About

Biography

Clayton Brian Evans was born and raised on Staten Island, New York. He graduated Brooklyn Technical High School in 1985, majoring in Industrial Design. Evans attended Lafayette College and graduated in 1989 with a B.A. in Studio Art, with an Education Minor. Evans then received his MFA in Painting from Maryland Institute, College of Art (Mount Royal School of Art).

Evans has taught visual art on all levels, but most notably at Cardinal Hayes High School (1994-1996), and as an adjunct professor Colgate University (1996-1997). 25+ years of Clayton's professional practice has been devoted to working with youth and families in out-of-school-time, arts not-for-profit organizations both in New York City and Montgomery County, MD. He is currently the Deputy Director of Artpreneurs, Inc. (dba. Arts on the Block) - a unique organization that combines workforce development, art, youth and community development programs and practices.

Artist Statement

No matter the series or content I am working on, I tend to explore the thin border between order and chaos. I appreciate formal, linear elements, but I also like the element of surprise and chance. I believe I am creating art objects rather than just paintings, especially as it pertains to my works on plywood. 

Black Boys in Greenhouses

I initially wrote a poem and made several paintings under this title in 1990 in response to The Central Park Jogger Case and the demise of the Central Park Five (1989-1990).  Due to the rash of killings of young men (and women) of color during my time of growing into adulthood and parenthood, the demonizing of men of color (even as victims) made bringing this piece back into the public eye a necessity. What makes this more personal for me (besides being a man of color myself) is that I have a son over 6'3", nearly 200 lbs who could easily be deemed as a "threat" by any who do not know him. The purpose of this contemporary series is to share aspects of the humanity of living, young men of color as a preventative measure for parents who love their children, and for the young men who have hopes for their promising futures.

I would appreciate your thoughts, comments, etc.

Thank you.

-Clayton B. Evans 11/2017