Meet Don Stephens: artist, instructor, and visionary

Welcome to the world of Don Stephens Art, where creativity blossoms and expression knows no bounds. Learn about the artist behind the brush, his journey, and the philosophy that guides his impactful work and teaching.

From inspiration to canvas: Don's artistic journey

For Don Stephens, art is life, and creativity lives in the soul. He stands by the belief that "Perfection is a lie; repetition is the truth." This philosophy has fueled his journey from Art & Design High School NYC (87’) to Temple University Tyler School of Art (BFA 95’). A proud veteran of the USMC reserves (96’), Don has become a prominent Delaware Valley-Philadelphia based artist and instructor. His creative reality is a captivating dance between subjective and objective realms, dedicated to conveying aspects of the current human condition.

Teaching philosophy: repetition for true expression

As an independent artist instructor, Don has shared his passion and expertise with numerous art centers and organizations throughout the Philadelphia Tri-State area, including Perkins Art Center, Markiem Art Center, and Center of the Arts of Southern NJ. He also contributes to Philadelphia Corporation of the Aging and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation-Mural Art of Philadelphia Programs. Don's core message to his students is clear: "Perfection is a lie, and repetition is the true path to truth and expression." He hopes his students gain a profound understanding that consistent practice unlocks their creative potential, fostering genuine and powerful artistic voices.

The distinctive style of Don Stephens Art

Don's artwork stands out through its innovative approach to the visual world. He uses it as a template for creativity, forming the foundation of his non-objective to objective practice. By employing the elements of design—line, shape, form, light, and surface—he creates formal keys to abstract imagery. Utilizing materials at hand, Don constructs a chaotic mesh of color and mark, energizing the surface and engaging the viewer’s eye. Within his content, his intent is to bind mark and color to emotion, as "expressing the human condition remains the ultimate destination along the creative highway I have chosen." His works have been displayed throughout the Mid Atlantic Regional Art Arenas and are part of the Permanent Collection at Cheyney University Atlanticare Corp, earning him a Certificate of International Merit from the Luxembourg Prize.

ARTIST RESUME

Donald Stephens

Born: 1969, Brooklyn, NYC

Education:

  1. Art & Design HS, Manhattan, NYC

  1. AAS, Burlington County College, Pemberton, NJ

  1. BFA, Temple University, Tyler School of Art, Elkins Pk, Pa

Military:

1987- 1995 United States Marine Corps Reserve

Radio Communicator

Experience:

April 2023-Present

HomeLink Inc Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 1hr Drawing and Painting Therapy Sessions Developed and Implemented for Seniors In Crisis3 Days a week Therapeutic Creative Sessions

Jan 2015-Present

South Philadelphia Older Adult Center Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2hr Drawing and Painting course for Seniors All Levels

Jan 2014-Present

N E Philadelphia Older Adult Center Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2hr Drawing and Painting course for Seniors All Levels

Feb 2025- July 2025

Cathedral Village Elder Living Roxborough,Pa

Artist Instructor for 3hr Drawing and Painting Sessions Developed and Implemented for Seniors Creative Sessions

June 2020 -2025

Senior Art Camp at the Horticultural Center of Phila Philadelphia, Pa

2week Art Camp in conjunction with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Dept.,

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Artist Instructor of Drawing Classes, for elder community

April 2013-Dec 2025

Juniata Senior Center Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2hr Drawing and Painting course for Seniors All Levels

Sept 2021-June2023

THE ABINGTON Art Center Abington,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2 Fundamental Painting and Drawing Courses

For 9yrs-12yrs and 12 yrs -16yrs, and Drawing 101 for Adults.

Oct2021 -Dec 2021

Juniata Park Older Adult Center Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 10 wk LIVE/VIRTUAL 2hr Drawing and Painting course for

Seniors All Levels Sponsored by THE MURAL ARTS PHILADELPHIA

(Kensington Art Store Front)

April2021 -June 2021

Juniata Park Older Adult Center Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 10 wk LIVE/VIRTUAL 2hr Drawing and Painting course for Seniors All Levels Sponsored by THE MURAL ARTS PHILADELPHIA

Oct2021 - June2025

Mann Older Adult Center Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for LIVE/VIRTUAL 2hr Drawing and Painting course for Seniors All Level

Oct 2016-Jan 2022

MRAC Manyunk-Roxborough Art Center Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2 Fundamental Painting and Drawing Courses

Let’s Draw and Let’s Paint 2hr Courses for beginners and beyond

July 2017-Jan 2022

On Lok Older Adult Center (Chinatown) Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2hr Drawing course for Seniors Beginners to Intermediate levels

Jan 2018-Jan 2021

West Oak Lane Philadelphia Older Adult Center Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2hr Drawing and Painting course for Seniors All Levels

