Dominique Litif-Nelson

Dominique is an emerging artist from the Boston area that focuses on human relations while educating the youth. Growing up in South Boston as one of three mixed kids was pretty tough as she was reminded of her race constantly. Her family, on the other hand, helped her feel safe and welcome. Dominique knew she was different from a young age which pushed her to explore self-expression through art—this led to her secondary education at Boston Arts Academy. Realizing her talent could land opportunities, her tertiary education was quickly realized at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Choosing a major in printmaking, which was then considered a dying art before COVID, she saw possibilities with the idea of creating in multiple—to always have an image to work with—which led to new ways of thinking about the art form during lockdown. After graduating she was asked to be a mentor at her first job as a teen, Artists for Humanity, where she fell in love with mentoring the youth. Today, she runs a foundation program teaching kids about beginning art skills needed, providing pathways for teens to receive college credit with her alma mater. She hopes to one day work as a professor of the arts teaching older students as they move on in their careers—and to one day see her art in a museum, on a wall, a part of collections.

Photo: Artists For Humanity