The Best Painter Alive, and So Much More
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| Andre Jamal Walker |
There are many ways people in the Miller Park neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, describe Andre Jamal Walker—friend, philanthropist, innovator, or as he has successfully branded himself, the best painter alive. However, one thing most would agree on, he's made his mark on his community.
Upon their first meeting, all I'on Smith knew about Walker was that he "was a Cali dude who did real estate." That "Cali dude" would eventually have a profound impact on, not only Smith's life, but the lives of many other young people as well as members of the surrounding community of all ages.
Upon their first meeting, all I'on Smith knew about Walker was that he "was a Cali dude who did real estate." That "Cali dude" would eventually have a profound impact on, not only Smith's life, but the lives of many other young people as well as members of the surrounding community of all ages.
When Smith became acquainted with Walker, he was attending a local community college, but had gotten into legal trouble with drugs. Due to his legal troubles, Smith couldn’t find any work. At the time, Walker took a chance and gave Smith an opportunity to work with him on a real estate development project. Beyond the fact that payment from Walker was the only income Smith had at the time, the fact that Walker believed in him helped spark a change in his outlook on life.
“I remember when I was younger I used to be so angry—not understanding the ways of the world, and also just trying to find who I was even though I’m still trying to find myself today,” Smith said. “It has made me look at life and appreciate life more than I did then, because back then I didn’t really care about what anybody said or how they felt like. I didn’t even really care about myself.”
Walker recognized that there were many young people just like Smith, and formed Ten500 to address problems affecting America’s inner-city youth, such as access to quality education, lack of direction, and the growing obesity epidemic. As a painter, Walker uses his art to convey his message to the masses as well. “The diversity of my artwork comes from living in a complex world,” Walker said. “My artwork is a reflection of the struggles we face daily, from the confusion of a society that pimps marriage to the monopolistic corporations that support the war to the outsourcing of American jobs.” In addition to inspiring youth through his artwork, Walker has captured the attention of local politicians, sending powerful messages about what the community truly needs to thrive.
Walker recognized that there were many young people just like Smith, and formed Ten500 to address problems affecting America’s inner-city youth, such as access to quality education, lack of direction, and the growing obesity epidemic. As a painter, Walker uses his art to convey his message to the masses as well. “The diversity of my artwork comes from living in a complex world,” Walker said. “My artwork is a reflection of the struggles we face daily, from the confusion of a society that pimps marriage to the monopolistic corporations that support the war to the outsourcing of American jobs.” In addition to inspiring youth through his artwork, Walker has captured the attention of local politicians, sending powerful messages about what the community truly needs to thrive.
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| I'on Smith |
The issues raised through Ten500 and Walker’s paintings are something Smith is all too familiar with. “Kids out there [were] just selling drugs, doing nothing much besides just staying in the house, or trying to be grownups,” Smith said. With Andre’s guidance and increased involvement in Ten500, Smith was able to get back on the right path. “It wasn’t easy for me at the time, but now as I’ve gotten older and have built more wisdom, it has helped me to realize that things of the world are going to be what they are,” said Smith. “It’s totally up to me and others to decide to make a change or make a difference to benefit the world and make it a better place.”
Smith's new outlook on life is just what Walker had intended through the creation of the organization. "Not only does [Ten500] create jobs, but it also creates love and unity in the community," Walker said.
While Walker continues to leave his mark on the community through his company, non-profit organization, and artwork, he has also created a domino effect of sorts, which makes his impact even greater. Just as Walker has touched Smith’s life, Smith is now an inspiration to others who are currently living as he did in the past. As the current vice president of marketing and events for Ten500, Smith leads by example. “[The youth] admire my drive, ambition, and determination for the simple fact that I haven’t quit, and I try my best to pursue my goals without anybody distracting me. No matter what has come as an obstacle in my past, I haven’t let it hinder me or shut me down,” said Smith. “It makes [the youth] want to be like that and more, because they feel like they can achieve. I guess through me they see that there’s always another way.”
In addition to Columbus, Walker's presence can also be felt in the communities of Oakland, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Phoenix, Arizona; and Arlington, Texas. Oakland is Walker's hometown, and also another Ten500 location, along with Atlanta, Phoenix, and Arlington. Walker’s artwork is also routinely showcased in Atlanta art shows and galleries. Additionally, Walker's Green real estate development company, Flossy Commercial Development works to help retrofit existing properties and build new sustainable properties in Atlanta as well.
While Walker continues to leave his mark on the community through his company, non-profit organization, and artwork, he has also created a domino effect of sorts, which makes his impact even greater. Just as Walker has touched Smith’s life, Smith is now an inspiration to others who are currently living as he did in the past. As the current vice president of marketing and events for Ten500, Smith leads by example. “[The youth] admire my drive, ambition, and determination for the simple fact that I haven’t quit, and I try my best to pursue my goals without anybody distracting me. No matter what has come as an obstacle in my past, I haven’t let it hinder me or shut me down,” said Smith. “It makes [the youth] want to be like that and more, because they feel like they can achieve. I guess through me they see that there’s always another way.”
In addition to Columbus, Walker's presence can also be felt in the communities of Oakland, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Phoenix, Arizona; and Arlington, Texas. Oakland is Walker's hometown, and also another Ten500 location, along with Atlanta, Phoenix, and Arlington. Walker’s artwork is also routinely showcased in Atlanta art shows and galleries. Additionally, Walker's Green real estate development company, Flossy Commercial Development works to help retrofit existing properties and build new sustainable properties in Atlanta as well.
Helpful Links
Contact
Flossy Commercial Development
P.O. Box 30025
Gahanna, OH 43230
P.O. Box 30025
Gahanna, OH 43230
