THE Y-SERIES

"An Offering to Culture, Community, & Creativity"

Y-Series collab with Victor A. Saint-Hilaire (@vash_art)

A unique 5.2% ABV, 16 IBU Kristallweizen Ale brewed with mango, capturing the harmony of tropical fruit and German wheat bier qualities. Expect a delightful blend of mango for an enhanced fruity profile, complemented by Tettnanger hops that add hints of citrus and floral notes. The yeast imparts subtle banana and clove nuances, balancing sweetness and spice, while Pilsen and Spelt malts create a smooth body with a crisp, clean finish.

Victor Alexander Saint-Hilaire is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is deeply rooted in his rich Dominican heritage and a lifelong passion for creativity. Born in the vibrant town of Sabaneta, in the province of Santiago Rodriguez, Dominican Republic, Victor describes his childhood as colorful and full of inspiration.

“Ever since I could remember, I’ve always had an inclination toward drawing or creating art through whatever medium I could get my hands on." From clay and pencils to paint, my early works included a tiny booklet of drawings from Super Mario World, which my mother still treasures today!"

After moving to the U.S. with his family, Victor earned his high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree, which marked the start of an artist career fueled by intentionality and a deep care for others. Over the last decade, Victor has collaborated with organizations like Groundswell, Public Assistants, and Medicine Walls, as well as brands like MTV and Kipling USA. Whether painting murals, creating digital illustrations, or maintaining a consistent studio practice, his art celebrates joy, community, and the human experience.

With the new year approaching, Victor hopes to bring one of his aspirations to life: painting a mural in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. “I’m hoping I get to do that and more come 2025!” Victor shares.                                                                                                     

What's your preferred medium(s) & approach to your workflow?:

I usually lean towards creating everything either digitally or with acrylic paint. That said, whether I’m creating a large 50 foot mural or a small 8 x 10 inch digital painting, all of my work starts with a tiny pencil sketch. I’ve learned that this allows me to figure out ideas, composition and the story/conversation I wish to have through the art being created without getting lost in trying to make things perfect. Once the pencil sketch has been pushed far enough, I develop the design further digitally. Depending on the subject matter, I take time doing research and educating myself throughout the process of designing so that I give each project the time and attention it deserves. Once the blueprints are on the table and everything is approved, it’s only a matter of execution! 

When asked about the Design Process / Inspiration For The Can / Can Name Victor says:

The can is inspired by my own experiences from when I used to live in my hometown of Sabaneta. The design is visually and conceptually influenced by Taino culture, the carnivals used to enjoy as a child and the countless memories with my family where the adults would play Domino while talking matters of import, and the classic Spanish music would flow through the air and enrich every moment shared with one another. ‘Ofrenda’ is meant to be an offering of protection, kinship, family, community and joy since those are the core elements I experienced during those sacred moments with my family and loved ones.

When asked "What do you hope to achieve with your art/platform?" Victor says:

I believe that art is a form of medicine for personal and collective healing and I hope to create work that inspires others to find ways to honor their journeys and that of their communities by creating a life that reflects who they are/want to be. My work is meant to serve as a reminder to be intentional about what we do with our time in order to shape ourselves, our relationships, our homes, our neighborhoods, our cities, our countries and the world we share with one another. We should be embodiments of the world we wish to see through our own eyes and lead with as much kindness and grace as we can cultivate!

When asked "If there's anything else you'd like to let people know?" Victor says:

It’s hard to express how grateful I am for this opportunity. Since I first learned of the Bronx Brewery years ago, I've always wanted to collaborate with them and to finally be able to do it through the Y-Series has been such a fulfilling and exciting experience. The Brewery has become a space where my friends and I come together to celebrate art, community and joy through countless events; some of which have been hosted by people I deeply respect and cherish. It’s been great to work with the Bronx Brewery and be part of such a long line of powerful creatives through the Y-Series at a space that has been shaped by beautiful moments for me and my loved ones. Since I’m the second to last artist on this year’s roster I’ve been able to enjoy all of the great artists before me share their work through this series and it’s been nothing short of inspiring.

