Today we’d like to introduce you to Dalvin Spann.
Hi Dalvin; we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Dalvin Spann. I was born and raised in Columbia, SC. I’m a producer of photography, graphic design, visual art, film, and music. I started getting into the arts at an early age. I attended Savannah College of Art and Design. I co-founded Izms of Art, which was started in 2007. Our mission statement is: Izms of Art is a collective of artists committed to being a vehicle for us and other artists striving to gain exposure and financial sustainability utilizing their artistic skills. We also strive to encourage public awareness, participation, and appreciation of arts while utilizing the skills and experience of our members to nurture creativity and sustainable artistic careers. I’m the coordinator of the ArtLinc Chalk Arts Festival, which was started in 2015. While a student at Savannah College of Art and Design, every April, the school would have a festival called the “SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival,” which I thought was a cool way to bring out the students, alumni, and families to do sidewalk art and have fun, so I wanted to bring something like that to Columbia. Originally, ArtLinc was held in the Lincoln Tunnel in Vista, which is why the name is ArtLinc, coined by Jodi Salter.
Along with bringing out artists and families, another goal of ArtLinc was to create more public art throughout the city. The thinking was that having temporary chalk art on the grounds and walls of the Lincoln Tunnel would help show the importance of primary public art. I marked the 6th year of ArtLinc this year after a 3-year break and a new location at The Ernest A. Finney, Jr. Cultural Arts Center.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has been a challenging road. One was starting a grassroots festival with a small budget, watching it grow, and having to stop it during the pandemic at the point where sponsorships were beginning to kick in to starting it back again after 3 years and building back the momentum, reaching back out to past artists and vendors and starting back to square one with budgeting.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As far as me, I have a 20-plus-year career as a creative director/graphic designer. In 2020, I had an exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art called “Anima: The Essence of Blacknuss,” 2022, an exhibition at the Steven F Gately Gallery (Francis Marion University) called “Moyo Roho” (heart and Soul in Swahili). Produce my 2nd solo album, “Nrocirpac, i” in 2022. I’m proud of still having the ability and freedom to create. What sets me apart? I was an artist and an advocate for artists while on the boards of One Columbia and First Thursdays on Main.
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
Peace of Mind and being the best human I can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.IzmsofArt.com
- Instagram: izmsofart
- Youtube: Izms of Art Media
Image Credits
Self-portrait taken by Kendra Spann, All other images taken by me (Dalvin Spann)
