Jacques Baynes

Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild graduate

As a student attending Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild while in high school, Jacques Baynes was able to shape his artistic talent and visions for the future.

“I was always interested in the arts, but I didn’t really understand what that meant.” 

From Student to Teacher

Now Jacques is an instructor and mentor himself, both at MCG and beyond. He previously taught two-dimensional design at MCG, and his experiences and talents also led him to Pittsburgh City Middle Schools through MCG’s ACE (Arts Career Exploration) program. At present, he is an adjunct instructor at CAPA (Pittsburgh HS for the Creative and Performing Arts). He uses the creativity and free expression of art to encourage struggling students to explore their academic skills. 

“I’ve entered a history classroom and used a drawing or painting project to capture students’ interest and enliven a willingness to experiment with ideas. Disinterested students can become passionate about a subject in a realm where there are no wrong answers.”

MCG Instilled an Interest in Art

Jacques enthusiastically asserts that Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild transformed his interest in art and ideas for the future. In particular, the Visiting Artist Series exposed him to new opportunities and renewed his thoughts about plans for his own future as an artist. 

Jacques also attributes his clarity of thought to the MCG college visit trips. He came to understand that higher education can contribute greatly to an artist’s scope and depth. Jacques attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania on a full scholarship based on his work at the Guild.  

“Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild is amazing, cool, creative, and the force leading me to envision my future as an artist. Before MCG, I didn’t know what it meant to be an artist.”