Article co-wrote by Sadie Saunders, staff writer, and Woods Wooden, staff writer.

Wofford students may have noticed new artwork in Zach’s; the subjects in these paintings feature some very familiar faces: the beloved Zach’s employees. Walker Antonio ‘23 is the one credited to the creation of these pieces that hold deeper meanings.

Antonio has been around art for as long as he can remember, art ran in the family; his Dad was a studio art major himself. Antonio did not always take art as seriously as he does now, but he decided to put himself out there, with his Instagram art account reaching over 700 followers. 

He began to take art more seriously his senior year of high school when given the opportunity to study under Kelly Lonergan, a famous local artist in Woodberry Forest, Virginia, Walker’s hometown. It was under Longeran’s direction and mentorship that Antonio was able to solidify and build confidence in his own style. 

Antonio’s style was influenced by a large collection of famous artists ranging from Pablo Picasso to Paul Gaugin. Antonio relied heavily on impressionism and expressionism for guidance in creation of his own pieces. Currently, Antonio is studying the art of Francis Bacon. 

“Studying different artists and techniques, I believe, allows for an artist to apply these to his own style,” Antonio said. “I can emulate perfectly, but it is my ability to still make it my own that is special to me.” 

Early in his freshman year, Antonio was assigned a project entitled “The Everyday” for a beginner art class. Inspired by a fellow classmate who had previously done a project highlighting a local Wofford celebrity, Ms. Cathy, Antonio looked to Zach’s, the popular on-campus dining spot for Wofford students, employees and visitors alike. 

Zach’s is Antonio’s favorite dining location on campus; he can count the times he has gone to Burwell on a singular hand. His frequent trips to Zach’s allowed him to develop close and intimate relationships with the employees there, rendering them ideal subjects for his project. 

Antonio sat down with Mr. Rod Martin on many occasions to discuss the project and Antonio’s vision. He wanted to emphasize and highlight the selfless work these people do for the Wofford community, but in a way that celebrates them in a respectful manner. 

Antonio had concerns about the project, stating he was nervous about painting minority workers, not wanting his white privilege to ruin it.

“The project could not be clouded by ignorance,” Antonio said. “Appreciation is the only thing I wanted to give the workers, along with the paintings, of course.” 

Antonio got to work, feeling the pressure of a quick deadline. It is clear Antonio added his own flare to the paintings, which can be seen in Zach’s today, implementing many bright colors that catch the eye. 

Hidden in the art is even a play on the name of the employee known to many simply as “Kiwi,” with the background of  his painting being his namesake fruit. 

After the paintings were complete, Antonio brought them to Zach’s employees to get approval and/or suggestions. The Zach’s employees made no requests for changes or suggestions. 

The gift of the paintings was given to the Zach’s employees on the last day of the 2020-2021 academic year. To Antonio’s surprise, the Zach’s employees wanted to keep them here at Wofford, as opposed to taking them home for their own enjoyment. 

“Words cannot describe the feeling of seeing Bryant Williams, affectionately known as ‘Kiwi’ smile ear to ear and laughing at the fact that I made his background a Kiwi,” said Antonio. “This series was never done for me and that is why I did not sign the pieces on the front. This is about the Zach’s workers –- not me.”

“It’s been overwhelming to have the support we have had after Walker painted these,” said Zach’s employee Ms. Donelle Finch on Antonio’s artwork. “The picture of Kiwi had to be printed out and signed because some people tried to take the original from the walls because they liked it so much.”

Mr. Rod Martin, known for his genuine kindness to everyone he interacts with, was also one of the subjects for one of Antonio’s paintings. 

“It’s the small things, and we are here to serve y’all and it feels great to be recognized,” Mr. Rod Martin said. “Wofford has the most polite and respectful students I’ve ever worked with. Students go out of their way to make sure you are taken care of, just being here and feeling that love and respect.”

For more art from Walker Antonio, students are encouraged to visit his Instagram art account @walkerantonio_studio.