Hustle Don’t Stop

Most curators would balk at the sheer size of the Art Tower — it’s a lot of square-footage to cover. But Harris is the kinda guy who steps up to a challenge. Big projects are his specialty.

Harris has had an unusual journey through the art world. As a young one, he was a basketball player, and thought sports would be his ticket in the world. Instead, Harris found himself swept up into the street art scene when Banksy came to town.

"I was one of those crazed fans.”

In a bid to be first to each unveiled wall, Harris kept his ears to the streets, scouring for tips and clues. With camera in hand, Harris investigated the city, on the trail of the illusive vandal. He documented his findings on his Vine channel, some of which would later be featured in an HBO documentary on Banksy.

After Banksy, Harris was hooked. He became immersed in the culture. One day the Bronx boy walked into a McDonald’s and saw a graffiti legend - Tracy 168.

“He was always a hometown favorite.”

Tracy was in bad shape. Harris wanted to help get the Wild Style alumni back to his prime. Harris became Tracy’s manager, and helped shape his comeback.

With Harris’ help, Tracy painted a mural with the Bushwick Collective. While Tracy’s health issues eventually led to the two separating on amicable terms, Harris continued his management career working with Plasma Slug.

“He schooled me to a lot of the game.”

Plasma was a major mentor to Harris. For 3 years, Harris worked with Plasma, helping him do shows and creating merchandise.

Although Harris was an effective manager, his time to shine came when he got the opportunity to curate the Mes Hall. A recording studio in Mt. Vernon, the Mes Hall is a massive complex, spanning several floors. Harris took to it with enthusiasm.

The Drip Project, as it was called, let Harris work his talents as a curator — he brought in dozens of artists to paint it up. He went H.A.M. on the Drip Project, flipping the drab walls into something beautiful.

On curating, Harris explained his method: "I try to aim for people whose colors and styles work together.”

While working at the Mes Hall, Harris reconnected with Layer Cake, an old friend. Layer Cake was close with Harris’s sister growing up, and had gone on to establish himself as a relevant artist in the New York scene. Through Layer Cake, Harris was once more given an opportunity to prove his hustle.

Situated in Glen Cove, Long Island, the First City Project was an empty mansion. Inspired by the Drip Project, the residence would be covered in art. Initially, when Harris came on board he could only bring three artists with him. The roster: TurtleCaps, Plasma Slug, and Infa did it big. Impressed by the work, the owner gave Harris the metaphorical keys to the castle and told him to get at it.

Harris stepped it up. For First City, he brought in the who’s-who of New York’s graf and street art scene. Harris busted his ass, working over months to bring in as many artists as he could. Every wall, every ceiling, every inch is a masterpiece. Thanks in large part to his hustle, First City features the A-list of the art world.

When First City opened, over 1500 people attended the party.

“Probably one of the greatest art experiences in my life.”

Harris credits his success to his strong work ethic.

"You gotta go out there and get it. Honestly, it’s just hustle and drive. Don’t stop until you achieve it. Don’t let anybody tell you, you can’t do it. Go out there and get that grind going.”

Harris is bringing that hustle and drive to the Bridgeport Art Tower.