Stephon was nominated to be a hidden hero because of the art that he creates. Art for him is a way to inspire not only himself but others in the community or anyone that he can share it with. They say that a picture says a thousand words, and Stephon is trying to share those thousand words to make this community a better place for everyone. 

Stephon was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and said he had to adjust to how different Stevens Point was from Chicago. "It was jarring initially, but I eventually started to build my place here." He decided to stick around because it seemed like a great place to build his business and raise a family, and has resided in Stevens Point for the last 12 years now.

In high school Stephon attended Lane Tech College Prep and majored in Art. He was on the track and field team for three years and was a decathlete for his first year and a half in college; these two things got him connected to University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. They often recruited students from Lane Tech. while working with the track and field coach's. Stephon came to Stevens Point to earn a college degree, but more importantly, to network and connect with different people/artists/professionals. He met many great people and even studied abroad in Italy for part of the summer in 2013. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts in 2-D Art in 2014. That same year, he got married to Jenna. Then, they did a great amount of traveling across the country and even to other countries like Costa Rica and Canada while he was a Taekwondo competitor (sparring/fighting).

He started Kiba Freeman Art in early 2016 as a way to start building his brand name and challenge himself to grow creatively. His daughter, Soraiya was born in 2018 and amplified his ambitions and creative endeavors. Now a days Stephon is a full time stay home parent and professional artist. Saying he always wanted to be a parent, it seemed most natural for him to be home with his family. "I didn’t want my children to feel like they didn’t know me. I also wanted to be heavily involved in how they are educated and how they learn about the world. Goes well with being a professional artist." 

The earliest memory Stephon can recall is seeing someone draw something and wanting to try that thing. His passion is art, learning and connecting with people.  He tends to paint many landscapes, but he really enjoys making space-scapes. Whimsical feeling works (could be categorized as surrealism). Inspiration for him comes from his daughter and trying to depict how he imagines she sees the world. Process is very important to him, regardless of what he paints. For his paintings he uses spray paint and (sometimes) paint marker for his pieces. 

Stephon has done residency programs for schools in Green Bay and Oshkosh. Then he started hosting small outdoor workshops for ages 10+ (they have to be able to hold/use spray cans). He says "kids just need the proper encouragement." His advice would be to just start. "Allow yourself to create things that you enjoy or find interest in."

All of his social media pages can be found under Kiba Freeman Art (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter).

A link to Stephon's website: www.kibafreemanart.com

Stephon 's Favorite's:

Song: Any song by Stevie Wonder or Michael Jackson. "Sir Duke"/"Isn’t She Lovely" and "Man in the Mirror"/"Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough" come to mind.

Food: Cookies Chewy Chocolate chip  

Book: Whatever book Soraiya (my daughter) wants me to read. 

Quote:“Dreams don’t work unless you do.” “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”

What makes you happy?

Snuggling with Jenna. Teaching Soraiya new things. Dancing to good music. Diving into a new painting. Cooking dinner for loved ones. Moving someone with my art. Talking about art. So many things bring me happiness. 

How does living in Portage County influence you?

My art is partially influenced by what’s around me but also by what is needed in my surrounding community. I try provide escapes through my art, but also take you to your favorite place, if possible. 

What can people from the community learn from you?

I never let my upbringing or circumstances stop me from creating my own path and beliefs. You are in control of your story. Make it as beautiful as you want. 

Where are you headed?

I am at the beginning of my art career and parenthood. I’m not sure where I’m headed from here but I plan to make great memories and enjoy the journey. I want to continue to create representation for my daughter. Hopefully I can learn something along the way and influence other artists. 

What is your most deeply held belief?

Everyone can create art. It’s part of the human condition. Everything we do is art. How we talk. How we walk. The way we dress. What we cook/eat. How we treat our community members. It’s all art. 

What is the hardest truth you've ever learned? 

No one is going to make things happen for you. You have to go out and make them happen for yourself.

Be the hero of your own story.