CL X ATH X Kyan Patel
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – In partnership with the Division of Campus Life and Wake Forest Athletics, Wake Forest Junior Kyan Patel, a talented student artist, will produce an exclusive portfolio of art that highlights and celebrates the Unrivaled Wake Forest student experience. Known for his impressive portfolio spanning the NFL, NBA, and NCAA, Kyan will produce exclusive pieces that reflect the intersection of athletics and the student experience.
A mix of professional and college athletes, Patel has completed pieces for several fellow Demon Deacons, including Efton Reid III, Cameron Hildreth, 2022-23 ACC Player of the Year Tyree Appleby, Caelen Carson (Dallas Cowboys), and Jessie Bates III (Atlanta Falcons). Other clients range from the New York Giants to Jaguars’ standout Travis Hunter— the #2 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, Heisman Trophy winner, and one of three athletes selected to grace the cover of EA Sports College Football 25, a cover painted by Kyan last year.
In his first year at Wake Forest, after submitting his portfolio, Kyan was the only first-year student given the opportunity to develop his art with the StArt Gallery. Often reserved for upperclassmen, the student art gallery serves as an experiential learning space, exhibition venue, and sales gallery for art and art history students. The program is part of Wake’s larger art initiative, which includes the Mark H. Reece Collection of Student-Acquired Contemporary Art—a timeless tradition of timely art at Wake Forest and the only one of its kind in the country.
Alongside local news features, Kyan has been highlighted by some of social media’s biggest sports brands, including The Checkdown and All College Football.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Division of Campus Life and Athletics to strengthen connections between students and DEACTOWN fans everywhere.