This year AS220 has been working on creating several residencies in order to build leadership in the arts. We asked these young artists to tell us a little bit about what they do, why they do it, and how they became involved with AS220. Here’s what Yemi had to say:

My first experience at AS220 came in the form of an internship while I was a student at Rhode Island College. In 2012, Shey Rivera made the connection possible for me to intern with 95 Empire in theater. Over time, AS220 nurtured my passion for the arts.  It broke my heart that I had to leave due to unforeseen events. I sorely missed the creative platform AS220 provided; as my love for art became inextricably linked to my sense of self. Fortunately, I was reintroduced to AS220 upon taking a lead role in the play “A Furtive Movement”.  Through acting in this play, I made the decision that the Arts would continue to be a great part of who I am and what I aspire to live as my life’s work.
After the play ended, I searched for ways in which the arts could provide a creative outlet for self-expression. Ceramics is also a passion of mine, and at the time, the funds were not available to make it into a full time experience. It was at this time that Shey connected me to the Steelyard and the opportunity to obtain a scholarship. This ultimately would challenge my skills to be a better artist and a deeper understanding of how the arts fits into the larger picture of community.