08/31/2026
Meet Art Works artist Aaron "Aawful Aaron" Williams
What does it mean to be both an artist and an arts administrator?
For Aawful Aaron, Community Liaison at Zygote Press, the two roles have strengthened one another. Working in arts administration has brought more structure and discipline to his studio practice, while being an artist gives him firsthand insight into what artists need to thrive.
“Everyone has a role to play. I often compare the arts ecosystem to organized sports: people may focus on the player on the court or field, but the game could not happen at that level without coaches, trainers, referees, production teams, and stadium staff. The arts are no different. Artists may be the most visible part of the work, but administrators, educators, curators, and cultural leaders create much of the infrastructure that allows artists and communities to thrive.”
Aaron works across drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media.
His perspective is at the heart of the upmcoming exhibition, Art Works: artists may be the most visible part of the arts ecosystem, but a whole network of people helps make the work possible.
Art Works opens September 11 at Valley Art Center.
Bowen Gallery, Valley Art Center
September 11–October 21
Opening Reception: September 11, 6–8 PM*
(5-6pm Sensory Friendly Quiet Hour)