This has truly been a reflective time for me and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate such an eventful year!

Tell us about the community collaborator(s) your release supports:

I chose two of my favorite community-oriented collaborators for this project with whom I’ve had the honor and joy of creating, building and working with throughout many years. For the sake of doing them justice, I will be quoting their own words on what they do and provide through their acts of service toward supporting and aiding our individual and collective healing. For starters, “Medicine Walls exists to create a visual apothecary of art projects through the visualizations of our collective wisdoms. We provide visual support to amplify community lead solutions by gathering powerful intentional teams of wild dreaming talent and inspirational partnerships led by our own Community.” Whereas “Public Assistants are an enclave of interdisciplinary creators--a brave space for QTBIPOC to develop our collective understanding as a means of self-sustenance. A space for us and by us to skill-share, create, and cultivate joy. When we have the resources and community care needed to flourish beyond survival, the possibilities are limitless. In the spirit of those before us, we seek to counter systemic inequity and neglect with solutions that are guided by creativity and community. Through comprehensive services, outreach, education, and programming, we respond to the needs of those around us, and come from the communities we serve.” I encourage everyone to follow Medicine Walls at @medicine_walls and Public Assistants at @publicassistants to learn more about both of them and the myriad beautiful projects/resources they offer on a regular basis.

Ofrenda is a toast to culture, creativity, and the communities that inspire us. Grab your can today and celebrate the art of connection!

"Bob, Weave, Sip, & Repeat!"

Y-Series collab with Robert Blanco (@robertblanco)

The Fat Cap Brawler is visually captivating from the moment it's poured. On the palate, this Munich Dunkel-style lager reveals a harmonious blend of robust malt character and refined hop bitterness. The malts provide layers of caramel sweetness, while subtle hints of Vienna and Blackprinz malt bring depth and complexity to each sip. Balancing the malt-forward body are delicate floral notes from Hallertau Blanc & Mittelfrueh hops, adding a refined bitterness that’s pleasantly perfume-like in its subtlety. The finish is smooth and clean, with a lasting, complex aftertaste that begs for another sip!

Raised in Miami, Florida, Robert Blanco brings a unique fusion of street art and boxing grit to "The Fat Cap." His artistic style revolves around unbothered, sometimes aggressive subjects, often using spray paint, acrylics, and markers to create bold works that feel unfazed. For this collaboration, Robert blended the spirit of a heavyweight boxer with the raw energy of a graffiti artist, creating "The Brawler"—the figure that graces this can.

When asked "What do you hope to achieve with your art/platform?" Robert says:

Honestly, I just have fun with my work. The more I could freely create will invite more collaborations with the style of what I do.

When asked "If there's anything else you'd like to let people know?" Robert says:

Working with Bronx brewery felt natural. I’ve always had a good repertoire with the company and this felt right. Cheers to the good folks over at the Bronx Brewery!

Tell us about your community collaborator:

Each sip supports a cause close to my heart—the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Any dollar towards them is a dollar in the right direction.

Raise your glass to "The Fat Cap Brawler," a beer that marries the worlds of graffiti and boxing, and a brew that invites you to join the fight—one sip at a time!

"A Masterpiece in Every Sip"

Y-Series collab with Kenny Rivero (@champaint_papi)

Champaint is a uniquely crafted 6.4% ABV, 20 IBU; Brut IPA that’s effervescent, with a dry, crisp finish, and a refreshing character that lingers—perfectly capturing the essence of a well-crafted champagne in beer form. Dark sweet cherries bring a sweet-tart flavor profile that adds depth and complexity. Conditioned on French oak wood chips, the brew also carries nuanced oak undertones that enrich its overall character!

Kenny Rivero is a Dominican-born artist, raised in Washington Heights and now working in his studio in Mott Haven, Bronx. As a full-time professor at Columbia University, Kenny’s artwork explores the stories of his community. His love for comic books, graffiti, and New York City life shines through his artistic process. Kenny earned his BFA in Fine Arts from SVA and his MFA in Painting and Printmaking from Yale, giving him a unique background that’s reflected in his stunning pieces. His work spans oil painting, drawing, and creating objects from his collection of found materials, making every piece deeply personal.

