A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE: ARI WALKER '21

Photo by Deanna Lassiter

BY SOMMER FANNEY '18

As a recipient of the Sigmund Sternberger Scholarship provided by the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation and a Bonner Scholar, Tuari “Ari” Walker ’21 is rooted in service and community, with a passion for art and social justice. He is a member of the Guilford College men's track and field team, men's cross country team and African Student Association. Ari will graduate in the spring with an Art major and minor in Sociology. Ari spent most of his junior year studying abroad in Cuba, which was cut short when the COVID-19 pandemic restricted travel.

How did you find yourself at Guilford College?

I became aware of Guilford College from my mother, Nicole Walker ’12, a Guilford alum, former mentor and active volunteer. During her time as a CCE student, I accompanied her to many activities and events, where she introduced me to Guilford students, staff and administration. I am an alumnus of New Garden Friends School and I also was a Guilford employee while in high school, working in the Marketing and Enrollment Department. Through my mom, I met James Shields ’00, who knew that I was volunteering in the community and introduced me to the Bonner Scholars Program. From that point, James became in many ways a mentor, guide and influence in my life.

Why did you decide to study Art at Guilford?

Art has always been a part of my life. My love of art stems from being able to show different perspectives, views and stories that can be told with different forms of imagery, and the different lenses of people. I started with an interest in anime and cartoons and I focused on sketching, graffiti and grayscale. In high school, I was exposed to more styles and with the resources at Guilford, I have been able to broaden my spectrum.

How would you describe your artistic style?

I am more of a conceptual mixed media artist, where I take an idea — like a word, color or phrase — and bring it to life through my artistic lens. My art is oftentimes social justice-oriented or realistic animations. I am a muralist by trade and I’ve assisted with six murals, including the National Dance Day 2020 mural located on the Greensboro LeBauer Park stage and the “Say It Loud” mural for the Black Lives Matter movement. My first solo mural is for POW! Nutrition, a Black-owned smoothie shop in Greensboro near Guilford College, and should be unveiled in January 2021.

What’s your experience with the track team and your transition into studying abroad?

Sports includes a strong work ethic and discipline, which translates into life as well. My time with the track team is always engaging and enriching, allowing growth mentally and personally. The transition from the track team to studying abroad was bittersweet. I knew I would miss a lot not being with the team, but looked forward to what I would gain from studying abroad. The home stay in Cuba gave me a sense of family and friendship, comfort and belonging in an otherwise foreign country. The experience was like no other and it was disappointing that it came to an abrupt end.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.