
Q: What are you excited about in this new chapter of JXTA?
A: I am excited to apply my artistic skills to the work we do intractable and to continue to develop the curriculum in VALT
Q: What originally brought you to JXTA?
A: I was drawn to JXTA by its location. I would pass it every day on the bus and since I love art and I’m always over north I figured I should go check it out.
Robbie Seltzer has been a lab lead in the Environmental Design Lab for two years; he recently transitioned to full-time.
Q: What are you excited about in this new chapter of JXTA?
A: Right now our lab is wrapping up a public sculpture for the Lake Street light rail station. It’s one of the biggest projects we’ve ever worked on. But just this month, we entered a competition to build a sculpture that’s ten times bigger. And I know our lab is ready for it. I’m excited to work with our apprentices as we level up and take on significant and lasting projects for Minneapolis and the Northside.
Q: What originally brought you to JXTA?
A: I sought out JXTA because I wanted to teach and work with young people. That is still what I love about this job! Our apprentices are so talented and I’m honored to call them my colleagues.
Kaleb Williams recently transitioned from Outreach & Engagement Coordinator to Program Director.
Q: What are you excited about in this new chapter of JXTA?
A: Being a part of the growth and influence that JXTA is having in the community, the development of the young artists from a macro level, and the opportunities that can come from the network that JXTA has.
Q: What originally brought you to JXTA?
A: Serendipity – the chance to work with young Black artists in a non-traditional learning environment while still developing real-world and life skills while working for a Black-owned, founded, and led establishment.