James Antwine
High School Studio Art Teacher, NYC Department of Education & Art Camp Director, Brooklyn Museum
Partner Cities
James Antwine, known as “Mr. Antweezy” or “Mr. A” by his students and “Mr. ArtistPeriod” by art enthusiasts, represents the saying “We lift as we climb.” As an alumnus of Pratt Institute with a Master’s degree in Art and Design Education, Antwine has more than 12 years of teaching experience and is a mentor for initiatives like My Brother’s Keeper (MBK).
As a high school studio art teacher employed by the NYC Department of Education, Antwine is part of the 4% of Black male teachers in NYC. He has also served as Director of the Brooklyn Museum’s art camp for nearly a decade.
By combining arts-centered education with restorative youth justice, Antwine says, “authentic teaching is the essential foundation for any successful classroom, promoted and highlighted by the educator; authentic teaching is akin to valuing rather than exploiting one’s culture and language, embodying a recognized respect for various personalities, identities, and common cultures.” He is a native of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, New York, shaped by Southern and Afro-Caribbean roots, and continually changes the education system through his leadership by “spreading love the Brooklyn way.”
Aspen Challenge
1000 N Third Street
Aspen, CO 81611
(970) 544-7915
The Work
About Us
Stay Connected
© 2025 Aspen Challenge By visiting this site, you agree to the Aspen Institute’s Privacy Policy.
Should you not agree to the terms of the policy, please do not use this digital property.
Aspen Institute Privacy Policy | Aspen Institute Community Agreement | Aspen Institute Legal Terms