JOSE SEBOURNE

Jose Sebourne is a native of Costa Rica, Central America. At age 6, Jose watched a local artist draw a portrait of a young man. He was amazed at the sight of a drawing coming to life on paper. It was an event that he would never forget.

At the age of 10, Jose migrated with his family to the United States, settling in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Jose's talent was discovered by one of his Jr. High School Teachers, Judith Gross, who sought further instruction for Jose at the local high school. The faculty at Bassick High School  created a special art program designed solely to develop Jose's unique talent. While carrying the standard curriculum in junior high, Jose also received extensive instruction in Art history and techniques at Bassick High on a half-day basis for three years.

At age 16, Jose received citywide recognition when he was commissioned to direct the creation of a mural, which is on permanent display in the Bridgeport City Hall.

Jose attended the University of Bridgeport where he received additional training in watercolors by watercolorist August Madrigal. After completing a year at the University of Bridgeport, Jose then transferred to Temple University, Tyler School of Art in Elkins Park Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching certification.

After graduation Jose did freelance graphic design for many Philadelphia area agencies in addition to working as a substitute teacher for the Philadelphia Board of Education. He then accepted a position at Prudential AARP Operations in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, as a Graphic Designer. While at Prudential, Jose rose to the ranks of Senior Graphic Designer where his unique talent became a valuable asset to one of America's largest corporations.

Jose has been fortunate to have his work shown in galleries and Museums both locally and nationally. During the nineties his work was an intricate part of the Philadelphia Art Scene. The Dizyners gallery in Philadelphia exhibited six of Jose's dazzling watercolors, The Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum featured Jose's work along with five other Philadelphia artists and he also had the distinction of having his art displayed as part of The Philadelphia Art at City Hall. The Rosenfeld Gallery also located in Philadelphia hosted his first one-man show with over 25 of Jose's brilliant watercolors. The Phillip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College, Collegeville Pennsylvania hosted the Philadelphia Watercolor Societies international exhibition where he was awarded a monetary prize. His work has also hung in the Hershey Museum of Art and Culture and the State's Capital Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Jose was accepted in the American Watercolor Society show in New York City. His work traveled with the society across the United States to nine different art institutions with its first stop at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art in Main and the last stop at Tullahoma Fine Arts Center in Tennessee. Jose has also been exhibited in the Red River Watercolor Society 2nd Annual National exhibition in Minnesota at Moorehead State University Dille Center for the Arts. He has shown at Gloucester County College Art Gallery, Atlantic City Art Museum as well as the National Black Art Show in Atlanta Georgia.

Jose was formerly on the board and is still an active member of the Philadelphia Watercolor Society and The North East Watercolor Society. In 2004 Jose was commissioned by the University of Pennsylvania to produce three awards to be presented to The Governor, a Congressman, and a Physician for their support for the fight against HIV/AIDS. His production of the award was such a success that the University chose his creation to be the annual representation for this event.