We are in the final quarter of the school year, and the second class of graduating seniors at Art In Motion (AIM) is eagerly preparing to step into their next chapter. Aarion, a senior this year and a member of the founding 7th grade class at Art In Motion, is excited about what the future holds. A passionate visual artist and leader in his school community, this year Aarion was recognized as one of just ten students in Chicago to join the inaugural Abloh Air cohort, created and supported by The Virgil Abloh Foundation to elevate the next generation of creatives.
Aarion’s love of art started early – painting watercolor turtles for his mom as a little kid. When he received a flyer about a new arts middle-high school opening up just down the street from him, it felt like fate. Art In Motion has provided Aarion with the time and space to express himself more effectively through art while being exposed to new mediums and forms, like sculpture and paper mache. “Through developing both my artistic and academic skills, Art In Motion inspired my identity as a person and brought me closer to realizing myself and how I want others to see me,” he shares. Aarion credits AIM visual arts teacher Venise Keys as one of his biggest champions. “Ms. Keys encouraged me to push my boundaries and helped me display my art in public spaces; she’s the one who connected me to the Abloh Air program.”
Abloh Air has provided Aarion with invaluable mentorship from industry professionals, peer learning opportunities, skill-building workshops, and international travel to Paris and London, where he experienced curated programming with his fellow cohort members over spring break. In the months leading up to this trip, Aarion participated in a series of workshops—virtual and in-person—where he collaborated with design teams and worked hands on with creators like Just Don’s downtown store where Aarion developed a marketing campaign for a new product.
The trip to London and Paris itself took learning to a whole new level: from touring the Louis Vuitton family home and experiencing the new Gabriel Moses exhibition before its public release, to contributing to a ‘zine during a photography workshop with Metallic Inc., Aarion found both inspiration and unexpected friendships. “I didn’t know I was going to become so close with these people,” he said. “This trip showed me how deep bonds can be formed in just ten days, and now I have lifelong friendships.”
Through his experience with Abloh Air, Aarion discovered that being an artist doesn’t mean sticking to one lane or art discipline. With the support of his Abloh Air mentor—New York artist Jim Joe—he’s embraced a multifaceted approach to art, exploring new techniques like underpainting, recognizing the power of teamwork, and learning to allow ideas to morph and grow. “I’ve learned not to be stuck on one idea and it’s ok to let go of that one idea,” Aarion says. “Working collaboratively with a team can help build a better idea because you’re working with other perspectives.”
Aarion’s next chapter is already in motion. He has received offers from top design schools like Parsons and SCAD, and plans to attend Albion College, majoring in marketing with a minor in studio arts. He credits AIM for building his confidence as both an artist and a communicator. “I want to bring the stories of the South Side with me wherever I go, I want to show the world the beauty, culture, and strength that comes from my community. None of this would be possible without the opportunities and resources provided by AIM.”
We’re so proud of Aarion and can’t wait to see where the world takes him! Learn more about Art In Motion today.