Patrick Dougher facts for kids

Patrick Dougher is an artist, musician, and art therapist. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, at King's County Hospital. He grew up in the Bushwick area until he was 10 years old. Patrick was even featured in the famous "Humans of New York" series!

Patrick's Music Journey

Patrick started playing the drums when he was 17. He has played and recorded music as a drummer for many years. He performed with a ska band called Boilers and Toasters. He also played with the famous singer Sade. Patrick recorded music with the Easy Star All-Stars. He has performed at well-known places like CBGB, the Roxy, and Webster Hall.

Helping Others with Art

As an art therapist, Patrick used art to help people. In the early 2000s, he worked with children who had HIV and AIDS at King's County Hospital. He has also worked as an educator. He was a youth advisor for the New York City Department of Education. He also taught art at Project Reach and Studio in a School. Currently, he is the Interim Director of Education for BRIC Arts Media.

Acting and Poetry

Patrick Dougher also has experience as an actor. He played a main role in "Brooklyn 63." This play was put on by Ping Chong 651 Arts in 2014. He is also a poet. He uses his poems to talk about how neighborhoods in Brooklyn are changing.

Patrick's Art World

Patrick's art career began when he was 16 years old. This was in the late 1970s in New York City. He started as a studio assistant in a neighborhood called SoHo.

Unique "Art Cans"

Patrick is well known for his special "Art Cans." These artworks are made from flattened aluminum cans. His "Art Cans" are inspired by traditional African art. They also use ideas from Xerox art.

Murals for Communities

Starting in 2011, Patrick worked as a Program Director for Groundswell. This group helps create murals in communities in Brooklyn, New York. He led the creation of over 300 murals across New York City. These murals showed important community topics. Some topics included gun violence, women's issues, immigration, and diversity. Patrick believes that murals are a great way to create lasting art in communities. Especially in areas that are changing quickly.

"Spread Love" Mural

As a mural artist, Patrick designed a mural called "Spread Love." This was the first in a series of murals. They were organized by MoCADA to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The "Spread Love" mural was revealed in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, in early 2019.

God Body Art Series

Much of Patrick's art explores the idea of God being present in and around people. He also tries to connect African American culture to its sacred African roots. He is famous for his "God Body" series of artworks. These pieces show sacred objects. He makes them using materials he finds and recycles.

Patrick also worked as an assistant curator at The Museum of African Art.

Art Shows and Exhibitions

Patrick's art has been shown in several exhibitions:

• "God Body," at MoCADA, from November 8 to December 22, 2019.
• "Art and Lit," a group show in South Africa, in June 2019.
• "DWU History Exhibition," at ARTs East New York Gallery, in January 2019.