The Chronicle News' Small Business Spotlight: Meet Jamari Taylor-Healing Through Art at Jaylei Art
- Yanice Jackson
- Sep 27
- 4 min read
For muralist and studio owner Jamari Taylor, art has always been more than paint on a wall or lines on a canvas; it has been a pathway to freedom, healing, and connection. Her journey began in the 11th grade when she first picked up a brush in art class. “I felt like I was in heaven,” she recalls. That feeling of liberation set her on a path of creative exploration, leading her to embrace artistry as not only a career but also a calling.
Today, Jamari stands as the proud founder of Jaylei Art, with studios in Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, where she has created vibrant, welcoming spaces that blend creativity with community care. The name Jaylei is itself a reflection of identity — a combination of her given name and childhood nickname, symbolizing her personal journey and the inclusive spirit of her work.
A Career Rooted in Creativity and Legacy
Jamari holds a BA in Studio Arts with an emphasis in Illustration from Grand Valley State University, and her body of work reflects both technical skill and emotional depth. Her artistry has stretched far beyond her studio walls:
She has completed over 20 murals across Michigan, from community centers to university halls.
In 2022, she painted Sunshine as part of the Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center’s ArtPath project, a public mural that brought color and joy to the city’s river trail.
She created a mural honoring journalist and activist Ida B. Wells for Calvin University’s Sociology and Social Work Department.
Through the Color The Creek festival, her work was commissioned by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Headquarters in Battle Creek.
Her mural Tell Us We Matter became part of Grand Valley State University’s permanent collection, ensuring her message of empowerment will resonate with generations to come.
These murals are more than images — they are living testaments to history, community resilience, and the beauty of storytelling through art.
Jaylei Art: A Space for Healing and Expression
While Jamari’s murals are widely celebrated, it is in her studios that her vision truly comes alive. Jaylei Art is more than an art business — it’s a sanctuary.
Jamari has intentionally shaped her Battle Creek and Grand Rapids studios as spaces of healing, creativity, and inclusivity. She offers art classes, workshops, and private sessions that invite people of all ages to explore creativity as a form of self-expression and personal growth.
From painting classes for children discovering their artistic voice, to guided workshops for adults seeking stress relief or personal reflection, Jaylei Art is designed to meet people where they are. Jamari often emphasizes that art is for everyone, not just those who see themselves as “artists.”
Accessibility and Giving Back
A cornerstone of Jamari’s mission is accessibility. Recognizing that cost can be a barrier, she regularly fundraises and partners with community organizations to provide free or low-cost classes for youth, families, and adults.
She has raised money to support scholarships, ensuring young people, especially those from underserved backgrounds, have access to healing through art. By making her classes available to all income levels, she transforms her studios into spaces where creativity isn’t a privilege, but a right.
Even beyond her in-person programming, Jamari extends her reach through online classes and virtual workshops. These offerings allow people outside of Michigan and even outside the U.S. to tap into the healing and joy that art provides. Her online sessions cover everything from painting basics to advanced portrait techniques, all taught with her signature warmth and encouragement.
Community Impact
Jamari is not just an artist; she is a community builder. Through Jaylei Art, she has:
Provided creative programming for schools and nonprofits, giving students and families new tools for self-expression.
Collaborated with local festivals, galleries, and cultural institutions to bring art into public spaces.
Opened her studio doors for community fundraisers, art shows, and cultural events, turning Jaylei Art into a hub of creative energy and healing.
Her work uplifts individuals, but it also strengthens entire communities by reminding people of their shared humanity.
An Artist Inspired, An Artist Inspiring
Jamari credits inspiration from artists like Kehinde Wiley, Kara Walker, Chuck Close, and Oliver Sin, but her greatest inspiration comes from the people she teaches and serves. Watching a child light up after finishing their first painting or seeing an adult discover art as a tool for mental wellness fuels her drive.
For Jamari, art is more than a career — it’s a commitment. “It’s the power of focus, drive, and the mystery of one’s beauty,” she explains. And in every class, mural, and workshop, that commitment shines through.
Looking Ahead
With Jaylei Art thriving in both Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, Jamari continues to grow her vision. She plans to expand her online offerings, increase the number of scholarships available, and partner with more community organizations to ensure that art remains a tool for healing and empowerment.
Her murals will continue to brighten walls, but her true legacy may be the people she inspires to find their own freedom of expression.
Closing Reflection
From the first moment she picked up a brush in high school, Jamari Taylor felt she had discovered a piece of heaven. Today, through Jaylei Art, she is creating that same sense of freedom and beauty for countless others.
Jamari Taylor is more than an artist; she is a healer, a mentor, and a visionary leader who reminds us that art has the power to transform lives, one brushstroke at a time.
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