Jeffrey Holloway’s drawings contain multitudes of faces crammed into the canvas—as many as can possibly fit. He often returns to his favorite muse, The Simpsons, featuring numerous depictions of the mischievous kids Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. But closer inspection of Jeffrey’s work reveals a deep appreciation of his family, friends, and musical interests, a full depiction of a fully formed personality.
“I like to use colored pencils for my drawings,” Jeffrey says. “I like drawing my mom, characters, and my friend Nicole [Perez, a fellow artist].”
With support from Jon Bunge, Art Consultant at AHRC NYC Fisher Day Services, and other dedicated professionals and artistic friends, Jeffrey has recently started to expand his oeuvre to include self-portraiture. Jeffrey usually starts his artwork at the top left corner, moves right, then snakes down to cover his canvas. Staff members from Fisher Center often make it into his character collages, as well.
Jeffrey recently accomplished the goal of many artists who create work for public consumption. He was one of 17 artists featured in Show Up and Show Out, an exhibition curated by Fisher Day Services and W83 Ministry Center. For the first time in his budding career, Jeffrey sold one of his pieces that was featured at the show.
“I got $125!” he exclaimed. “I’m so happy for myself.”
Jeffrey Holloway was one of 17 artists featured in Show Up and Show Out, an exhibition curated by AHRC NYC Fisher Day Services and W83 Ministry Center
“Show Up and Show Out”
The exhibition, which ran from mid-December 2023 until January 29, featured paintings, drawings, and weaving creations, made with the support of Naomi Lawrence and her colleagues from Intertwine Arts, a nonprofit that brings freeform weaving to people of all ages and abilities.
“Three years on into our partnership with AHRC NYC, it is amazing to see the creativity that comes out,” Naomi said. “Weaving is therapeutic, relaxing, and there are no expectations. Whatever comes out, it’s all beautiful. There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.” The Intertwine Arts and AHRC NYC collaboration has blossomed to now include five looms at AHRC NYC programs around the city, providing opportunities for hundreds of people interested in weaving and fabric creations.
Maurine Packard, M.D., Jeffrey Holloway, Beth Mount, and Pola-Ana Mora
W83 is the home of Redeemer West Side and a neighborhood hub for thoughtful conversations, cultural engagement, and community connections on the Upper West Side of NYC. It provides affordable space for various gatherings and events, hosting visual and performing arts experiences that feature local artists, and offers resources for community formation and personal development via partnering organizations.
“The idea isn’t just that you want to DO the work, you want to SHOW the work to the public,” Jon Bunge said. He announced that 14 pieces, including Jeffrey’s, had been sold since the exhibition began. “It’s unusual work with unique perspectives. This is the nicest space we’ve ever been featured in.”
Adriana Caicedo, Office Manager at W83, said “I’m extremely grateful to have all of you here. It’s been a beautiful journey of a month-and-a-half. It’s not only about having art and artists, it’s how we build relationships and support each other. That’s the main purpose of this gallery—give a space to build community and have the opportunity to create friendships and meet people to support them with their talents.”
