Bio
I was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia. As a child, with little money growing up, I rarely had the opportunity to participate in artistic endeavors. Although I was unaware of the opportunities art could bring to me, I was very aware of a serious passion I had for pencils. My pre-teen years were consumed with getting pencils. I loved to draw with pencils. Each new pencil was like a new and fresh idea. I would check out the smoothness it made across paper. (I detested bumpy pencil lead!). I would eagerly examine it from eraser to pencil point. For each new pencil, I would try to draw something new and different. As a child, I paralleled new pencils with new inspiration. It was as if using an old pencil meant I would get an old creation. (I did not like the idea of being boxed into one idea or one way of doing things). As an adult, I create through my life experiences. Today, my “new pencils” are human beings, for they are my inspiration. I love connection. My passion is sharing..
EDUCATION
Elon University – Elon, North Carolina
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Broadcast Communications and Fine Arts(First black Fine Arts Major).
AWARDS
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Corn Hill, Third Place, July 2017
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Edward G Carson Award, October 2016
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Best of Worldwide Abstract Artists, Kennedy Publishing (2012-13)
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Elon University Alumni of the Year (Inaugural) Award, Humanities & the Arts, awarded May 2012.
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Stockley Gardens Mayor’s Award, Hope House Foundation, awarded May 2011.
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Best of Worldwide Mixed Media Artists, Kennedy Publishing (2010)
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South Eastern Virginia Artist Association, award recipient, October 2009.
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Stockley Gardens Art Festival 2006 – selected to design Fall 2006 event poster.
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Elon University “Young Alumni of the Year” nominee, June 2009.
SELECTED EXPERIENCES & EXHIBITS
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For Kids Annual Auction - Norfolk, VA 2018 - Present
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2017 Renaissance, Art of African American Artist, World Trade Center, Norfolk
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Mural - Five Points Market 12/16
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Banneker - Douglass Museum - The Art of a People: Finding A Way Out of No Way, Gallery Show November 2015 - April 2016
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Artist In Residence (Mural) - Willard Model Elementary February 2014
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Elon University's Art Collection – original artwork bought by president Leo Lambert, November 2011.
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ABC Network, “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” TV show, muralist, February 2011.
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Equal Justice Works (EJW), Saint Petersburg, FL – donated artwork for annual charity auction, February 2007.
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Port Orange Amphitheater, Port Orange, FL – permanent exhibit (installed April 2007)
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Ronald McDonald House, Orchid Fundraiser, Norfolk, VA – donated original artwork for fundraiser, April 2005.
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United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Norfolk, VA – donated original artwork for charity fundraiser, March, 2005
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SPICE International Art Show, Brixton Gallery, London, UK, September 2005
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Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA – permanent exhibit (installed March 2004)
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Holocaust Museum, Muralist, Richmond, VA - April 2003
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Elon University, Moseley Student Center Permanent Exhibit (installed April 1999);