Jordan Brooks
Author: Heather Sauer | Image: Heather Sauer
Jordan Brooks, the College of Design’s director of equity, inclusion and multicultural student success, will receive the 2021 Art Educator Award from the Ames Community Arts Council. He will be recognized during the ACAC’s Arts Awards Celebration at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 27, on the lawn of Stephens Auditorium. The event honors those who have supported and encouraged the arts through their extraordinary actions and exemplary service to the Ames community.
Brooks merges his passions for art, community and higher education in his life and work. Everything he does is a part of his brand and his values, KNWSLF Art (KNowledge, Wisdom, Self-Love and Fellowship); he uses his skills as an artist to understand himself and to teach others. He has been a guest speaker at universities and arts organizations, sharing ways to incorporate inclusive practices. He was a featured artist in the Octagon Center for the Arts’ “Outrage to Change” exhibit last summer and worked with the staff of the Octagon to identify and further their goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
In addition to his DEI work and his own artwork, Brooks supports others in their creative journeys. He often uses drawing as a medium for growth, and created a group called “Draw From Life” that includes regular emails with creative exercises and Zoom draw-along sessions. He was nominated for this award by fellow artist Letitia Kenemer, fine arts coordinator for the Iowa State Memorial Union.