Feb 2021

Tacony LAB Community Arts Center Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2 Fundamental Drawing Courses for Older Adult

Sponsored by THE MURAL ARTS PHILADELPHIA

Let’s Draw W/Don Stephens 2hr Courses for beginners and beyond

Feb2018- Dec 2018

Journey’s Way Older Adult Center Roxborough Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2hr Drawing and Painting course All Levels

Jan 2018-April 2018

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR Older Adult Center Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2hr Drawing and Painting course for Seniors All Levels

Mar 2014- Dec 2017

Lutheran Settlement House Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2hr Drawing and Painting course for Seniors All Levels

Mar 2014-Jun 2015

Lutheran Settlement House Philadelphia,Pa

After School Programs Artist/Group Supervisor for Grades 9-12

Dec 2013-Jan 2015

West Philadelphia Senior Center Philadelphia,Pa

Artist Instructor for 2hr Drawing and Painting course for Seniors from beginner to advanced

Sept 2012 –Jan 2013

University of the Arts, PAEP Program Philadelphia, Pa.

Artist Instructor for Arts in Education for Phila. County for 4th and 5th grades

Math and Science Arts Inclusion Programs

June 2011 -2017

Senior Art Camp at the Horticultural Center of Phila Philadelphia, Pa

1week Art Camp in conjunction with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Dept.

Artist Instructor of Drawing Classes, for elder community

July -Aug 2012

Youth College-Smile/Gear Up :Mercer County College Trenton, NJ

Artist Instructor of Drawing- Teen Arts Program 9-12 Through Artworks of Trenton

March 2004-Jan 2011

Perkins Art Center Moorestown, NJ

Artist Instructor of Drawing- Beginners and Beyond

Sept 2007-2009

Senior Art Camp at the African American Museum

Senior Art Camp at the Horticultural Center of Phila Philadelphia, Pa

1week Art Camp in conjunction with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Dept.

Artist Instructor of Drawing Classes, for elder community

Juror for show and selection of prize winners

Mar 2005-2010

Burlington County

County Cultural and Heritage Commission/Teen Arts Pemberton, NJ

Artist Instructor of Drawing- Teen Arts Program Burlington County Cultural and Heritage Commission

June-Aug 2008

IG, Summer Institute for Gifted Students MoorestownandPrinceton, NJ

Artist Instructor of 2D and 3D Drawing & Mixed Media 4-12grades

Nov 2007

Burlington County College 2007 Annual Student Art Show Mt Holly, NJ

Judge for Student Art Show at Burlington County College Art Gallery

Sept 2002- Mar 2003

Garfield Park Academy School Willingboro, NJ

H.S. Artist Instructor for 9-12 grades in Private Therapeutic School setting

 

Exhibitions:

March-June 2026 ACAG at Philadelphia Marriott Philadelphia,Pa

Philadelphia Artist Group Showing of Selected Artist at Marriott Center City Gallery

July 2025 The Philadelphia Sketch Club Philadelphia,Pa

Showing of Selected Artist in Annual ABSOLUTELY ABSTRACTION ART SHOW

April 2025 Waffles & Wine Opener Philadelphia,Pa

Philadelphia Artist Group Showing of Selected Artist at the James Oliver Gallery 25 pieces displayed

Feb 2025 Dupree Gallery Lambertville,NJ

Regional Group Show SELECTED DELAWARE VALLEY Artist 12x12 Miniature Show

June-Oct 2025 ACAG at Philadelphia Marriott Philadelphia,Pa

Philadelphia Artist Group Showing of Selected Artist at Marriott Center City Gallery

Summer Exhibition” 2 pieces displayed

April 2024 ACAG at Philadelphia Marriott Philadelphia,Pa

Philadelphia Artist Group Showing of Selected Artist at Marriott Center City Gallery

Still &Motion Exhibition” 4 pieces displayed

Sept-Oct 2023 Rydal Park Elder Community Jenkintown, Pa

One Man Show Don Stephens Conversations in Mark Making over 39 pieces on displayed from charcoal, acrylics , oils, watercolors, India Ink

Feb 2023 Chester County Arts Association West Chester, Pa

Expressions and Interpretations of 11 Artist of Color-Group Show of Regional Artist

Feb 2023 Dupree Gallery Lambertville,NJ

Regional Group Show SELECTED DELAWARE VALLEY Artist re imagining the

Black History Celebration 2 pieces on display

July 2022-Aug 2022

Burlington County-Rowan College

Summer Art Show Mt Holly, NJ

Group Show of Area artist

Dec2021-Jan 2022 Boston Street Gallery Philadelphia,Pa

One Man Show “The Dance of the Artist Mark” Displaying 30 selected works

Aug-Sept 2020 East Market: WHITEBOX SPACE Philadelphia,Pa

Regional Group Show “Dream Cycles:BETWEEN HOPE & REALITY”13 SELECTED

DELAWARE VALLEY ARTIST 4 pieces on display

Feb 2020 THE ANNEX GALLERY(Smithville Mansion) Southampton,NJ

Regional Group Show “DON’T LABEL ME” 9 SELECTED DELAWARE VALLEY Artist re imagining the Black History Celebration 10 pieces on display

