From the 901 to the 803: A girl from Memphis with big-time dreams

Memphis, Tenn., often referred to as the “Grit and Grind” city, is known for the talent it produces.

The talent mainly comes from rappers or other musical artists. In this case, however, a visual artist is ready to take Memphis by storm in a non-traditional way.

Breeze Smith is a sophomore studio art major; political science minor, from Memphis. She is also the owner of BOSinc., an art and apparel company she started at age 16.

Breeze’s art career started early in her childhood, with her dad taking the time out to draw with her after long hours of work. What she thought was just simple drawing and coloring soon turned into observational drawing.

“We would do direct observation drawing … we would draw apples, cups and just random stuff around the house. Over time, he didn’t have to ask me to do it, I would just do it on my own,” Smith said.

She went on to teach herself how to paint at the age of 11 and started experimenting with various mediums.

When it came time to choose a college to attend, Breeze knew that she always wanted to go to an HBCU. She began her search for well-established fine arts programs and narrowed the results down to: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Howard University and Claflin University.

It was through the Common Black College Application where she applied and was accepted to Claflin University. She proceeded to take a tour in March 2021 and was sold from there.

“I loved the campus and its people, and I even met some art students. I told myself, ‘Okay, I can see myself being here.’”

Breeze also received a full scholarship from the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College.

Some of Smith accolades since being at Claflin are:

-          Freshman class senator

-          Sophomore class president

-          Career ambassador

-          Orientation leader

-          A spring 2023 initiate of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

-          NPHC external liaison.

Smith feels as if Claflin has made her become more confident in her art career.

“Before coming to Claflin, I was afraid of even attempting to have an art career because it seemed a little too farfetched and just didn’t seem like a stable career.”

Claflin has brought the best out of Breeze and as a result, she has since expanded her portfolio.

She had the opportunity to display her work during the NBA’s All Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, back in February. She deemed that as an amazing experience and since the opportunity was only for HBCU students, she thanked Claflin for the enhancement of her career. The trip was all-expenses-paid and she also received a stipend at the conclusion.

Breeze feels as if her art career will give her hometown of Memphis some positive credibility being that the city is not the best due to violence. She hopes to have an exhibit in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

As to what advice she would give to her younger self, Smith said, “I would tell my younger self to not be afraid of being an artist. I think a lot of my fears back then have definitely prohibited me from reaching my full potential. “

Breeze will continue her ambitions to become a world-renowned artist, as well as a top scholar.