“I paint in both oil and acrylic, I draw on paper that I mostly collect, and have collected since I was in junior high school, and I make objects that are also from things that I've been collecting from a long time. My approach can be reflective and slow sometimes but also spontaneous and somewhat destructive. I tend to find a sweet spot when I'm fixing my mistakes in the work."

When it comes to Design Process / Inspiration for the can / Can Name Kenny says:

The image from the can comes from a couple of motifs in my work that I've been using for a while in the larger span of my work which are:

- A ghost child: A nod to children losing their lives violently on the street. 

- Brick walls and sidewalks: A reference to New York space and architecture.

- Eyes peeking from behind the missing bricks: A reference to spirits within the buildings and the city actually being alive.

- Spilt/liquor or alcohol: A reference to the street as an altar space or as a space of homage for people who have passed away.

- Hidden letters: Aside from the "WH" (Washington Heights) and the "BX" (Bronx) on the bottle labels, there is an "NY" formed by the missing bricks and the poured liquor

When asked "What do you hope to achieve with your art/platform?" Kenny says:

The thing I hope for the most with my practice is to make familiar stories that you've never seen before. I want a kid from the heights to walk into a museum one day and feel like they can look at something on the wall and feel close to it. I want that kid to feel like the only expert in his class.

When asked "If there's anything else you'd like to let people know?" Kenny says:

This is a very special collaboration for me. It's never easy for me to build community as I've always found it difficult to build trust and feel safe. I've been a regular at the brewery going on 4 years now and I truly feel like I've built relationships with people here who've become family. So it feels really important not only to share this space but to actually build from it and to then use that effort as an opportunity to support another community.

Tell us about your community collaborator:

Doctors Without Borders has always been first on the ground providing medical support during times of conflict in times when governments and other larger powers have been slow to respond. I'm very proud to be Dominican, a very proud New Yorker, but even more importantly, I'm very grateful to be of this planet and there are folks who I share this planet with in Palestine, Sudan, and Haiti, just to name a few, who are suffering unjustly. Part of this is to help them.

Raise your glass to Champaint, a brew that embodies creativity, community, and the vibrant energy of New York City. Join Kenny Rivero and Bronx Brewery as we celebrate art, beer, and global solidarity, all while enjoying a refreshing Brut IPA like no other!

"Where Creativity and Corn Collide"

Y-Series collab with Danny Cortes (@dannycortesnyc)

Step into the vibrant streets of New York City with "Cortes," a 4.5% ABV, 14 IBU Mexican Style Lager. Crafted with Weyermann Ereclea Pilsner,  Weyermann Vienna,  and Texas  Malted Blue Corn, This brew embodies the essence of NYC with its bright color, dry finish and light body. Subtly sweet from Vienna malt, malted corn, and balanced perfectly with Czech Saaz and German Hersbrucker hops. Cortes brings a creatively refreshing twist to this classic lager!

Danny Cortez is a native New Yorker whose work is deeply influenced by the urban environment of the city. Growing up in the diverse neighborhoods of NYC, Danny developed a passion for capturing the essence of his surroundings through art. Specializing in hyper-realistic miniatures, Danny uses recycled materials to create small-scale replicas of iconic NYC scenes. His art brings the city's unique character into people's homes, offering a fresh perspective on everyday life. Danny's commitment to his craft and his love for New York City are evident in each piece he creates, making him a notable figure in the world of miniatures.

“I primarily work with recycled materials, using items that I buy or find around the city or laying around my studio to create my miniatures. My approach is to create hyper-realistic, small-scale replicas of iconic NYC scenes, bringing a piece of the city into people's homes."

