Will Kasso Condry

Originally from Trenton, New Jersey, Will Kasso Condry is a renowned visual artist, graffiti scholar, and educator. Growing up in the inner-city of Trenton, Will’s only escape from the negative influences that plagued his community was art. Painting and drawing became his loyal friends at a time when many of his peers were falling victim to the streets. As he grew up, the need for self-expression empowered him to create in a variety of media, all the while avoiding the violence and conflicts that surrounded him. Will’s works are characterized by their Afro-futuristic aesthetic, intricate layers, and explosions of color. He speaks through color and composition. With the stroke of a brush or the spray of a can, he becomes one with whatever medium is at his fingertips and disposal. Will is a storyteller in the great traditions of the griots of West Africa. He uses his art to weave the rich and layered stories of the African diaspora through his lens of being an Afro-futuristic artist and educator. Be it fantastical or rooted in current reality, his artistic work reflects the multitude of dimensions and experiences Black people navigate. Will wants the observer to be transported into a universe filled with unlimited possibilities.

Will studied fine art and illustration at The College of New Jersey as a first-generation college student. He furthered his education in the art of aerosol painting with the mentorship of legendary graffiti artist and muralist, Daniel “POSE 2” Hopkins. He refined his artistry in large-scale mural production as an assistant to resident artist, Dave McShane, at Mural Arts Philadelphia.

Will’s artistic career, which spans over two decades, includes graffiti writing, street art, community murals, exhibiting, and teaching. As founder and executive director of SAGE Coalition, a Trenton community arts non-profit organization dedicated to organizing and implementing inner-city beautification projects, Will worked for many years with young people and blighted communities to broaden their perspectives on the role the arts can play in expanding and enriching lives. In 2015, he received the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Service to the Community.

Since relocating to Vermont, Will has taught courses at Middlebury College, as well as at the K-12 levels. He has served as the Artist-in-Residence at several higher education institutions, including the University of Vermont, Princeton University, and Middlebury College. In 2022, Will was awarded the inaugural Vermont Prize, which “celebrates and supports the best visual art being made in Vermont today.” Will’s murals and illustrations have been commissioned by The Alchemist Brewery, Ben & Jerry’s, Fast Company, Firmenich, MetLiveArts, Metropolis Ensemble, Upper Pass Beer, and more. He previously served on the Board of Trustees for the Vermont Arts Council and on the inaugural Board of Directors for the Clemmons Family Farm.

Will is co-founder of Juniper Creative Arts, a Vermont-based family collective with a purpose-driven practice of creating art at the intersection of spirituality, nature, identity, community, and Hip-Hop culture. Their mural initiatives focus on creative placemaking to foster community-building, sense of belonging, and the celebration of African diasporic culture.