Local artist Trevor Twist, a Baltimore native and graduate of Boys’ Latin School of Maryland, recently purchased the Mitchell School of Fine Arts and will serve as the school’s Creative Director. Twist earned his B.S. in Art and Architecture from Lehigh University, and graduated with honors from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. His work primarily consists of figurative painting and landscapes and has been exhibited internationally.
How did you come to the decision to purchase the Mitchell School?
I was going to teach classes here about a year ago, when I got this great job in Philadelphia working at a gallery. I was working at a big alumni show when the former owner of the Mitchell School called me. I had always known I was going to start an art school, I just didn’t know I would have the opportunity so quickly. So I jumped on it. I tend to trust the Universe and follow where the wind takes me.
Do you have a history with the school?
I didn’t study here when I was growing up, but I wish I had. Polly Mitchell, our founder, studied classical representational art, which is also my passion. Only after I bought the school did I find out that my father and Polly’s son are good friends. That’s Baltimore for you.
What are some of your specific future goals?
There was a time when every educated person knew how to draw. Drawing was and still should be an essential component of a liberal arts education. Our goal is to teach people how to draw and paint very well. These skills improve the mind. Have you read Melville lately? There are about 10 painting references in the first three chapters of Moby Dick, and don’t get me started on Joyce.
What are you hoping to accomplish as Creative Director?
The Mitchell School has it all: great artists, passionate teachers, accessibility to first class museums, and a public that wants art in their lives. I hope to bring a youthful energy to the school, which will attract students from 4 to 94.
Our goal is twofold. We want to eliminate the mystery and intimidation many folks associate with art. But most importantly, we want to use art to enrich the lives of the people of Baltimore.