When it comes to Design Process / Inspiration for the can / Can Name Danny says:

The design process for the can involves capturing the gritty, vibrant energy of NYC. By incorporating my hand holding my signature ice box do the viewer will see that it’s a miniatures set, I draw inspiration from the everyday scenes and landmarks that surrounded me growing up in Brooklyn. I chose to name of the can "CORTES" so my fans and followers could easily recognize it. This name also holds special significance for my family, making the collaboration even more meaningful.

When asked "What do you hope to achieve with your art/platform?" Danny says:

I hope to preserve and share the unique character of New York City through my miniatures. My platform aims to bring attention to the beauty in the mundane and to inspire others to see their surroundings in a new light.

When asked "If there's anything else you'd like to let people know?" Danny says:

This collaboration with BXBrewery is an exciting opportunity to merge art and craft beer, i love to work with people that thrive on passion and community. I'm thrilled to bring a taste of NYC's streets to their cans and share our mutual love for the city.

Tell us about your community collaborator:

Our community collaborator for this project is the Cristian Rivera Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). They focus on funding research and clinical trials, as well as spreading awareness about this rare and aggressive pediatric brain tumor. Partnering with them has been incredibly meaningful, as it allows us to support a vital cause and contribute to making a difference in the lives of affected families.

Experience Cortez and savor a brew that celebrates the vibrant spirit of New York City, the art of miniatures, and the strength of community.

"A Burst of Joy, A Rush of Flavor"

Y-Series collab with WRU Crew (@wrucrew)

Introducing EU4RIA, a Pineapple IPA brewed in collaboration with the dynamic WRU Crew. This 6.4% ABV, 34 IBU brew features a light body with a slight golden hue, perfectly crafted for those seeking refreshment and rejuvenation! Bursting with fresh pineapple, the aroma and flavor profile is super juicy with prominent notes of papaya, mango, and a bright citrus kick of tangerine. The malt blend of 2Row, Briess Heritage Gold, and Briess Carapils Copper provides a subtle backbone, allowing the vibrant hop characters of Mosaic, Azacca, Sultana, and Nectaron to shine through.

EU4RIA is not just a beer; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the energizing spirit of runners, offering the perfect balance of taste and recovery. The WRU Crew, known for their passion for running and their deep cultural roots in Washington Heights and The Bronx, have once again brought their unique perspective to this brew. They aim to encapsulate the vibrant energy and diverse flavors that resonate with their ethnic heritage and the running community.

Crafted with the input and inspiration of the WRU Crew, EU4RIA represents a harmonious blend of tropical fruit flavors and a refreshing, light-bodied IPA that is both invigorating and satisfying. Whether you're enjoying it post-run or at any gathering, this brew is designed to bring a sense of euphoria with every sip. Join us in celebrating the collaborative spirit of the WRU Crew and the Bronx Brewery with EU4RIA, the Pineapple IPA that embodies the vibrant essence of our community.

"Heavy Is The Head That Drinks The Crown"

Y-Series collab with ArtByJar (@artbyjar)

Embark on a royal journey with 'Heavy Is The Crown,' a majestic  4.8% ABV, 10 IBU fruited sour ale that reigns supreme with its tart finish and light body! Delight in the fruity flavors of guanabana, pink guava, & soursop, that add a refreshing twist to every sip. Crafted with 2Row, Carapils Copper, and Flaked Rice, this is a brew is fit for royalty. Each sip is a regal indulgence, inviting you to savor the rich flavors of the realm.

Julissa Rodriguez, better known as Jar is a Dominican/Haitian American multifaceted; multidisciplinary artist hailing from The Bronx! Jar’s artistic background has been instilled in them since being trained in realism drawing back in the Dominican Republic and taking those skills to Temple University & City Tech! With a plethora of creative abilities at their disposal; most people know Jar for their amazing tattooing prowess. Jar’s design acumen knows no bounds as it encompasses drawing, painting, & poetry. These skills and philosophy can be seen amongst the selection of designs patrons choose from when stepping up to get flash tatted by Jar! The utilization of all these life experiences and creative elements come together to not only showcase amazing works of art but also covey spirituality and healing to all those involved in the process!

