40 Under Forty 2024: Jennessa Burks, artist educating the community

Jennessa Burks, 35

Title Artist, muralist, and educator
Company Jennessa Art, in Worcester
Residence West Boylston
Birthplace Worcester
Colleges Worcester State University, Harvard Graduate School of Education

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Burks has left her mark on Worcester. Literally.

She has collaboratively painted more than 20 murals throughout the city and has been commissioned to create more than 45 works of art total to be displayed across 18 states. Using art to express not only her voice, but the voices of those in under-resourced and marginalized communities, Burks has partnered with Worcester-based nonprofits including Legendary Legacies, Main South Community Development Corp., and the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester to conceptualize, design, and paint community-engaged murals. As part of her ongoing effort to support those up-and-coming in the space, Burks opened a small gallery attached to her studio space dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists. In 2024, Burks received the Community Art Educator of the Year award from the Massachusetts Art Education Association. As an educator at Cambridge Public Schools since 2018, she has worked to collaboratively develop anti-racist curriculum and professional development opportunities for her students. She has been a member of Creative Hub Worcester’s board and the nonprofit’s lead art curator since 2020 and is Main IDEA’s resident lead mural artist, working with Worcester youth to co-paint public murals.

For an entire year, would you rather give up your cell phone or our favorite food? My favorite food. Being able to shout at Siri the secretary is much too convenient.

Where is the best coffee in Central Massachusetts? I love the iced tiramisu oat milk latte from Infused Cafe.

Your next goal? Carve out time for myself.