We’re looking forward to introducing you to April Cumbie. Check out our conversation below.
April, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Earlier this year I took a last minute, first time trip to London with my sister and her best friend. I was really looking forward to seeing the art and museums. Working at a museum in Birmingham, Alabama, I always feel at home in those spaces.
Whenever I travel, I set aside a day to visit as many museums as I can. It reminds me of the opportunities ahead of me as an artist, and what I learn always finds its way back to my students through art projects inspired by what I’ve seen. I hope sharing those experiences helps them see how big the world is and inspires them to enjoy it and maybe one day visit places like this themselves.
On my last day, I saw a poster in the Tube for a Kerry James Marshall exhibit at the Royal Academy of Arts. I laughed because he’s literally from my hometown. So obviously I went. And there it was, School of Beauty, School of Culture, a piece once shown at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
It was a full circle moment and what I’ll take as a wink that the work of educating and exposing my students to the world is possible because I’m still inspired myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m April Cumbie, a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and communications professional blending creative vision with strategic program coordination. I use art as a catalyst for education, community empowerment, and storytelling.
I specialize in mural design, youth workshops, and arts-based programming that uplift local voices. My work focuses on developing accessible, high-impact programs and leading collaborative initiatives that connect artists, schools, museums, arts organizations, and civic spaces.
What makes my work unique is its fluidity of creativity and purpose. Each project is designed to create an experience. My goal is to craft creative opportunities that spark imagination and nurture their artistic confidence. I embrace every possible avenue to make that happen.
I collaborate with all age groups, from kindergartners to senior seniors. My digital work ranges from illustrating children’s books to sharing creativity tips on Crayola Learning’s YouTube channel. I’ve helped students paint school murals, write classroom books, and fill gaps in curriculum through art-based learning. Whenever there’s space to inspire or educate, I create with the intention to engage, empower, and expose learners to the transformative power of art. In one week, I could be covered in paint, standing in front of a camera, behind a computer planning programs, doing crafts at a festival, or writing a grant and no matter what I’m doing, the people experiencing the art have a smile on their face.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I think everyone around my age remembers having one of those old desktop computers that the entire family had to share. My brothers watched basketball highlights, my sisters decorated their MySpace pages, and my younger sister explored Club Penguin. I, on the other hand, spent most of my time bent at an awkward angle trying to get my pencil and copy paper just right so I could trace my favorite cartoon characters off the bulky computer screen. My back still hurts.
I’d walk away with a stack of outlines that I’d spend all afternoon coloring in. When I finished, I’d hang them up in my personal gallery, also known as my bedroom wall.
The next day, my family members would stop by my room and take a few minutes to look at the new art. I had their attention, and that felt powerful. Learning at an early age that my effort and creativity could pull attention and anticipation made me realize the power in what I could create. Fast Forward to present times where I draw from that core memory and pass that same sense of pride and power to my students.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
My granny used to tell me, “There’s nothing new under the sun” and “This too shall pass.” In my short 30 years, I’ve learned that both phrases prove themselves true every single day. They remind me that I’m not the first or the last to experience the joys or the suffering that come with growing pains. There is always someone nearby who will listen, understand, and hold space for what you’re going through if you’re brave enough to seek community.
Suffering has a way of reminding us just how human we really are and just how powerful God will show Himself to be. It’s through my suffering that I feel most connected to art, music, and culture. Success, titles, and accolades may come and go, but suffering has built the kind of character that helps me stand strong and stay grounded in those spaces.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
When I was growing up, there were clear dividers in society that arranged content by age group. Now, with the easily accessible internet, those borders are often crossed. With everything, there is a balance of helpful versus hurtful. My digital creative projects aim to create children’s content that clearly offers a safe, fun, and imaginative space for young people to enjoy. My work with Crayola Learning, for instance, offers short, fun craft activities for all ages. My children’s books feature narratives of kid-friendly stories and activities designed to spark imagination while fostering learning and curiosity. I’m grateful for the opportunities and outlets that allow my projects to create a safe space for young minds.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I truly find my peace in my alone time with God. Just Him and I meeting in whatever space I’m in at the moment. That could be in the middle of a busy city street or my first thoughts when waking up. He offers me peace and I take it and carry it wherever I go,
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Acentricart.com
- Instagram: Acentric_Art
- Linkedin: April Cumbie
- Facebook: N/a
- Yelp: N/a
- Youtube: N/a
- Soundcloud: N/a
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