Today we’d like to introduce you to Semeion Richardson.
Hi Semeion, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2013 I realize that in my community there was no art in our lake county. So, I decide to go to dollar tree $10 to buy some small set of artist supplies. Great people that help me from the community support me Dr. Jerri Hayes, Carolyn & Luis Camcho, and friends and family. Amy painter director of Leesburg art center at that time spotted me with 70 kids at the park from neighbor I create a program artist with a purpose art mobile that travel daycare center, school, and locate parks. In this process my mother had pass away 5 years ago from cancer and I use art to help me deal with my grief.
One of the children’s and adults called programs are SolePurpose, where kids and adults paint on shoes to express things they are feeling or going through in their lives. Also now connect Haiti with school called the school of the hands of God over 400 kids that I support with art and food etc. owner Yva Bapstie.
“Mental health is just not talked about enough “Grief is hard, especially with everyone dealing with COVID. People staying inside for a year can run people crazy. But it taught me how to appreciate time more, taking a breath to go outside and listen. to the birds and not be in a rush.” I decided to open gallery which is the first black owner in the tri-county. I have an associate degree in Commercial Art and a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Now in behavior analysis master’s degree. Artist with a Purpose is a mobile art business that provide serves to people that deal with mental health issues through expressive art. Also first woman and African American to win the Gold Key award from Walt Disney for the best media art in Lake County, Florida. Also serves in the community doing art gallery shows, teaching art classes, volunteering, and much more. I been doing this little over 10 years collaborated with Mount Dora Center of the Arts and Leesburg Center for the Arts, Headstart Centers, and Churches. I continue to have partnered with any CEOs, executives, and small businesses to spread the word about Mental Health through expressive art and continues to reach out to other organizations such as Nursing Homes, Colleges, public school, foster homes, and many more to talk about mental health awareness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The most struggles is people believe the vision and no funding because I did it out of my pocket.
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’m so glad that I didn’t give up on my dream and proud of the arts and culture award I receive from the Leesburg chambers this year being downtown Leesburg. The support from my community has been great and reach over 3000 kids since I been in business
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I sing and I am artist as well love mission trip to help other countries
Contact Info:
- Website: theartistwithapurpose.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistwithapurpose/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thats.AWAP/events/?ref=page_internal
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUK_FZYHEq4
Image Credits
Lake-style magazine photo
Skky Johnson studios
