Arts Nights Out in Lansing Old Town welcome the community, July 8 5-8pm.

Join us at October Moon, along the fence line, to a showing of one of our favorite locals, Ryan Holmes.

A statement about Holmes’:

Holmes is no stranger to the art community. Since the age of 5, his love of cartoons has motivated him to begin replicating characters such as the Ninja Turtles and Batman, while he drew in front of the television. He found that it was an easy enjoyable way for him to create and then in turn communicate through his art with others. Holmes' kindergarten teacher told his mother that Holmes should be enrolled in art classes and there began his journey. As the founding member of his art club at Waverly High School, he helped encourage fellow students to share their art with the community. Homles’ was known as an artist in residence for any posters or tee shirts the school needed.

Holmes started studying art in many media forms such as life drawing, printmaking and sculpture. Holmes' love of cartoons led him to the Media Arts and Animation program at the Art Institute of Chicago. Homles was inspired by living in the cities that the superhero characters he grew up reading lived in. He surrounded himself with fellow students and like minded to learn all he could.

During this time Holmes came to find a second passion, teaching. While working in a summer child care program, he realized he was passionate about teaching youth. The next year, the program invited him back because he connected with the kids so well. Holmes was recognized as being very motivational to the children, encouraging them to express themselves through their art.

Holmes hit the ground running and hasn't stopped since. During the last few years. Holmes has used social media and YouTube to produce over 200 educational videos to keep children inspired. Placemaking and Community has become a huge drive for Holmes. Using chalk art, he spends the summer creating sidewalk art to brighten his city. Holmes has been recognized as a three time People's Choice winner in Old Town Lansings "Chalk of the Town." He is a two time Top of the Town winner for "Best Visual Artist." Lansing recognizes and anticipates seeing Holmes at most Lansing community events. Whether it is chalk art on the sidewalk or at the Tin Can, suiting up as a Ghostbusters or walking around Downtown Lansing, Holmes is there for it.

In 2021 Holmes began a new chapter as a painter. Holmes has been painting 5 hours a day, challenging himself with nostalgic images. You can find his art for sale inside Middle Village Market, located at 112 S. Washington Sq. Make sure to follow him on social channels @RyanHolmesArt