Artist-in-Residence Spotlight: Tiara Kennibrew

Tiara Kinnebrew is a very gifted self-taught illustrator and versatile artist. Her professional portfolio of delightful children’s books includes three titles: Mama, I’m Going to be a Millionaire and 10 Big Dreams for 10 Little Toes, volumes 1&2.  Her latest is a collaboration with author Amanda Young, which came out this past summer, entitled Asante: The Spoken Word Poet.

Tiara Kennibrew has illustrated four children’s books with three different authors. All her books are available through Amazon. (photo by Madison Bennett)

But becoming an artist-in-residence wasn't something at the top of Tiara’s list of things to do. That was just something that fell into place for her. She was on LinkedIn one night and saw this enticing AmeriCorps job opportunity that involved art and helping vulnerable populations—the two things she happens to be very passionate about. You see, in July 2021, Tiara had graduated with a degree in sociology from Texas A & M. So this merger of art and helping people was a natural blend.

Since coming on board as an Imagine Art artist-in-residence and AmeriCorps member, she's loved every minute of her experience. Not only has Tiara been helping her clients become better artists, but she’s also learned more about their specific needs and her abilities to serve IA’s community of artists.

Her personal art is inspired by the community in general. She pays close attention to people around town or those she knows personally: their behaviors and emotions, their situations and potential backgrounds. From there she goes down a rabbit hole to discover their motivations. All of her character designs are made up, so she often finds herself lost in thought wondering, "What would this person look like?" Which leads her imagination to create an entity, a personality, and finally an illustration. 

(photo by Madison Bennett)

Being a Black woman in 21st Century America, she believes a positive, wholesome representation is very important. She always makes sure that somehow these concepts translate through her art and character designs. She also recognizes that children are the foundation for our future. Depicting a brown child at peace or full of joy can go a long way for not only the Black community, but for all others as well.