From Newark, With JOY: Genesis Tramaine and Newark Arts Festival Launch Youth Mentorship Program
Artist Genesis Tramaine at the official launch of the Newark Arts Festival × Genesis Tramaine Young Mentorship Program. (Photo Credit: Plusable)
Students at the launch of the Newark Arts Festival × Genesis Tramaine Young Mentorship Program. (Photo Credit: Plusable)
A day-long intensive workshop at Newark ArtSpace, Vermella Broad Street, gave students hands-on experience and direct mentorship from acclaimed artist Genesis Tramaine. (Photo Credit: Plusable)
The program began with a day-long intensive workshop at the Newark ArtSpace at Vermella Broad Street, offering hands-on experience and direct mentorship from acclaimed artist Genesis Tramaine in a gallery setting. In partnership with Tramaine’s foundation, Nana’s House, and held in memory of George P. Jenkins, the program provides young artists with rare insight into the life and practice of a working artist.
“When Genesis expressed interest in mentoring youth for this year’s festival, we said yes immediately,” said Daryl Stewart, 2025 Newark Arts Festival Director and Director of Programs for Newark Arts.
Known globally for her spiritually infused abstract portraits, Tramaine brings her expertise and deep personal connection to Newark to this transformative opportunity.
“Although I’m from Brooklyn, it was Newark that truly recognized my artistry. My boom happened here in 2018,” said Tramaine. “Now, it’s my time to give back. With my background in education, working with these students is a joy.”
Participants were selected through a citywide nomination process led by Newark Arts and their partner, Arts Ed Newark, in collaboration with Newark Public Schools and the Newark Arts Festival 2025. Over the course of the program, students will develop their artistic voice, participate in studio sessions, and prepare for a culminating exhibition.
The experience will conclude with “Camp Revival”, a public showcase of self-portraits by the students, opening on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Ahavas Sholom, the oldest continuously operating synagogue in the City of Newark. The exhibition will be featured as part of the 24th Annual Newark Arts Festival, which celebrates this year under the theme JOY.
2025 Student Cohort:
Elie Steve Semanou – Central High School
Mary Ojo – Arts High School
Saraiah Marie Brickhouse-Pettiway – University High School
Iyona Gaddie – University High School
Amari Killings – Newark School of Fashion and Design
Jade Woyram Toseafa – Arts High School
Kareemah Taylor – Newark School of Fashion and Design
Amani Crosby – Newark School of Fashion and Design
Simileoluwa Ogunbekun – Newark School of Fashion and Design
One standout student will receive the Genesis Tramaine Mentorship Scholarship—a modest college award recognizing artistic promise.
This program reaffirms Newark Arts’ commitment to empowering youth, cultivating talent, and building community through the arts.
“At Newark Arts, we know that cultivating a vibrant arts future begins with our young people,” said Lauren LeBeaux Craig, Executive Director of Newark Arts. “Programs like this embody our mission to power the next generation of artists—providing not only skills and mentorship, but also a sense of belonging in Newark’s thriving creative community. By investing in their growth today, we are shaping the cultural leaders of tomorrow.”
About Newark Arts
Newark Arts is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a thriving arts ecosystem in Newark, NJ. Through advocacy, funding, and programming, Newark Arts supports creative projects that drive cultural innovation, economic growth, and community engagement.
Carlos Ferreira
Plusable
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