Today we’d like to introduce you to Byron Rogers.
Hi Byron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I attended Webster University, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Art History—a degree that served as my gateway into the university’s art department. Truthfully, when I first started college, I had no idea what I wanted to major in. I had chosen Webster because it was close to home, and the track coach had recruited me to run for their program. More importantly, I was nineteen, about to become a father, and determined to stay close to support my newborn son and my mother, who had tragically lost her sisters that same year. Remaining local was the best decision I could have made.
While at Webster, my creative trajectory changed when I met Leon Hicks, a professor of printmaking, and Tim Liddy, a professor of painting and drawing. Both took me under their wings and pushed my creative boundaries. Through them, I fell in love with the meticulous process of printmaking, finding a particular passion for relief printing.
Upon graduating, I knew exactly what I wanted to do: teach and inspire young people who, like my younger self, lacked a clear dream or a sense of their own potential. I grew up in a single-parent household on the North Side of St. Louis, in the JVL public housing complex—an environment heavily impacted by gangs, drugs, and violence. In our neighborhood, teachers often didn’t expect us to make it past the age of 18, and encouragement was hard to come by. Recognizing this, my mother pulled me out of public school and enrolled me in a private Catholic school. Though the neighborhood was equally challenging, it was there that I met a nun named Sister Kathleen. She recognized my talent and helped me use it to transform how I viewed myself, my environment, and my education. Through art, I learned to express myself and find an escape. When I graduated from the eighth grade, I promised her that I would go to college, earn my degree, and return to teach—so I could help other kids just like me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“My journey hasn’t been a smooth road, but I have been blessed with incredible opportunities along the way. My philosophy has always been to keep pushing forward and to treat every challenge as a lesson. When setbacks happen, I refuse to give up. Early on, my aunt taught me the invaluable lesson of self-encouragement—to never depend on others for validation, but to trust in God and myself. Because of my faith, I know that every outcome, whether good or bad, ultimately works together for my good and serves a greater purpose.”
As you know, we’re big fans of Be Art Gallery and Studio Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Founded in 2018 by artist and educator Byron D. Rogers, the organization uses art as a catalyst for youth to develop self-pride, personal identity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Byron’s core philosophy is that art serves as a powerful avenue for healing, growth, and community connection. This mission is driven forward by a dedicated team of talented painters, graphic designers, photographers, sculptors, musicians, educators, life coaches, and ministers—all working tirelessly to cultivate the inner artist within everyone.
Being an educator and community artist, I really wanted to impact my city and help combat the issues we face with crime and violence, especially in the urban areas. Art saved my life, and I wanted to use it to save my community. I truly believe art can impact and change the direction of a person’s life.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
“Since childhood, I’ve loved drawing pictures for friends and family just to see their reactions. My most memorable moment happened after I had misbehaved and was waiting for a scolding from my mother. While she was in the kitchen loudly voicing her frustration, I sat at the dining room table, nervously doodling. I drew a heavy-set woman chasing a child with a belt, tripping over a couch, with her dress flapping up to reveal her underwear. When my mom walked in and saw the drawing, her anger completely melted away. She looked at me with a soft, sad face and said, ‘Is that really how you see me?’ I managed to escape the scolding that day, but the lesson stuck with me forever. It was the exact moment I realized the incredible power of art—how it can instantly shift a person’s perspective, disarm tension, and deeply impact human emotion.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bagsincstlouis.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagsincstl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BAGSincSTL
- Twitter: https://x.com/BagsInc1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beart9878
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bagsincstl?lang=en
