Written by | Ray Cornelius
This year’s #FORDATL “The Art of the Drive” event is less than two days away and yours truly, RayCornelius.com, got an opportunity to chat with one of this year’s brand ambassadors, Monica Tookes. I caught up with the nationally known painter, cultural curator and philanthropist, who’s been very busy with her new art gallery. We also dished about her new initiative with Atlanta’s Benjamin Banneker High School and how Ford has helped her ‘go further’ in her career.
RC: How does it feel to be a brand ambassador for this year’s campaign?
MT: I can’t begin to explain how excited I was when I found out because I’ve had a Ford vehicle for so long. In fact, I have attributed much of success to my van over the years. Unfortunately I had to get rid of it recently but it was the best asset I had for my business.
RC: Let’s talk about your current gig with Benjamin Banneker High School?
MT: I was hired by the school’s new principal to create a mural that would help bring some pride back to the students and encourage them for this upcoming school year. The students don’t even know that this is going on and they’re going to come back in August and see all of these new things that the principal has in play. I’ve actually painting about five to six different areas of the school so far and it’s been really cool to hear the feedback from the football players who have been practicing this summer. I get excited when I see their faces watching the blank walls turn into something they can be proud of. I don’t think people realize the significance of something as simple as putting a mural up in the school and how it can change the students morale.
RC: You recently opened a new art gallery in East Atlanta? How’s that going?
MT: It has been literally full speed ahead and I’ve been so busy preparing and prepping for more exciting things. My Girls Leadership Program has also opened doors for me to connect with so many different people who’ve been waiting patiently to work with me. Having a store front again has let me know just how much I’ve been missed in the community. I go to work now and find little notes from everyone supporting me. People have been sending me gifts in the mail just to say, ‘We see you and thanks for not giving up…’ It’s just been crazy inspiring.
RC: You also offer a “paint and sip” experience. How has that worked out?
MT: That’s funny. I’ve never really wanted to be an art instructor in any form or capacity. However, everyone including my husband has said,’Monica, you really should do some type of paint and sip.’ So, I did one kinda on a dare and everyone has been loving it. It really has been one of those ‘go further’ moments because I’ve never tried it before and we’ve been selling out now every time we host one.
RC: Speaking of ‘going further,’ what advice do you have for anyone trying to go to the next level in their life or career?
MT: It’s funny! As I have been painting these murals, for some reason I’ve been thinking about all the people who told me ‘no’ in my life. I don’t know why I’m in this moment in my career but I’m actually doing what they said I couldn’t. I am literally walking in those moments and if I didn’t believe in myself or pushed myself further, I wouldnt be here. If there is something at the core of who you are and you’re extremely passionate about it, then I say never ever give up on it. If you’re not passionate enough to plead a case about it before a judge then maybe you should try something different. If not, then go after that thing that makes you get up and want to fight every morning.
Photo Credits: Facebook/Monica Tookes and RayCornelius.com
