Jayvon Mitchell-Pendleton Portrait of Jayvon Mitchell-Pendleton by Marie Bender

Note: With this portrait we begin featuring the souls depicted in the second edition of the Souls Shot project. These were the portraits that traveled on exhibition during 2018 and 2019. The portraits will appear on weekdays and are in alphabetical order by artist. Thank you for taking the time to get to know these dear souls.

From the artist Marie Bender: I met Jayvon’s mother Felicia back in May of 2018. I was touched by her sense of grace and her strength. When she spoke of Jayvon she told of a college student, soon to be a city employee. Someone whose dream was to provide his family with a better life. A young man with a ready smile, a contagious laugh, and a love of life. A young man with many friends and a loving and supportive family. A young man full of promise. I painted this portrait in the hopes that this is how he will be remembered.

From the curator: Marie has captured what she set out to; the image of a young man full of promise. The wispy clouds and white shirt frames Jayvon’s face and focuses us on his smile. The slight tilt of his head and his casual pose, even in more formal attire, show us a welcoming spirit.

Jayvon Mitchell-Pendleton Portrait of Jayvon Mitchell-Pendleton by Marie Bender oil on panel 18” x 18” 2018