"An artist should always be searching... for things. I always try to use materials that are not easy to obtain." Dave Hammons The visual artist and sculptor David Hammons has received a fair share of criticism and acclaim for his abstract installations and variety of subject matter. His outlook on the creation process has the ability to relate to jazz musicians in general and percussionist Reggie Quinerly specifically. Being born and raised in Houston, Texas proved to be essential to his development as a well-rounded musician. He began studying at the age of eight and by the time he reached his teenage years he was well on his way to establishing himself as a first rate musician. These skills were further fine crafted in accompanying various singers, dancers, theater productions as well as other players around town. One lasting milestone came in the form of an acceptance to Houston's prestigious High School for the Performing and Visual Arts(HSPVA). "It was one of the first moments where I felt comfortable in the presence of like-minded individuals." Those like-minded individuals inspired a new outlook and a capacity for all styles of music. During his high school years he performed with local talent as well as national musicians of note Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargove, Huebert Laws and Rodney Whittiker. Upon graduation Quinerly immediately set his sights on the jazz capital of the world; New York City. Enrolling in the Mannes School of Music Jazz Program of The New School University(Alumni 03) further broadened musical tastes by interacting with musicians of all cultural, social and musical backgrounds. In the college setting he continued to flourish maintaining a high scholastic average as well as receiving musical recognition in the form of several first time scholarships. On New York's music scene he quickly became a mainstay in the working bands and jam sessions of the younger bandleaders. It is with some of these great musicians he has toured all over the world in addition to playing venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Houstonâ??s Wortham Theater. While growing with peers he also sought the tutelage of older generations of established musicians around town. This approach has lead to performances with Vincent Herring, Joe Lovano, Von Freeman, Jason Moran, John Hicks and concentrated study with drummers Jimmy Cobb, Lewis Nash and Kenny Washington. History proves the importance of teaching younger generations about the character building qualities associated with the fine arts and this motivation has directed some of Quinerly's more recent endeavors. Past affiliations with Lincoln Center's Jazz in Schools project(NYC) and more recently the establishment and artistic direction of Redefinition: An Artistic Experiences(Houston, TX) represents this commitment to the education of young people. Redefinition is a unique multi media event that showcases the artistic diversity of the Gulf Coast region. As an annual event presented around fall, Redefinition is nearing its third installment and is seeking to fortify a new generation of presentation in Houston's artistic community. Substantive Discussion Arts Forum is yet another new project established by Quinerly which consists of an interdisciplinary committee that is focusing on creating a season of multi media art related programs for education as well as entertainment. These projects coupled with a knowledgeable artistic background and tireless dedication to professionalism are the materials "not easy to obtain" that make Reginald Quinerly, and shape his path of continued growth.