Check Out Jaron Robinson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaron Robinson.

Hi Jaron, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been interested in Visual Arts and Performing since middle school. Art class was a safe haven for me. Going over the various mediums that art can be made from was interesting. I also loved learning about the great artists of the past and how they told stories through their artwork. This made me wonder what other stories can I find through artwork. My favorite piece of artwork is Van Gogh’s Starry Night. The colors were beautiful. Learning about his technique of using brush strokes to add a texture to the painting while learning he dealt with depression was mind-blowing.

How could someone with great talent be feeling low? As I became a teenager, many of my friends sought out me for advice with many things that went on this their life that caused them stress. I was an awesome listener and I helped by giving them sayings and words to live by. These words affected them with great magnitude and changed most of their mindsets to think and become better. Around this time, I would listen to rap and R&B music. I learned that music is really poetry over a beat. I got hooked when I watched the 50 cents movie “Get Rich or Die Tryin’.” I heard the song at the end titled Hustler’s Ambition. I would listen and analyze the lyrics to discover this story and message. This is where I began to write poetry.

I also was a sucker for old-school love stories. Reading books and watching movies of old-school love movies really influenced my passion for poetry, especially Love Jones. Watching how words can heal the soul was what made me a fan. I began to write for years up until high school where I was exposed to spoken word poetry. The act of bringing a poem to life. I went on to watch poets on YouTube and around Kansas City create art with their words. But they would not get the recognition they deserved. I dwelled on this concept of how can art be created but I’m some spaces not appreciated. Art is a pure reflection of someone’s soul rather it’s in visual or performance form. Becoming an adult, specifically at 21, I was able to enjoy events that included alcohol.

This is where I found my love for wine and paints. My wife and I for a special occasion participated in Painting with a Twist in Mission, KS. The whole vibe of creating art and enjoying wine, being around great people, and having deep conversations was amazing. After participating I started to think about how could I have a paint party. I research where the artwork choices came from and found that it comes from a pool of artists. I said it would be awesome if we were painting artwork from local KC visual artists. But also, why just painting there are other mediums of art that the general public isn’t really exposed to in person. Why make it an Art and Sip. But also, to tie my love for the spoken word. Why not include performing artists too.

That is art too. I also noticed that the art culture in Kansas City, Kansas is not as big as the art culture in Kansas City, MO. So, then I was like let’s make it happen. Let’s make a change. My wife, Dyan, and my sons, Jaron Jr., and Jamari were my rock in this whole process. Helping my wife with her business, Evelyn Marie Accessories is what groomed my mindset when thinking about what I needed for a business. She makes hair bows, bow ties, and other accessories. Early September, I announced my business Wine Colors Art + Sip in September. I immediately began flooded with artists contacting me on how to participate. It felt my dream was coming to fruition. I connected with TJ Roberts, Owner of Kinship Cafe and he told me about the Third Friday Art Walk we had in downtown KCK.

I had no idea this was occurring. He offered me a space for the upcoming art walk. I was excited the blown away. But he told me to put it together and come back to him with who I had. I was so happy. I realized I am brand new in this city. So, let me think of something that the average person would have fun with first. I talked with a visual artist by the name of Ry. I went to Sumner Academy with her. And we came up with DIY Jeans since she liked customizing fashion. And I reached out to a performing artist that I worked with named Jass R. Couch. I coordinated the first event and everyone enjoyed it. The Wine Colors Pop Up Event occurred on September 17th. The second event which was a private booked part was October 16th.

At this party, I collaborated with the visual artist Adrian Maddox, owner of AMADD Designs. The art medium was Canvas Painting. This event was also a success. Up to this point, I have been taking note of what can be improved and provided to make this mobile Art + Sip event a great experience for Kansas City, KS, and the surrounding areas.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a semi-smooth road. The spectrum of artists of various mediums and genres in KCK and KCMO is large. It’s a challenge to showcase in KCK when competing with KCMO’s established art culture.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently work for 4M Healthcare as a Lead Accessioning. I’ve worked in toxicology, microbiology, and molecular testing labs since 2016.

I also am a Data Science instructor for Saturday Math & Science Academy based in KCK.

I am proud of being able to support my community’s art culture through Wine Colors and Juice Colors. Bringing together my love of art and fellowship together makes me smile. It’s also important to show our communities that art can be a career as well.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I can be reached via email: winecolorskc@gmail.com.

Or social media:
IG: @winecolorskc
FB: @winecolorskc
TikTok: @winecolorskc

Pricing:

• Do It Yourself Art & Sip Session: $25
• Visual Art Led Art & Sip Session: $35
• Visual Artist Art & Sip Session w/ Performing Artist: $45

Contact Info:

• Website: https://winecolorskc.wixsite.com/website

Image Credits:
Jaron Robinson