The Mendel Alumni Association is proud to spotlight Tony Smith, a Mendel Catholic High School graduate who has seamlessly blended his talents as a multimedia artist with his vocation as an educator, mentor, and chronicler of cultural history. Smith’s journey from Mississippi to the heart of Chicago’s art scene, and eventually into the lives of young artists, is a narrative rich with creativity, community, and change.

Smith’s formative years at Mendel, known then for its vibrant house party scene, laid the foundation for what would become a prolific career. He spent his high school days immersed in the burgeoning late ’70s house music scene, collaborating with legends like the Chosen Few and Frankie Knuckles. These experiences not only shaped his artistic identity but also equipped him with the entrepreneurial spirit to fund his college education through hosting events.

Post high school, Smith’s trajectory took him from Atlanta, where he studied at Morehouse College, to California, and back to Chicago, where he delved into graphic design and color reproduction. However, it was at the South Side Community Art Center that Smith truly found his calling. Under the mentorship of Faheem Majeed, Smith honed his curatorial skills, which would later culminate in a body of work celebrated by institutions like the DuSable Black History Museum.

Embracing his role as an educator in the latter part of his career, Smith chose to impart his vast knowledge at the Hyde Park Art Center, fostering the growth of teenage students. His pedagogical approach goes beyond mere technique; Smith instills in his students a sense of purpose, teaching them to create art that speaks, that documents, that stands as a bridge between generations. His students learn to harness the power of their voice through their creations, understanding that even the simple act of wielding a camera or pen can be revolutionary.

Smith’s own work as a multimedia artist spans photography, video, filmmaking, and music production. He carries the influence of his parents, both educators, and has rooted himself deeply in the Chicago community he calls home. Smith’s engagement with the Chatham and West Pullman neighborhoods of Chicago, his experiences within racially and culturally diverse environments, and his professional evolution reflect a man deeply committed to the artistic representation of Black culture and history.

His thesis project, “Black is Beautiful,” evolved from research into a documentary film, a solo exhibition, and a coffee table book. This project not only commemorates the stories of influential artists but also pays homage to the Black Arts Movement and the significant figures who propelled it forward. His work, steeped in historical significance, is a testament to the enduring impact of African American art and culture.

Tony Smith’s legacy, as he rightly points out, is not confined to his personal achievements but is also reflected in the influence he has on his students. Through his teaching and mentorship, he has touched the lives of countless young individuals across Chicago, empowering them to continue the legacy of the great artists that have shaped Smith’s own path.

For the Mendel Alumni Association, Tony Smith represents the epitome of what it means to be a Mendel Man: an individual who not only excels in his field but also gives back, shaping the future through the power of education and art. His story resonates with the spirit of Mendel’s legacy—a legacy of nurturing leaders who make a difference in the world, one student, one community, one artwork at a time.

To learn more about Tony, check out this article.