Tony Pettis: Old Soul or Rainbow Child?
Tony Pettis is everywhere. At first I thought I was the only one who could see him (is he an angel?) Oh, he’s real.
Tony is an artist, but recently he has been the subject of many of his peers featuring him in their sketches, paintings, and photos. It doesn’t take more than a second to believe this indigo child was sent here to inspire others and help heal the world. Upon meeting him, you feel lifted from the spirit that fills him — and it’s not just his outfit, which reminds me of an 80s movie where at any moment we all suddenly know the same dance moves. This kid has serious star quality.
According to Tony this is something he’s been told all his life. His older brother, Thomas Pettis, is also a talented artist. But Tony opted to create his own name rather than being known as “Thomas’s brother.”
I say “kid,” but this 21-year-old Columbus native knew he was an artist at a young age. He graduated from Spencer High School, where his work was celebrated by his classmates and teachers. He currently works with a group of young artists who are all on the rise. After running into Tony at Pop Uptown’s Physique exhibit (1234 Broadway), we sat down for a coffee chat on a lovely downtown Market Day. Tony doesn’t have a car and prefers it that way. “I walk everywhere in these shoes,” he said, pointing to his worn suede boots.
My first question is always, “What’s the secret that makes you glow?” His response: Jesus.
Tony is an artist that works in all mediums, and is discovering that influencing and motivating others is another of his many talents. There is no age, race, or creed that Tony can’t influence, and he knows everyone and their mother. He actually met my mother a few years ago at church. He told her that her hair was “fleek” and then had to explain what that meant. When I mentioned to her that Tony would be the subject of The Local Magazine, she beamed that she “knows him.” This is a typical reaction from those who meet Tony.
Tony’s main priority is to help promote artists, but he has a bigger agenda for the world:
“My mission in life is simple. I want to bring people together, change perspectives, and create new opportunities for others to thrive. There’s enough out there for all of us … I’ve been serving in public relations for over a year and what I’ve learned is that the space that separates the opportunists from the opportunity can ultimately make or break their end goal. I am not a “middle man,” I am a social Cupid that makes connections between unlikely people a little easier. More than anything I want to see people reach their highest point of inner potential.”
His unjaded view of the world is not naïve; it inspires me to be better. Recently e helped promote the photography exhibit Here & There housed in Second Story (1100 Broadway) hosted by artists Trey Walker and Matt Mcguire. The exhibit featured local photographers who share Tony’s passion for finding beauty in the world rather than focusing on the ugly.
People like Tony not only keep the faith, but help others to see the light. You can find Tony wandering downtown near Iron Bank, so do yourself a favor and buy him a latte. You will walk away feeling energized and ready to shine your own light.
By April Norris