Diagnosed With Autism At Age 2, Graduating Senior Joshua Branch-Howell Found His Passion And Purpose Through Art At VSU

Branch-Howell, a Virginia State University art student, transformed his creativity into a powerful artistic journey that led to his first solo exhibition.

As Virginia State University prepares to celebrate its newest class of graduates, art major Joshua Branch-Howell is leaving his mark with more than a degree; he’s closing his undergraduate journey with a milestone that reflects years of growth, creativity, and self-discovery. This spring, the graduating senior debuted his first solo exhibition, “Jazzology,” a vibrant collection that signals both an ending at VSU and a bold beginning as a professional artist.

Diagnosed with autism at age 2, Branch-Howell did not yet know the role art would play in shaping his future. Over time, he found his voice through drawing, using color and form to express what words could not. What began as a childhood pastime soon grew into a powerful outlet for identity and self-expression.

“A world without art is just meh,” said Branch-Howell, whose passion for creativity began long before his work was ever displayed.

Branch-Howell began drawing at just three years old, unaware of the doors it would eventually open. While he started as a novice, his passion for art truly took shape in high school when he took art classes.

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Branch-Howell began exploring what it means to be a Black man in America, incorporating elements of Black culture into his work.

When it came time to choose a college, Branch-Howell was drawn to a nearby Historically Black College and University with a strong art program.

“When I got to VSU, I felt like I got the true Black experience, from the dance groups to Homecoming to the music,” Branch-Howell said. “With everything going on both politically and socially, no matter how bad things get, there’s always a group of Black people celebrating and enjoying life. That has really influenced my work as an artist. These past four years have honestly been the best four years of my life.”

Branch-Howell’s time at VSU has led to tremendous growth and opened doors to incredible opportunities. He’s participated in regional exhibitions, explored different career paths, and experienced once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as meeting Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz when they showcased their artwork at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Then came a major personal milestone: his first solo exhibition.

With the goal of one day showcasing his artwork, Branch-Howell approached the Petersburg Public Library, which frequently highlights local artists. Last summer, he reached out to marketing director Raleigh Desper. After reviewing his work, Desper selected Branch-Howell as the library’s featured artist for April in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month.

A self-proclaimed jazz enthusiast, Branch-Howell created 40 jazz-inspired pieces for the exhibition. Each piece highlights a jazz musician or vocalist and features a color palette inspired by the emotions he experienced while listening to their music. He even curated a playlist for attendees to enjoy alongside the artwork.

“I want people to be able to feel the energy in each piece of work,” Branch-Howell said. “Knowing people are seeing my work displayed is overwhelming in a good way. It’s a huge milestone for me personally, but the true reward is making people smile.”

A first-generation college student, who didn’t let autism stop him from pursuing his dream, Branch-Howell plans to pursue art full-time after graduation, continuing with group shows and solo exhibitions. He has also applied for artist residencies in Richmond and other cities along the East Coast. No matter where his journey leads, Branch-Howell says the transformation he experienced at VSU will remain at the heart of who he is as an artist.

“I’ve learned so much during my time here,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am now if it weren’t for the Greater that happened to me at Virginia State University.”

Branch-Howell will be among approximately 850 graduates receiving their degrees during Virginia State University’s two Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center. Governor Abigail Spanberger and Attorney General Jay Jones will serve as keynote speakers. Both ceremonies will be live-streamed on the University’s YouTube and Facebook pages.