In the middle of getting an art degree Wes Holloway was injured and paralyzed in a diving accident. This was just a bump in the road. Soon Wes returned to school and finished his degree. Today his creativity continues to flow and the passion to help and educate is strong. Wes is an art educator and recently became coordinator of Opening ARTS & Minds, United Spinal Association of Houston’s new art education program. The program offers an artist studio and weekly classes for anyone with SCI/D interested in creating art. It’s a fantastic way to get people engaged and create community – Way to go Wes!

Get to know Wes below:

Age: 34

Occupation: Artist and educator

Injury Level: C5-6

Cause of Injury (tell us your story!): I was a freshman in college and did a bellyflop into a man-made pool at a foam party. The doctors think I hit my head on the opposite side, but I think I hit my chin on the bottom.

Siblings: An older brother

Children: None

Hometown: Katy, TX

Current residence: Katy (Houston Suburb)

Education/Degrees: BA & BFA Studio Art

Other accomplishment you’re proud of? Showing artwork around the country including The Smithsonian, and overseas in Manchester, UK

Do you have a mentor? Who? Why? Rafferty Laredo and Bill Arning. Rafferty is my mentor for anything disability/advocacy/non-profit related. He was my occupational therapist in rehab 15 years ago and has been a constant supporter and teacher in so many aspects of my life. Bill has been mentoring me in the “art world” because it is its own strange beast.

Favorite band/kind of music/musician: Eclectic mix of funk/soul/disco

Favorite films? Big Fish, Inception

Favorite books; favorite authors? Anthem by Ayn Rand

Favorite magazines? National Geographic (great to read and use for art reference/collage)

Favorite restaurant/food? I’ll eat anything. Recently discovered Poke, and I’m obsessed.

Favorite beverage? Water and coffee

Favorite websites? YouTube. I can find out how to do anything, or just get sucked into endless cat videos

Who do you live with? By myself. But my mom currently lives very close.

Do you own a car? Drive? What’s your set-up? I have a Dodge Grand Caravan that I drive using hand controls.

Where did you go on your last vacation? I can’t remember! Maybe that’s a sign I need one lol

Do you have a pet? What? A dog. Blue Heeler.

Do you have your own website? WesHollowayArt.com

Do you go out much? Where? How often? With whom? I go out when I make a point to. Otherwise, I’m home relaxing.

What’s your dream job? Full time Artist.

Do you work out or play any sports? Nope

Activities/Hobbies? Drawing, painting, going to any arts/cultural event

Hidden talents? I can recite Lil Kim’s “How Many Licks” by memory. Haha

What irritates you? Inconsiderate people.

What do you consider awesome? Anything space/time related. Mind boggling stuff like that blows my mind, but I also love to think about it.

Where would you love to live? Paris or Rome

What takes up the majority of your time? If I’m not creating artwork, I am teaching or planning lessons

What do you do in your free time? Flick through social media apps.

What do you wish you had more time for? Sleep!

How are you involved with BACKBONES? Reveca reached out to me 😉

Do you have a favorite BACKBONES memory? Not yet!

Favorite wheelchair accessory or device? Nothing special.

Do you have any interesting disability life hacks? Sugru. It’s a moldable putty that dries hard. I’ve made countless knobs, grabber hooks, and attachments.

If I take a look inside your refrigerator what would I find? Leftovers and milk.

Dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? What would you ask them? Leonardo Davinci. I’d want to sit there and flip through his sketchbooks with him.

During your child hood what was your favorite cartoon? Thundercats!

How many pairs of shoes do you own? Only 1 or 2

Describe your sixth grade school picture. Chubby awkward naive and clueless

Favorite videogame? I have been known to spent too much time playing World of Warcraft

Your default karaoke song? Destinys Child “Bootylicious”

Type of gum you like? Spearmint

A short term goal: Share my artwork with more people

A Long term goal: Same as above!

A quote you like: Good. Better. Best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better than your best.

Anything else you want to tell us? I live on a steady diet of GIFS and memes