Buffalo Artist Gets Shout Out on President Obama’s Instagram Page

This is huge! A Buffalo artist has been featured on former President Barack Obama's Instagram page.

DJ Hassan posted the original story about Valentino Dixon a few days ago. Former First Lady Michelle Obama commissioned Valentino to do a drawing of a golf course as a Christmas gift for President Obama. President Obama not only loved his present, he appreciated Valentino's story so much that he featured the Buffalo artist on his Instagram page.

He posted a photo of himself with the drawing by Valentino and began his caption with,

For Christmas, Michelle surprised me with this drawing of the 12th hole at Augusta National by the terrific artist, @ValentinoDixon. It’s an incredible piece, but the story behind it is even better.

 

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Michelle Obama Commissions Buffalo Artist Valentino Dixon

Valentino's story is sad, but also incredibly inspiring. He spent 27 years in prison for a murder, which he didn't commit. He spent his time behind bars drawing, which according to his story on his website, helped him survive prison,

Valentino struggled to adjust to life in prison, until he reconnected with his inner passion for art. He regained his motivation to draw by following his uncle's advice: 'if you reclaim your talent, you can reclaim your life.' Valentino has been drawing ever since; for more than two decades, he drew from six to ten hours a day.

You can visit his Instagram page to see more of Valentino's work.

Credit: Draw And Talk With Me [Valentino Dixon] via Youtube