Career History

Alvin Pettit is a celebrated artist with a career spanning over 30 years. After graduating from the Baltimore School for the Arts, he earned his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Alvin began his career as an assistant sculptor to Jeff Koons before honing his skills at the NY Art Students League. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Alvin gained a reputation for creating sculptures, illustrations, and product designs for high-profile clients such as NBC, the NY Guggenheim Museum, and Macy’s Parade Studio. He also taught painting, illustration, and advertising at the Joe Kubert School of Design from 2006 to 2010.

In 2013, Alvin was appointed director of the Mary McLeod Bethune Life Center in Jersey City, NJ, where he transformed it into a popular cultural and community center, providing a range of art and cultural, wellness, and educational programs for the community. Alvin's recent accomplishments include creating the two-block-long Jersey City Black Lives Matter mural, a 9-foot bronze sculpture of Mary McLeod Bethune, and designing and conceptualizing the award-winning park’s layout. He currently serves on the executive board of the Jersey City Arts Council and continues to work on various large-scale private commissioned art projects. Alvin Pettit's exceptional talent and dedication to his craft continue to inspire others and establish him as a respected artist in the field of figurative sculpting and painting.

Throughout his career, Alvin Pettit has drawn inspiration from prominent artists such as Auguste Rodin, Frank Frazetta, and Barkley L. Hendricks, as well as from his father, A Dwight Pettit Sr., a well-known civil rights attorney and painter.

Alvin's impressive list of high-profile clients and his diverse body of work showcase his versatility as an artist. From creating sculptures for NBC and the NY Guggenheim Museum to designing product designs for The GAP and Today's Black Woman Magazine, his artistry has left a lasting impact on multiple industries.

As an instructor at the Joe Kubert School of Design in Dover, NJ, Alvin shared his knowledge and expertise with students, shaping the next generation of artists.

Alvin's passion for using art as a vehicle for community engagement is evident in his role as director of the Mary McLeod Bethune Life Center. Under his leadership, the center has become a vital cultural hub in Jersey City, providing a platform for local artists and fostering a sense of community pride.

Alvin Pettit's contributions to the world of figurative sculpting and painting have been recognized by his peers and have earned him a place as a respected artist in his field. His unique style and dedication to his craft continue to inspire others, and his legacy as an artist is sure to endure for years to come.