Meet our Second Recipient: Jaylynn Claudio
About the artist..
Jaylynn Claudio is an illustrator and sign designer in New London, Connecticut. She frequents the Golden Owl helping to create signs and window art for their business. Additionally, she organizes Art & Creative Meets once a month, encouraging creatives to network and work independently on their projects. She showcases her Puerto Rican background, a reflection on growing up, and playfulness in imagination in her work. Claudio uses traditional mediums such as watercolor, gouache, oil paintings alongside; Photoshop and Illustrator for her digital work. She is hoping to encourage artists of all ages to continue creating and inspire those to pursue the arts and build community.
This past summer, Claudio made her first big step on living independently. She quickly was aware of the emotional attachments of tangible objects surrounding her. Recently, Claudio rekindled her love for watercolor, dedicating her time to create vignette illustrations of this concept. She blends together reality and fiction.
Growing Artist Exhibit 2: She Shines, She Sparkles
January 25th 2025
”She Shines, She Sparkles”
JAYLYNN CLAUDIO
The Project Process
Jaylynn is an emerging artist, curator and community leader! We were so imporessed with her ability to balance her passions, talents and everyday life. We met with Jaylynn throughout the course of 3 months, strategising and coordinating her exhibit. From picking which works to print and merchandise to creating new work.
Project Consultant Cristin Rivera helped coordinate and guide Jaylynn throughout the entire process. Scheduling meetings, executing ideas and weekly support check ins. This included sitting down for an Artist Chat, an on camera interview!
Merchandising Developer Krista Stanowicz helped Jaylynn determine, scan originals and order merchandise. Which included prints, pins, stickers and sticker packs. Helping to bring Jaylynn's art to a new form!
Art Director Denny Rivera had a few apparel printing sessions with Jaylynn. Ordering high quality full colour heat transfers and teaching Jaylynn how to operate the heat press. Now her originals are available on t-shirts, crops, hoodies and totes!
Opening night, January 25th was an awesome experience, Jaylynn's first solo art exhibit was a success. Attendees enjoyed new and old works, including a sketchbook display that truly showcased Jaylynn's journey of creating.
Jaylynn was awarded a $700.00 artists stipend for participated in the Growing Artist Project at The Annex, she now has a collection of work and merchandise worth over $3400.00!
About the artist..
Jose Serrano is a film and digital photographer based in New London, Connecticut. He specializes in Portrait and Street Photography, capturing photographs of models, musicians, strangers and events. Most of Jose’s work is photographed in New London ranging from Downtown New London to Ocean Beach. You can find Jose’s work on his instagram @jose.u.serrano or on single covers like Brid’s - Let You Go and Kelanore’ - Know.
What inspires Jose is the 90s , NYC , movies and Photographers such as William Eggleston , Vuhlandes, Levi Turner , Dee Knows and Maria Vega.
Growing Artist Exhibit 1: Stills of Life
May 4th - June 16th
”Stills of Life”
JOSE SERRANO
Guest Photographers: Erick Ortiz & Jan Perez Colon
The Project Process
Jose did a great job of sorting through his ideas and bringing his vision to life. He knew from the beginning he wanted to also feature guest photographers Erick Ortiz and Jan Perez Colon. These three can often be found in downtown New London shooting rolls of film, sharing techniques and exploring the art form of photography.
Project Consultant Cristin Rivera walked through each step of preparing for Jose's first ever exhibition. Laying out a path to successfully execute his ideas! Meeting weekly, checking in on progress, and marking off the many tasks that go into curating an art show.
Merchandising Developer Krista Stanowicz helped Jose curate a fantastic collection of merchandise. Prints of various sizes, magnets, stickers and postcards. Teaching Jose the in's and outs of packaging and displaying his original work.
Art Director Denny Rivera guided Jose through the process of which photo's to frame and which to sell as prints. As well as how to hang the entire exhibit. Working with all three artists the night before the opening to display their work.
Opening night, May 4th was a huge success! Lots of merchandise sold, networking and laughter filled the Annex once again. Jose is a great asset and growing into an emerging artist to watch.
Jose was awarded a $700.00 artists stipend for participated in the Growing Artist Project at The Annex, he now has a collection of work and merchandise worth over $4500.00!