Check Out Jerard Chapman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerard Chapman. 

Hi Jerard, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
As a young child, art came easy to me. Breaking things down in pattern, color, light, shadows, and perspective- I would draw in church, at restaurants, on shoes, pretty much anywhere I could get a pencil or pen, my surroundings became my canvas. Art was so easy that I did not think much of it until senior year of high school when my art teacher kept asking me to join the art club. Being an African-American male in Aurora, sports is what caught the attention of most people, not art. So, I focused on sports and kept pushing my invite to the art club back further and further, until one day I decided to go and it was the best decision I made. That decision felt like walking through an open door that was made specifically for me, opposed to trying to force one open. Yes, I looked different, thought differently, even felt different, but soon realized I was given this gift by GOD because He made me different. From there, not only did my surroundings become my canvas, but the world became my canvas! I was intrigued with art, the beauty of it, and the mess of it. But I just didn’t see art as a visual appeal. I was intrigued with the art of business, the art of the mind, the art of the body, the art of relationships, the art of success. I found inspiration in everything. After college, that inspiration led me to relocate to the east coast and at the age of 25, my curiosity would soon be met by the real world. Through many experiences, friendships, lessons, battles, celebrations, wins, and losses I started to view life as a puzzle. Recognizing the pieces around me and their significance, I moved back home to Aurora with a deeper desire to provide opportunities for others. To create platforms that weren’t presented to me as an artist. To teach, but also learn. To provide, but also want. To shed light on others, but also identify myself. The pieces started coming together and I began to see the bigger picture. By the age of 30, I had successfully launched an art business that hosted 4 local art shows, led 2 animation internship programs, coached boys’ basketball, had just married the most beautiful woman, and expecting my firstborn. I knew the “next chapter” was on the horizon and my puzzle would be expanding. I soon transitioned into family mode and put aside my hustle for real life. But the hustle wouldn’t let me sleep, in fact, dreams of creating kept me awake many nights. Yep, my dreams kept me awake! By my mid-30s, that same drive and desire for art returned, and Walk a Mile in Our Shoes manifested. We launched our nonprofit in 2019 with a mission to allow a platform for individuals or groups to express themselves through creativity. Since the launch, WaMOS has provided so much joy that we are truly excited for what the future brings. Connecting through art on shoes fulfills my passion on so many levels. Yes, you see the creative side, the business side, the inspiration, the teaching, and the community side. If you ask me, I say, “I see one big puzzle and I’m simply putting the pieces together to be part of the bigger picture!” 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Many of the struggles have just been “life” struggles. Money, resources, etc. As a young man living on my own, I could go a few days without eating, or ride public transportation or walk around town to get where I needed just to save money for art supplies or pay for an application to use an art studio space. But that changes as you have a family. Many times, I wanted to give up, but the passion burns too deep and I couldn’t give up what GOD made me see so clearly. I realized it was about timing and preparation. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have 2 art businesses. Chozen Creativity LLC is a business that specializes in creative business development, film, and media. From logos, apparel, websites, children’s books to animations, storytelling, and film- our network of creative minds do a lot. Walk a Mile in Our Shoes is our nonprofit that specializes in connecting through art on shoes. Mentoring young students in the Aurora community to help many that may struggle with mental health or trauma but also bring awareness to other challenges our youth face- all through art on shoes. Generally, I would say I am most proud to have met such amazing and talented youth that I know will have a great positive impact on the world. One youth specifically, designed a cleat for former Denver Broncos player Chris Harris Jr and she watched him wear it in a game. She was very proud and will never forget that experience and to share that with her was probably my proudest moment. What sets me apart from others is probably the work ethic. When set on accomplishing something, the amount of work and focus that I give can probably be borderline obsessive.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Probably church stories. Our entire church family is like a network and we would travel to other cities to play basketball, or just singing in the youth choir, and other events that we can all still laugh about. We made a lot of memories, our grandparents knew one another, meaning our parents grew up together, so there’s generations of love. Sundays after church going to eat or just playing on the front lawn. Now, we’re all grown with kids and many have moved away, but social media allows us to all stay very close. To my Shiloh family, I love you all dearly! 

Contact Info:

• Email: wamosfoundation@gmail.com
• Website: http://www.chozen22art.com/
• Instagram: @w.am.o.s.
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaMOSFoundation
• Twitter: @wamosfoundation

Image Credits
Javon “The Unique”
Danny Morrell
Amanda Chapman