Conversations with Beverly Whiteside

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beverly Whiteside. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a mixed media visual artist My journey to visual art… I began this quest as an elementary teacher in the Columbus City Schools in Ohio. I worked for about 7 years. I longed for a more challenging path to follow. I enjoyed teaching as a classroom teacher. Yet, I knew I was not being authentic to my artistic spirit of creativity. My soul yearned for a new life. I requested a study leave and decided to move to New York. I was accepted as a student at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. I lived in Harlem, I looked forward to the high energy of the city, history, and the people. 

I was enrolled in 3-4 dance classes a day. My whole world was about movement; I had the most wonderful experience with the staff and meeting and talking with Mr. Alvin Ailey. The team of teachers were extremely encouraging about my potential. I was enrolled in the Dance Certification Program. My daily over-flowing brisk ride on the over-crowded A train. to Midtown allowed time to reflect on my decisions of changing my life path. I was so full of hope, joy, and no money. I loved it! 

I did return to teaching and was employed as a dance teacher on the Arts Impact team in Columbus City schools. The team consisted of 4 disciplines visual art, music, drama, and dance. I love creativity, I met  3 of the most talented visual art teachers, and of course, I started observing the techniques, concepts, and the beauty of color. I now have a new love! I am basically self-taught. I really like making discoveries in my art. 

I have been creating art, exhibiting in galleries, commissions, and awarded a fellowship to Germany. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think I began to doubt my work and hide it, some people thought very little about my artistic expression. I made visual art very personal. I did not share very much. I enjoyed the movement of the paint, lines, and shapes. And rich colors. 

Challenge 

Working full-time and sitting up all night painting! 

Creating a community of artist/working together 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I exhibit my work frequently. I have an ongoing show that I move to a new venue monthly. It is called Flowers for Clotilda which helps to tell the incredible story of the last slave ship to carry enslaved people to America. I have a traveling show that tells the story of segregation in the south, “Shoebox Love,” I exhibit and sell work. I continue to practice and learn more about my craft and other artist who contribute and continue spread a sense of peace in our world. 

This year I have a commission for the Hilton Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. I just finished. 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
The Last Slave Ship –Ben Raines 

Note to Self–Gayle King 

Queen of Katwe — Tim Crothers 

I Love My White Shoes—Eric Litwitn (children’s book) 

Becoming–Michelle Obama 

Contact Info:

• Email: gallerystudiosonhigh@gmail.com

Image Credits
BeverlyWhiteside