Meet Shawntay Gorman: The Artist Turning Passion into Purpose
June 10th, 2025
From live painting at major festivals to mentoring young students in the classroom, Shawntay Gorman (@shawntay__) is a force in Sacramento’s creative community. A self-described multidisciplinary artist, educator, and activist, Shawntay uses bold, expressive art to spotlight voices often left in the margins, centering Black and Brown experiences, women’s empowerment, and social justice.
What began as a hobby after stepping away from the local music scene has evolved into a meaningful career rooted in community connection. In our recent interview, Shawntay opened up about her journey into the art world, her deep ties to Midtown, and what it means to return to Second Saturday not just as a visitor, but as a featured artist. With an unfiltered voice and vibrant vision, she’s using every canvas as a call to action, and an invitation to feel, reflect, and engage.
Read on to learn more about Shawntay’s creative process, her involvement in Midtown Second Saturday, and how living in Midtown helped her grow as both an artist and a changemaker.
Can you share a bit about your background and what initially drew you to pursue art as a passion or career?
I’ve always been a very creative person. I started doing art in 2011 after I left the Sacramento music scene. When I first started doing art, it was more of a hobby and just making things for friends; until they started to encourage me to share it on social media. In 2013 I participated in my first art show with the Raw Artist organization. Since then I have live painted for local festivals like Sol Blume and ALLWomen, I have also live painted at events like the NBA California Classic for the Sawyer Hotel. I have become an art educator at a local elementary school, and created a mini-mural project with the students of that school. I am a freelance paint party instructor. I have customized perfume bottles during a contract stint with Revlon for brands like YSL, All Saints, and Viktor & Rolf. I have also curated multiple art shows at the Brickhouse Gallery, the Gallery 916 and most recently at the Kaneko gallery at American River College.
How would you describe your artistic style and what sets your work apart from other artists?
I am a multi-disciplinary artist but my main medium is in acrylic with my focus being on uplifting the voices of Black and Brown people, women empowerment and social justice issues. I do a lot of portrait work as well as abstract figuring work. What sets me apart from other artists is my refusal to edit myself and/or the messages conveyed in my art.
How did you first get involved with Second Saturday, and what does it mean to you as a local artist?
As a Sacramento native, everyone knows what Second Saturday is and what an amazing event it is for us locals and artists. My friends and I used to go to Second Saturdays all the time. When I very first started sharing my art it was a goal of mine to be a part of Second Saturday. So, it means alot for me to be a part of the event. Let alone as a featured artist!
How long have you lived in Midtown?
Thanks to my fiance I have been able to call Midtown home for the past 4 years. But we recently moved in together in Carmichael. Midtown is the perfect location for food and for my art endeavors. Everything is centralized. We plan on making our way back over to this side of Sacramento very soon.
What impact has living in Midtown had on your creative process or artistic style?
Being so close to everything has helped me grow as an artist as most things are easily accessible in Midtown. Being in Midtown has allowed me to meet new like minded people and try new things. I have participated in theater productions as an artist through living in Midtown. Something I would’ve never imagined I would do but I was able to from meeting the people I have in Midtown.
What are some of your aspirations or goals as an artist, both in terms of your personal growth and the impact you hope to make through your art?
A huge goal of mine this year is to obtain funding so that I am able to continue to create the art I create freely and to help fund the art class I teach for as art is not funded in the school district I teach in. I would like to continue to create safe spaces for artists to feel heard and seen without feeling “judged.” I would like to create more workshops to help local artists be successful and I would also like to create workshops/classes for low income youth who do not have access to creating art.
How does participating in events like Midtown Second Saturday allow you to connect with your audience or community in ways that are unique compared to other platforms or venues?
Participating in events like Midtown Second Saturday allows me to connect with my audience in a more personal capacity. Unlike online platforms, these events create space for real-time conversations, reactions and storytelling. I get to witness how people engage with my work, hear their stories and share deeper meaning behind each piece.
Anything else you would like to share?
My solo art exhibit “HER Anthem” will be running at the 1705 Gallery in the West Sacramento community center from 08/4/2025-08/31/2025 with the opening reception happening 08/15/2025 from 6-8pm.
This Midtown Second Saturday Artist Feature is brought to you by Live Midtown Sponsors: Demmon Partners/16 Powerhouse, 19J Midtown, The Press at Midtown Quarter Apartments, and 17Central
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