Alonzo Troy Humphrey
In the Street of Philadelphia, marker on paper, 9 x 12 in, 2021
Meet Alonzo Troy Humphrey, a self-taught visionary artist residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Alonzo moved to Philadelphia in 1980 and can often be seen at local parks working on his latest piece, talking with park-goers, and selling his artwork. His work sometimes explores historical people or events, but most frequently the subjects come from his memory and includes portraits, architecture, transportation, and other scenes.
Alonzo graciously took time to answer some questions for Quickest Flip and give us insight into his life and art.
Getting Through Slavery Times, maker on paper, 11 x 14 in, 2022
I noticed you often go to local parks to work on and sell your artwork. When did you start selling your art at parks?
About 10 years ago
Do people come up and chat with you?
Yes, I enjoy interacting with lots of people when I am selling my artwork
Does weather ever affect your outside vending? What do you do if it rains?
I usually vend under a tent so the rain doesn't stop me.
Do you always go to the same or different parks and venues?
I sell my artwork at all kinds of places and events. My favorite place that I sell a lot of my work at is Cherry Street Pier because I really like the people I meet there.
Built in 1919, Cherry Street Pier is a 65,000 square foot warehouse and former ship ping pier which was once part of Philadel phia’s shipping industry. It formerly served marine-railroad terminals linking the Delaware River to the Pennsylvania, B and o, and Reading railroad yards.
These days Cherry Street Pier is a year round, mixed-use public space on the Dela ware River waterfront. The pier is a bustling place with a performance venue, recreation area, and open air garden. Artists-in-residence work out of repur posed shipping containers and many local merchants and artisans sell their work at the Cherry Street Pier.
Germantown in the Summertime, marker on paper, 9 x 12 in, 2023
Slave Ship at 1:25am, marker on paper, 8 x 6 in, 2023
Can you tell us about when you started getting interested in and creating art?
My mom taught me how to draw from memory as a child and I've been working that way ever since.
I noticed you do a lot of black marker, black and white drawings, but also on occasion they are color. How do you decide when to use color in your drawings or when to make them black and white?
I just think about all the things I've learned and what makes the most sense to me in the moment.
What do you like about being an artist?
I like being my own boss and getting to draw all the time.
What is your home studio or workspace like?
My studio is at the Mt. Airy Art Garage. I like the people I work with around my studio and that I have lots of space to work. I come here 3 times a week.
Mt. Airy Art Garage is a nonprofit that provides communal space for creativity, collaboration, and self-actualization while utilizing creative expression as an instrument for social change. It is an incubator for professional and emerging artists in Northwest Philadelphia.
Where did you grow up?
Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Do you have any fond memories from living in Tennessee?
I miss my people down there. I miss going to high school and seeing my friends.
People Sitting in the Park, maker on paper, 9 x 12 in, 2020
City of Philadelphia Off the Highway, marker on paper, 6.5 x 9 in, 2023
Museum in the Park, marker and colored pencil on paper, 9 x 12 in, 2020
Waiting for the Summer, mixed media on paper, 9 x 12 in, 2021
When did you move to Philadelphia and why?
I moved to Philadelphia in 1980 because it's nice and I have family here.
Which neighborhood do you live in and what do you like about it?
I live in South Philly. It's quiet and I have friends out there.
Where are your favorite places to go in the city?
The casino, the fashion district, and the corner store near my house
What sort of hobbies and activities do you like to do outside of creating visual art?
Visiting my sister, going shopping, going to the beach, going to the casino - I love playing the slot machines.
Where has your art been exhibited?
Some of the venues my art has been shown at include Off the Wall Gallery, Mt. Airy Art Garage, The Black Cat Tavern, Art Ability, and The Monkey and the Elephant.
Old Man Been on the Street for Years, pastel on paper, 9 x 12 in, 2021
Alonzo is consistently creating new noteworthy art out in Philadelphia and sharing it with the world. When asked about creative inspiration, he says, “Everything around me inspires me to draw.”
Alonzo takes pride in the sales and recognition of his work and prices it extremely reasonably so it can be accessible to most (normally between $20 and $35!).
This man’s mother has just come home, she hasn’t seen him in a long time. marker on paper, 8.5 x 11 in, 2022
Alonzo selling art at Love City Brewing Company, 2022
You can see this available artwork and follow his artistic journey on Instagram: @alonzotroyhumphrey_artist
