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As we celebrate Black Business Month, I’d like to introduce our Sheen Family to Arthur the Artist, an emerging creative talent in Auburn, NY, who transforms blank canvases into vibrant reflections of Black culture, resilience, and joy.
Arthur Hutchinson was born and raised in Auburn, New York. His early artistic interest eventually led him to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture.
For more than a decade, Arthur worked as an architect on many projects.
Inspired to do more, Arthur made a bold decision: he left his architecture career to follow his true passion—art.

He began working as a security guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. There, surrounded by masterpieces, he found the spark he needed to return to his roots.

I asked Arthur if working as a security guard at the Met was the starting point of his art journey, or if the museum’s environment inspired him?

“Constantly being around the beautiful artwork as a guard at the museum was an inspiration,” Arthur shared. “But more importantly, it gave me the time and space to rediscover my love for art. I used to love art as a kid, but after years of architecture deadlines, I never had time to reflect. Being in those galleries was a meditative experience. It allowed me to reconnect with myself.”

One of Arthur’s most celebrated works is the “Harriet Tubman: Her Life in Freedom” mural, created in 2022 in downtown Auburn. The large-scale piece honors the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, focusing on her years beyond the Underground Railroad—her military service, activism for women’s suffrage, and final years in Auburn.

The mural quickly gained national attention, earning praise from the NAACP and receiving local and state tourism awards. It became not just a work of art, but a landmark—a testament to Auburn’s cultural heritage and Tubman’s enduring impact.

Arthur’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. His Harriet Tubman mural earned:

NAACP Community Legacy Award, Cayuga County Tourism Excellence Award and a $10,000 NYSCA Grant (2024) to continue producing impactful public art projects.

His growing portfolio now includes additional murals and collaborative art installations that celebrate community, history, and identity.
Arthur, what message do you hope to share with the world through your work?
“Through my art, I want to inspire people to look beneath the surface of life. Pursuing your passion and facing your fears is difficult and risky, but that’s where our power lies. This is how we discover our purpose and make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. When we live authentically, we create a positive impact on the world.”
To learn more about Harriet Tubman’s legacy in Auburn, visit www.tourcayuga.com, and to explore more of Arthur’s artwork, visit www.arthurtheartist.com
Social Media Tags:
@arthur-the-artist
@cayuga_tourism
Photo Credits: Arthur Hutchison