“A lot of people know me as a tattoo artist but I am actually very versatile and do more than just tattoos which can also be seen in my design process for the tattoos I create. I'm an illustrator and painter first. Which is something I've been doing for over 10 years and my work is inspired by my experiences and culture as well as spirituality."

When it comes to Design Process / Inspiration for the can / Can Name Jar says:

When it came to designing the can I came up with the name first. I knew that I wanted this to be a tribute to all creatives and healers. In our community we hold a responsibility to spread a message whether it be a positive or negative one, because people will listen and we do make an impact. So we have to remember the weight that our work carries and how important it is that we continue to create and share our talent with the world no matter if we think we’re good enough or not. Because it’s not for us, it’s meant for others. It's meant to inspire, to move others. To bring about change. And so I wanted to capture that energy with that artwork. The muse I used for the image was actually my mom, who is my godmother in the religion and who is my biggest supporter and my spiritual advisor. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her.  She inspires me so much and naturally it was easy for me to use her image while drawing this artwork up. 

When asked "What do you hope to achieve with your art/platform?" Jar says:

I want to continue to inspire and to serve my community and heal. If one heals we can all heal. The revolution is love, and I am going to continue to preach that until the day I die. 

When asked "If there's anything else you'd like to let people know?" Jar says:

I am completely honored that I was given this opportunity to do this collaboration and happy that I was asked to also become the Brewery’s residential artist with this, which has never been done before. This is such an amazing opportunity and such a beautiful partnership that I am so excited to embark on and I cant wait to see where it will take me. 

Tell us about your community collaborator:

I am so excited to be donating to Destination Tomorrow. They are this amazing grassroots agency and the LGBTQ+ center of the Bronx and they are doing so much amazing work in our borough. As someone that is trans masculine gender fluid it was important for me to donate to an organization that is actively helping out in our community and is also helping out our trans youth and they actively have so many programs in place that do so. They also are constantly creating events and fundraising just to be able to provide for our youth and to make sure that they can have the resources they need for our people and I find that so beautiful. 

Step into the realm of 'Heavy Is The Crown' and enjoy a brew that celebrates creativity, community, and the regal spirit within us all.

"These Boots Are Made For Drinking!"

"Where Comedy Meets Craft!"

Y-Series Collab with Bad Business Podcast (@badbusinesspod)

Introducing Bad Business, a dynamic Honey Blonde Ale with an enticing aroma of floral honey notes. This brew offers a smooth, sessionable body carrying the essence of biscuits and graham crackers. Crafted with Crystal and Hersbrucker hops, it boasts a subtle bitterness that perfectly complements its malty backbone. Enhanced with orange blossom honey, each sip delivers a zesty burst of citrus, embodying the vibrant spirit of this brew!

The Bad Business Podcast is a dynamic and hilarious exploration of the intersection between entertainment, comedy, and culture! Hosted by the Bronx-born trio of Beraq Rasheed, Daniel Marrero, and Jason Peters, this NYC-based podcast has quickly garnered a dedicated following with its witty banter and insightful conversations. Beraq brings his expertise as an Iraqi American producer, currently working on the Hot 97 show Tap in With TT, while also fronting the band Cry the Band. Daniel, his childhood friend, boasts extensive experience in the music and media industry, having worked with labels like UMG and Sony Music. Currently studying improv and practicing comedy, Daniel adds his unique flair to the podcast. Completing the trio is Jason Peters, whose vibrant personality and comedic chops infuse every episode with laughter. Together, they share a passion for spotlighting emerging artists, entertainers, and cultural influencers, while also providing listeners with a much-needed escape from the stresses of daily life. Through their platform, they aim to entertain, inspire, and foster connections within their community and beyond.

“We drink beers and sit in front of microphones and make audio magic that drizzles like honey into your earlobes, that’s why the beer is honey-flavored."

