We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven TETTE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an African American man working in a manner that hasn’t changed much in 500 years, oil painting. However, I use these tools to tell the story of a contemporary embattled peoples. I’m most proud of my people, we often have to work twice as hard to get half as much. Plus, we continue fight the lies of bigotry, and stereotypes that we have been labeled with. Becoming a professional artist was not in easy road, I served my country in wars and conflict before serving my community through my art. I wanted the world to know that its a privilege to document the stories of my people in art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, south of Atlanta in Columbus GA. there’s a place called the BO Bartlett center. It’s a wonderful example of large scale oil paintings. Then I’ll take them to a wonderful soul food restaurant right over the river in Smiths Station called “A Matter of Taste”.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shoutout Black art in America! for their support, encouragement, and opportunities they have given me.

Website: Steventette.com

Instagram: Artist_steven_tette

Twitter: Artist steven tette

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.