Dec 2019 BSB Gallery Trenton,NJ

Regional Group Show “EVERY GHETTO,EVERY CITY”

Observing the Urban Plight of America

Feb 2019 Holtzman Gallery (Milton&Betty Katz JCC) Margate,NJ

Group Show “HONORING THE PAST, INSPIRING THE FUTURE”

Black History Celebration

March 2019-May 2019 Burlington County Parks & Recreation Mt.Holly,NJ

Warden’s House Gallery: 2 Man Show

Sponsored by Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders

Feb 2019 Lansdowne Arts Board Philadelphia,Pa

2020 House Art Gallery: Conversations with the Artists

3 Man Show based on viewer creator visual syntax

Jan 2019 Philadelphia Sketch Club Philadelphia,Pa

Regional Works On Paper Show of hand selected Artist

Dec 2018 Smithville Historical and Cultural Commission

of Burlington County Smithville, NJ

Burlington County Div. Of Parks Winter Art Exhibition

July 2018 Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia Philadelphia,Pa

Honoring CORNBREAD GRAPH ARTIST LEGACY

Mural Show of 8hand selected Artist

One day Event of Murals 15ftx20ft walls on 12th and York St. in Philadelphia County

Sept 2018 Pitman 3rd Annual Art Stroll Pitman, NJ

Regional Show of hand selected 30 Artist

Feb 2017 Cheyney University Cheyney, Pa

Group Show Three the Hard Way

Feb 2012 -2013 Center of the Arts of Southern NJ Marlton, NJ

Group Show of selected African American area artist

Feb 2011-2014 Smithville Historical and Cultural Commission of Burl. Co Easthampton,NJ

Group Show of selected African American area artist

Feb 2010 Hopkins House Historical and Cultural Commission of Camden Co Camden, NJ

Area African American Artist, Invitational Show, Hopkins House Gallery

Feb 2010 Smithville Historical and Cultural Commission of Burl. Co Easthampton,NJ

Area African American Artist, Invitational Show

Sept-Oct 2009 Delaware Theatre Company Wilmington, DE

One man show in conjunction with performance of Kevin Ramsey’s “Fire on the Bayou”

Feb 2009 Smithville Historical and Cultural Commission of Burl. Co Easthampton,NJ

Keepers of the Dream, , Invitational Show, Annex Gallery Smithville Mansion

Feb 2007 Smithville Historical and Cultural Commission Burl. Co Easthampton,NJ

Voices and Visions, Annex Gallery Smithville Mansion

Mar-Dec 2006 African American Museum Philadelphia. ,Pa

Silent Voices, Loud Echoes: 30 year Celebration

Feb 2006 and 2004 Gloucester County College Sewell, NJ

Annual Art Exhibition Honoring African American History

Feb2005 Virtua Health, Pavilion Art Gallery Mt.Holly, NJ

Reflections of the African American Artist, selected area artist

Feb-Mar 2003 Essex County College Newark, NJ

Conversations with the Artists

Feb2002 Virtua Health, Pavilion Art Gallery Mt.Holly, NJ

An African American Experience, selected area artist

 

Collections:

March 2024

Atlanticare Corporate Collection Egg Harbor,NJ

Atlanticare Foundation Healing Arts Pediatric Permanent Art Collection

Nov 2022

Cheyney University Cheyney,Pa

Cheyney University Permanent Art Collection Curated by October Gallery 5 works

March 2019

Atlanticare Corporate Collection Egg Harbor,NJ

Atlanticare Foundation Healing Arts Pediatric Permanent Art Collection

Awards:

Sept 2020 Black Theatre Alliance of Philadelphia Philadelphia

Pa Micro Grant for Theatre/Artist

Sponsored by Painted Bride and PA Art Alliance

Feb 2016 Smithville Mansion Black History Month Art Show Smithville NJ

3 rd Place NJ State and County Show cash Award

Sponsored by NJ State Parks and Recreation Department

Honors

Artist Certificate of International Merit:

Luxembourg Prize and Pinacotheque Museum Dec 2021

 

Proclamation from Board of Chosen Freeholders of:

Burlington County Feb 2002

Camden County Oct 2008

"Art is life and creativity lives in the soul. Perfection is a lie, repetition is the truth."

Don Stephens