What is trapxart®?
In 2013, Amina and Jesse Brooks, proud natives of Oakland, CA, introduced trapxart® to the world. Amina, a UC Berkeley graduate with a degree in Mass Communication, had a background as a professional makeup artist and managed her father's dental office. On the other hand, Jesse, also a UC Berkeley alum and college football player, earned his degree in African American Studies and explored the music industry through internships with Atlantic Records and independent music management companies post-college.
Their entrepreneurial spirit flourished as they discovered the power of collaboration. Amina's expertise in communication and makeup artistry combined with Jesse's background in African American Studies and music industry exposure laid the foundation for their journey. Their partnership began in 2010, where they ventured into event management, laying the groundwork for what would later become the innovative trapxart®.
In 2013, Amina & Jesse, who had been married for a year, drew inspiration from a Jean-Michel Basquiat documentary, sparking the idea for trapxart®. Despite success in hosting various events, it was the documentary that ignited a desire to blend their party expertise with a newfound passion for art.
From weekly teen clubs to EDM foam parties, Amina & Jesse's events had covered diverse themes, but the missing piece was integrating local art. trapxart® emerged as an underground art party, a haven for artists, models, and brands yearning for real-life exposure. It became a nexus for networking, inspiration, and self-expression, filling a void for those whose work remained confined to social media.
Over the last decade, trapxart®’s reach expanded globally, gracing over 25 cities, including London & Toronto. The platform has showcased an impressive 25,000 artists, with events now featuring not only art but also fashion shows, music performances, and live art installations. Amina & Jesse, now parents of 5, seamlessly balance managing trapxart® with parenthood, a testament to their unwavering dedication.
As trapxart® continues to flourish, Amina & Jesse envision reaching more artists and urban communities, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of art, culture, and community engagement.
Beyond our events, they extend their support virtually through a bi-monthly digital magazine, trapxart TV, and performance opportunities. Our membership program unites creatives across diverse mediums and industries.
In 2021, they proudly launched the trapxart foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to further their commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
At trapxart®, the mission is to continually carve new avenues for artistic expression and excellence. Join us on this extraordinary journey where innovation meets inspiration.
MEET THE TEAM
Amina Brooks
Co-CEO and Co-Founder
Amina was born and raised in Oakland / Berkeley, CA. Amina attended University of California, Berkeley and graduated with a BA in Communications. Amina is also the editor and cheif of trapxart magazine and the mother of 5 amazing children.
“The world needs art and it’s our job as a community to keep artists motivated and supported.”
Connect with Amina
Jesse Brooks
Co-CEO and Co-Founder
Jesse was born and raised in Oakland, CA. Jesse attended University of California, Berkeley and graduated with a BA in African American Studies. Jesse is also the lead talent recruiter for trapxart and the father to 5 beautiful children.
“I found my life passion by being involved with our trapxart community.”
Connect with Jesse
Viola Choice
Executive Assistant and On-Site Event Producer
Viola Choice was born and raised in the Bay and currently resides in Oakland, CA. Viola went to Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA, for Business and Entertainment Management. She is a business owner, stylist, creative director, and a mother to a beautiful baby girl.
“To work with trapxart has truly been a dream of mine. My favorite part is giving creatives an opportunity to do what they love and meet others just like them.”
Connect with Viola
Alena Brown
Traveling On-Site Senior Event Manager
Alena Brown is an Atlanta native who currently lives in Houston, TX. She received her BA in Psychology from North Carolina A&T State University & her Master’s in Social Work from University of Pittsburgh. She loves all things wellness, including her plant based lifestyle, yoga, & traveling around the world with the trapxart family.
“I love connecting with artists and seeing what originality they bring to each city. Every place has its own unique style and no artist is the same. trapxart is much bigger than art; it’s a community dedicated to supporting diverse artists & providing a platform for their talent to get the spotlight it deserves.”
Connect with Alena alena@trapxart.com
“There was a young female artist that spoke of how the event changed her life and given her new hope. It was as if she was a star that had collapsed and became infinitely dense, creating a black hole. She shed tears of joy as she explained how her experience at TrapxArt restored her faith in herself and inspired her to push forward. It was a beautiful thing to witness, and I’m sure there were plenty of others that echoed her sentiments.” -Realchattermayne
SO, WHAT DOES A TRAPXART EVENT LOOK LIKE?
SEE one of our favorite VIDEOs BELOW from a 2016 san francisco event, for reels and clips of our most recent events, please visit @trapxart
here’s an interview jesse & amina did with ktvu back when they first started,
