Check out Christian Baylis

Christian, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am a 25 yr old who’s lived in Atlanta for almost ten years now. I graduated from Southeastern University with my Bachelors of Sciences in Ministerial Leadership, and I am currently going back to school for my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Since moving here, I have done what I can to dive into the culture and learn the heartbeat of Atlanta. In my search of living and growing in this area, I have found my true calling, which is to build, serve, and develop this next generation. I have a heart to not only be a part of the culture, but to change the way current culture is viewed. I was raised in a single parent household and had to understand the meaning of sacrifice from a young age. Some may have even said I had odds against me, but if it wasn’t for my faith in Jesus, my family, and having mentors and coaches around me, I could’ve just been a statistic. I desire to be part of the change by training and providing mentors that go into the school system and impact students from 4th Grade-College on how to become the best versions of themselves despite what life has dealt them. Instead of seeing what isn’t, let’s be a part of what can be!

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
The name of the organization is The Pack Youth. As the executive director, I have the opportunity weekly to go into schools in both APS and Douglas County and connect local leaders and influencers amongst the community to an opportunity to pour into the next generation. Students are being mentored weekly by people who care about them, want to see them win, and help coach them through life. What I want people to see is that all it takes is for young people to see people care and who are willing to walk through life with them, and you can begin to see change.

The images below show that in all we do we wish to help young people find light in life no matter what they are facing.

Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
I think the biggest challenge we face is believing we can do it. I have always had a heart for my generation and the ones to come, but I always thought I couldn’t help be a part of the change because of people, my fears, my reality. Turns out I was wrong!

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
The pack youth is something I desire to become more than just an Atlanta thing, but a worldwide thing. I believe what we offer to impact the next generation to [Build] good character, [Serve] for a greater purpose, and [Develop] healthy family values for every student, is something that can change the course of many young people. “Studies show that behavior, attitudes, and relationships improve when a youth has a mentor.” Again I wish to be a part of that change and equip others to be as well. We are always looking for more coaches to mentor students. Also, financial support to help feed students, provide developmental trips, and give things such as school supplies, college scholarships, and growth tools to young people.