Meet the red vest artist whose work is leaving everyone amazed

Max Henson Updated
Max Henson

Staff Writer

Jun 11, 2021

The associate’s name is Jason Colbert, but everyone at the Lowe’s of Collierville, Tennessee knows him as ‘The Artist.’ 

Well, turns out store manager Marlon Hawkins was one of the last to know. 

A few months ago, Colbert, an oil painter with training from the Memphis College of Art, was showing his portfolio to some colleagues in the break room when Hawkins walked in. 

Colbert had joined Lowe’s in February as a customer service associate in millwork, but his talent and passion for art did not come up in the job interview with Hawkins. 

“I had no idea about this when we first hired him,” Hawkins said. “A lot of the associates were looking at (his portfolio) and admiring it, so I jumped over and looked and it was just awesome.” 

Wouldn’t you know, the break room led to a big break.  

Hawkins had an idea to combine Colbert’s talent with Valspar paint, the item of the week at the time. He asked Colbert if he’d be interested in working on a piece right in the middle of the store, and this was no half-hearted suggestion.  

“I said, ‘I would love that!’” Colbert recalled. “I found out very quick that he really meant it. I was blown away. I told them the canvas size I needed, the paint, the gloss, the stand, everything.” 

“I wanted to give Jason a platform to show what he could do,” Hawkins added. “I thought it would be cool to spotlight the item of the week and also give Jason a chance to showcase his talent in our store.” 
 

Colbert did another painting in the store, this time featuring young children from different backgrounds to portray a hopeful future of unity. Hawkins shared that on social media as well. 

The Lowe’s executive leadership team got wind of Colbert’s work, and now both pieces are hanging proudly at the corporate office in Mooresville, North Carolina. 

For a young artist in need of exposure, the support from Lowe’s has meant a lot.

 

 

“When the people at our store say, ‘How can I help you?’ they aren’t saying it just to sound nice. And they were here to help me, too,” Colbert said. “But before I do any painting, I make sure I take care of my number one obligation, which is my department. There is a lot that needs to be done in millwork.” 

Colbert continues to paint at the store when time allows, much to the delight of his teammates and the customers who walk in. 

Art has a way of bringing people together. Such talent can inspire. In a way, the Lowe’s of Collierville has created a masterpiece of its own. 

“Every time Jason sets up at the front of the store and starts to paint, you should see the engagement from the customers that come in,” Hawkins said. “They are in awe of his talent. It’s just a great environment for the store and something we can proudly share with the community.”