Most of his work has a unique look that can be easily recognized if you’ve seen it before. One influenced by an era when street art was frowned upon as an act of rebellion, but with a distinct flare. While his art adorns the walls of various establishments across the country, including pieces for the Denver Broncos, Mountain Dew, and the Kartrite Indoor Water Park, Josh Deitchman (aka Lowkey Creative) sprays on the finishing touches to the corner of one of his recent murals that was completed along with fellow artist Laurie Kilgore. With an ode to unity at the center of the painting, this one can be found at the entrance to his former school, George L. Cooke Elementary. 

Not a fan of the traditional educational setting, Deitchman struggled to stay focused in school.

“I used to spend a lot of time sitting right in that office there,” says Deitchman as he pointed to one of the windows of the school. This day, however, he instead received greetings and many compliments from the faculty as they passed by. His work has “come full circle” as he put it. 

Earning a degree in Business marketing from SUNY Sullivan, he moved out of state to begin his full-time career as an artist, returning recently for multiple work opportunities.

Deitchman’s time here has inspired him to pursue other projects with hopes to revitalize the community and impact the youth that may be walking a similar path as his own. One such project is the birth of a two-day interactive art and cultural festival that is in the works to take place in Monticello. Deitchman has been working along with local marketing manager and brand designer, Mae Bonnaci and the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) to put all the pieces in place for Catskills REVIBE Mural, Arts and Culture Festival. 

The initiative for this project is to work towards the development of more youth programs while also encouraging studio and gallery spaces to be brought to Broadway. Leading up to the event, as many as 12 preselected walls will be adorned with murals by both local and visiting artists and their student apprentices with the completion of the pieces occurring during the festival. Murals have been proven to increase tourism and drastically reduce the occurrence of vandalism, making them a beneficial asset to a community.

The proposed event will include areas for attendees to practice art techniques of various mediums, with opportunities to learn from seasoned professionals. Art, craft, and food vendors will line the street with workshops and collaborative community projects occurring throughout the duration of the festival. Proceeds will aid in creating community recreation spaces and after school youth programs that offer a creative outlet for local youth in a safe setting, with hopes to potentially offer scholarships in the future. 

Deitchman and Bonnaci have been talking with property owners and are in discussions with the Village of Monticello about securing necessary approvals. 

For sponsorship information or to learn more, email CatskillsREVIBE@gmail.com.