AJ McClenon

AJ McClenon is a Lecturer in the Contemporary Practices Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). They hold an MFA from SAIC and a BA from the University of Maryland College Park, with additional studies at Eugene Lang College. Their work bridges personal narratives, empirical data, and interdisciplinary art practices, focusing on themes of identity, sustainability, and community engagement.

Education:

• MFA in Writing, SAIC (2014)
• BA in Studio Art & Creative Writing Minor, University of Maryland College Park (2011)
• Media Studies, The New School (2006)

Research Interests: AJ’s practice explores intersections of race, gender, and environmental justice through multimedia installations, performance, and sound art. Recent projects include Notes on VEGA and Beauty Breaks, an intergenerational wellness initiative for Black femmes. Their work emphasizes sustainability, as seen in courses like RS: Waste Not Want Not.

Grants & Awards:

• 3ARTS Next Level Recipient (2022)
• SPARK Grant (2020)
• MAPP Fund (2019)

Teaching & Advising: AJ teaches across SAIC’s departments, including Core Studio Practice and Sound Design. They co-founded F4F, a femme-centered arts space, and Beauty Breaks, fostering Black femme wellness. Their pedagogy emphasizes collaborative, hands-on experimentation with traditional and digital media.

Labs/Teams: AJ is a board member at Terrain Exhibitions and co-directs Running on Cargo, a touring film series showcasing underrepresented Black artists. Residencies include EMPAC (2024) and The Luminary (2023).