                                                                                                     

When asked about "Design Process/Inspiration for the Can" Jason says:

The design process was Disney lost the rights to Steamboat Willie and he became public domain so we can do whatever we want with Steamboat Willie and Disney can’t do anything about it. We aren’t scared of you Bob Iger! Our good friend Eli designed the can for us, he is a big Disney fan so this was a layup for him.

When asked "What do I hope to achieve with my art/platform?" Jason says:

We want to spotlight up coming artists, rappers, DJ’s and whoever else we think is cool! We bring them on the show for interviews and talk about who they are. We want to entertain our listeners and become a successful comedy podcast.

When asked "If there's anything else you'd like to let people know?" Jason says:

Growing up in The Bronx, we love the iconic Bronx Brewery, so to have this delicious honey flavored vessel of fun created in collaboration with the Brewery was like a dream come true!

Tell us about your community collaborator:

This collaboration is not just about beer; it's a celebration of comedy, culture, and community. Bad Business invites you to enjoy the flavors of laughter, relaxation, and the sweet taste of success with every sip!

"Where Urban Metropolis Meets Lush Heritage!"

Y-Series Collab with Fanesha Fabre (@artbyfaneshafabre)

Experience Concrete Jungle, our Chicha-Style Beer with a vibrant 4.5% ABV and a balanced 14 IBU. Crafted from Cumberland Pilsner Malt, Cumberland Malted Corn, and Briess Flaked Maize, subtly hopped with Sterling. This limited edition brew takes you on a unique flavor journey. Indulge in the distinctive allure of this dry brew with a delightful corn essence, complemented by intriguing notes of spice and a subtle tartness.  It's a fusion of the bold spirit of Brooklyn and the ancestral roots of the Dominican Republic in every sip.

Fanesha Fabre, the visionary behind "Concrete Jungle," infuses her Dominican heritage into the digital canvas, creating an artistic narrative that harmonizes the urban and the natural. As a digital illustrator based in Brooklyn, Fanesha's work is a celebration of her cultural background, depicted through bold colors and intricate details. The can design, titled "Concrete Jungle," showcases iconic city landmarks entwined with vibrant jungle foliage, capturing the essence of her creative vision.

“My approach is characterized by bold, vivid colors and a keen attention to detail. I strive to capture the essence of my subjects while infusing them with my unique perspective, whether it's the bustling streets of Brooklyn or the lush foliage of the jungle."

                                                                                                     

When asked about "Design Process/Inspiration for the Can" Fanesha says:

I drew inspiration from the juxtaposition of New York City's urban landscape and the lush greenery of the jungle, as well as the rich cultural history of Chicha." The artwork is a visual feast, merging these elements seamlessly, creating a striking visual metaphor for the beer within. The name pays homage to both the bustling metropolis she calls home and the ancient roots of the traditional drink.

When asked "What do I hope to achieve with my art/platform?" Fanesha says:

Through my art and platform, I aim to celebrate diversity, promote cultural understanding, and inspire others to embrace their unique identities. I strive to create artwork that resonates with people from all walks of life, sparking conversations and fostering connections across different communities.

When asked "If there's anything else you'd like to let people know?" Fanesha says:

Collaborating with the Bronx Brewery has been an incredible opportunity to bring my artistic vision to a new medium and audience. Working with a company that shares my passion for creativity and community engagement has been truly rewarding, and I'm excited to see how our collaboration will resonate with beer enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

Tell us about your community collaborator:

In the spirit of community collaboration, "Concrete Jungle" partners with Bronx Tails Cat Rescue, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Bronx Tails Cat Rescue is dedicated to improving the lives of stray and feral cats in the Bronx and Harlem. They perform Trap-Neuter-Return of stray and feral cats living in managed colonies in the community, provide medical care for sick and injured feral cats, and rescue friendly strays for adoption to forever homes. By fostering compassion and care for our feline friends, Bronx Tails Cat Rescue embodies the essence of community welfare and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of animals.

This collaboration is not just about beer; it's a celebration of cultural fusion, artistic expression, and a commitment to community welfare. "Concrete Jungle" invites you to savor the flavors of diversity, unity, and the vibrant spirit of collaboration.

