| Justin Michael Jenkins | |
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"Contemplation" self-portrait done by artist at the age of 19. |
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| Birth name | Justin Michael Jenkins |
| Born | February 23, 1971 Saratoga Springs, New York |
| Nationality | United States |
| Field | Painting, Drawing, Sculpture |
| Training | West Virginia University College of Creative Arts, Morgantown, WV |
Justin Michael Jenkins (born February 23, 1971) is an American artist. He is also an author and designer. He achieved college success in athletics for West Virginia University and became a successful artist at the university. He has worked as an artist and webmaster for Susan Polgar, former Women's World Chess Champion and Chess Olympiad Gold Medalist. He has also designed for many celebrities, most notably Brent Spiner. His well known chess collection has been published by Frederic Friedel, and has brought him world wide attention and acclaim.
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Jenkins was born in Saratoga Springs, New York to George and Carole Jenkins.
In 1979, age 8, he had his first exhibition at Dayspring Gallery in Saratoga Springs and made his first sale of an original lithograph. In 1981, he won first place in the New York State public education art show representing the 4th grade for his stained glass design piece. In 1986, under the direction of artist Robert Green, he finished in the top three at a college exhibition in Canfield Casino. In 1987, he entered the school cross country team, and in 1988 became the top runner for the New York State Champion Cross Country Team, which won both the Federation and State titles, and was ranked nationally in the top 5.
In 1989, he was accepted into the graphic design and advanced drawing programs of West Virginia University with a grant for art, and a partial scholarship for cross country running and track & field. He studied under professors Ben Freedman and Chris Hockings. He also had a one year apprenticeship with sculptor Noah Savett, working on monumental sculptures.
In late 2004, he launched his business Imaginative Pencil to sell framed art prints of his work and other products. Since the companies inception, the business has generated substantial revenue. A percentage of the proceeds go to Americans for the Arts Action fund and many other charitable organizations.
In 2005, he was approached by West Virginia Public Broadcasting to produce a logo for their statewide show, Eclectopia, which has a listening audience of over 15,000.
In 2006, Jenkins was invited by Susan Polgar (former World Chess Champion and Chess Olympiad Gold Medalist) after reading about his chess collection to be her full time web Designer, web master, and artist. He went on to create the logo for the Susan Polgar Foundation, as well as the cover for the Mayor's Cup Super Chess Tournament — the highest rated round robin tournament in United States history.
Also in 2006 his work was seen by millions on the Coast to Coast AM radio show after being selected. His Mind Art Collection, which delves into the subconscious and dreams, was a good fit for the show. Jenkins has been a long time student of the mind and dreams.
In August 2007, Jenkins joined the growing league of celebrities who feature on popular online sites like MySpace, under the name of 'ArtistJenkins'. In only two short years, he already has accumulated a fan base of over 12,000.