FLINT, Michigan — It’s impressive how creative Jordan Barnett keeps himself busy with a thriving community art program, especially with the school year kicking off, the emotions of celebrating his birthday, and concluding his summer art series.

Barnett is in his second year as an art teacher at Mott Middle College, and while reflecting on the eventful moments during the school day, it’s clear that his sincere passion and commitment to his young students are evident.

With a wealth of knowledge, Barnett is always eager to engage in conversations, especially about pop culture and the diverse world of art and its subcategories.

Initially aspiring to become a graphic designer, Barnett discovered it wasn’t the right path for him. He then pursued traditional art and decided to teach after completing a teaching program. Before joining Mott Middle, he taught art at a Wayne County school with benefits such as free admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts.

He is now working on bringing similar opportunities and advantages to his students in Flint.

“Where I feel most comfortable is doing the work to advocate and talk to people about experiences. If art is important to me and I love learning and I don’t see it reflected, let me be the change I want to see, essentially,” voiced Barnett.

At the core of everything Barnett does, he makes it a point to teach, lead, and show what’s possible. He also inadvertently shows what success looks like in art education.

A mother and daughter attend Barnett's Art in the Park series at Hasselbring Senior Community Center on September 14, 2024. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)Throughout the summer, Barnett, who is also an entrepreneur and founder of Artxtension: Education-Equity-Empowerment, organized a grant-funded Summer Art Series called 'Art in the Park.' Barnett personally instructed the attendees, providing hands-on learning experiences while also offering food and art materials.

The Summer Art Series hosting locations included the Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Mott Park (for a youth night event), Fleming Park, the Dr. Martin Luther King Peace Garden, and the Hasselbring Senior Community Center.

“I have to expose the kids to give them an interest and light that fire. Take this passion. Light that fire for them to find what they’re passionate about in the arts. Even if they never take an art career, they have that in them to keep them when everything else fails.”

The series allowed residents to gather at designated locations and engage in the therapeutic activity of painting. The series finale occurred on Sept. 14, 2024.

Barnett emphasized the inclusivity of arts and crafts by stating, “It’s for anyone. I know there’s a stigma when it comes to art, and arts and crafts, that it’s for kids because adults feel like they’re too old for that, but you’re never too old for art.”

Barnett shares the depth of artwork done in class by himself and his students at Mott Middle College on September 10, 2024. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)He further highlighted the importance of intergenerational activities and mentioned how the series he created aimed at older seniors who may have few activities to engage in. According to Barnett, seniors have expressed their love for 'Art in the Park,' finding it relaxing and a fulfilling recreational activity.

He believes that many individuals, especially senior citizens, often lack opportunities to explore their creative sides due to their busy schedules. While being active in sports and yoga is great, some seniors don’t want to do it. They want to be creative. That’s where Barnett comes in.

“So you come into the park, you can paint what I give you or make a mess. It’s just the experience to be messy in an environment that’s relaxing and supportive,” Barnett expressed.

Barnett typically shies away from the front and desires to be behind the scenes. “It’s never my aim to be famous. It’s never my aim. If I could do this and have an impact and then disappear, you know, Batman it, Clark Kent it, I would do that,” he stated.

Coming from an artistically inclined family made it inevitable to develop and thrive in the art field. Ideally, Barnett would like to recruit and train staff to facilitate more community art engagement to reach more people and expose them to art. 

"Even if they never take an art career, they have that in them to keep them when everything else fails," says Barnett about his Art in the Park event on September 14, 2024. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)“The neighborhood groups are getting bigger, the opportunities are getting bigger, and here we are. I’m trying to [collaborate with other local artists],” Barnett mentioned and then expressed his intentions for his students. “I’m trying to get my kids to come to show them how you can be an entrepreneur in the arts. This is how you can do this, and this is how you can give back to your community.”

Barnett’s reputation proceeds him, and the non-profit organizations and champions for our community rave about his work, consistency, and diligence. He desires to enroll in grad school this Fall if they open up a specific program he wants to study which he feels prepared for since he recently finished his portfolio. 

“If I want to grow in my artistry, I have to be present to be inspired,” says Barnett. “So, I’ll see something interesting, a color, a picture, something hits me, I’ll take a picture of it. I’ll record it and I use it. I’m never without something to keep me going.”

To learn more about Jordan Barnett's company, Artxtension: Education-Equity-Empowerment, follow its Facebook page. If you are interested in partnering or want to create 'Art in the Park,' please send him an email.