"The Bronx Indeed, Breeds Greatness!"

Y-Series collab with Walter Cruz (@2oceans)

Introducing "Bronx Breeds Greatness," a Belgian-Style Quadruple Ale that boasts a bold 8.3% ABV and a perfectly balanced 31 IBU. Crafted with a foundation of Pilsen Malt and a harmonious blend of Aromatic Munich, Special B, Crystal 60, and authentic Belgian Candi Sugar, this limited edition brew takes you on a journey through exquisite flavors. Immerse yourself in the rich, complex tapestry of tastes that unfold with each sip. Picture indulgent notes of prune, intertwined with a velvety, dark caramel essence that caresses the palate. The subtle dance of banana undertones adds a delightful twist, elevating the drinking experience to new heights.

Walter Cruz, the visionary behind "The Bronx Breeds Greatness," embodies the spirit of cultural resilience and creative activism. Currently serving as the visual designer for the Black Alliance of Just Immigration, Walter brings a rich background in political design, contributing to causes that advocate for Black migrants globally. His artistic journey is a decade-long commitment to mentorship and community-building. Co-founding ZEAL, a Black artist-owned cooperative, Walter has created a space for multidisciplinary artists to flourish. His approach is rooted in research, aiming to communicate complex narratives through various mediums such as video, still images, garments, paintings, and sculpture.

“May it be, video, still images, garments, paintings, sculpture or beyond. The idea is to use things the "everyday" person can identify with in my work as a hook to pull people in and get them looking and thinking more closely at my work. I'm more interested in engaging people who don't always have time for art"

                                                                                                     

When asked about "Design Process / Inspiration for the Can" Walter says:

The name for the can comes from a phrase I put together a few years back as I was thinking about how to add to the sense of pride Bronxite have to help balance out the stigmas the borough carries or the cheap shots people take at the Bronx haha. It's stuck ever since. The can design is a snapshot from a painting I made that was inspired by single parents in tough situations. Oftentimes they get so worried about protecting their children from the harms of the world that they forget to create space for them to be free. It's a tricky balance. I thank my mom finding that balance along the way as she raised my twin sibling and I. It's another reason why I know The Bronx breeds greatness. Shout out to all the adults that help raise the children around them. I snuck in a few easter eggs in the design as well. I'll leave those up for guessing when folks grab a can.

When asked "What do I hope to achieve with my art/platform?" Walter says:

What I hope to achieve is to create possibilities for the people around me that I know and don't know. Even if it's just one person that comes into contact with something I created and says "I didn't know I could do that, I want to give it a try." That to me, means I've fulfilled my purpose. I'd like to continue sharing my platform with as many people as I can. Success is a team sport, it means nothing to me if we don't succeed collectively.

When asked "If there's anything else you'd like to let people know?" Walter says:

I appreciate the chance to work on this brew together. I approached it as collectible art and I'm glad the BXB team has embraced it in the same way.

Tell us about your community collaborator:

Rather than hosting a function for the release, I thought it would be more interesting to think of something that would be longer lasting at the brewery. The Bronx Narratives came to mind immediately, they do great work in the borough and have been doing so for the last ten years. So shout out to them! Deondre Green, one of the co-founders of The Bronx Narratives brought  Kevin Vargas into the loop. Kev is doing great work around making meditation and relaxation more accessible and normal for Black and Brown folks in and outside The Bronx. We all agreed it would be awesome to provide folks that come by the brewery on Saturday with meditation skills they can take back home with them afterwards. For the interactive part of the launch, the concept was created to record voicemails of visitors to leave on a modified city payphone. This way when folks stop by then can leave a positive message for the next person and listen to the previous ones left before them. In a way, created a loop of positivity that revolves around The Bronx, its residents, guests and supporters.

This collaboration is not just about beer; it's about creating a lasting impact and celebrating the greatness that The Bronx breeds.

"No Resolve, No Problem; Drink Up!"

Y-Series collab with Johnsville (@johnsville.studio)