I'm Andre Rochester-

Visual Artist, Curator, Arts Advocate, Keynote Speaker and Artist Development Coach. Leveraging almost two decades of arts experience, and nine years of lessons learned from corporate experience, I am here to help you navigate the challenges of being both an artist and business person.

My Story

Since 2007, I've been creating and showcasing my art, weaving through personal and professional hurdles with resilience. I've navigated corporate landscapes in quality assurance and continuous improvement and earned degrees—a BA in Studio Art from Charter Oak State College and an MS in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University. My paintings are in numerous private and public collections, a testament to my creative journey. As an independent curator, I've planned exhibits and collaborated with many artists for over a decade. I am the Art Curator at UConn Health, responsible for an extensive collection of over 2500 works of art. I also consult on Public Art Projects and manage a fellowship for artists- The Artists of Color Accelerate Fellowship.

Mentoring and advising emerging artists gives me joy, a passion that drove me to formalize my mentorship initiatives. I also advocate for artists in my community. Beyond my artistic journey, I actively engage in community development and fostering opportunities for fellow artists. I have proudly served as a board member in various capacities for multiple organizations such as Hartford Art School Endowment, Inc., CT Arts Alliance, Windsor Art Center, and Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. My time with these organizations aligns with my mission of advocating for and providing platforms for artists to thrive.

I've built a reputation for collaboration, striving not only for personal progress but also to carve out spaces where other artists can flourish. With a focus on collaboration and empowerment, I've found fulfillment in making tangible strides for the artistic community, ensuring that room is made for all to flourish alongside my own artistic journey.I'm very passionate about helping others develop, particularly fellow artists. Witnessing their growth and success brings me joy and fulfillment. It's not just a personal ambition but an obligation to create space for others as I navigate my own journey to success. For me, the fulfillment of success is intertwined with the empowerment and progression of those within the artistic community. It's a continuous commitment—one that fuels my purpose and enriches the collective artistic landscape.

To learn more about my art, visit www.andrerochester.com.