Visual Artists

Larry Boone, born and raised in Clinton, NC, is a distinguished artist celebrated for his detailed paintings and sketches of historical structures, portraits, and landscapes. With a passion for art sparked at the age of six, Larry honed his skills through school accolades, professional training, and freelance work. His faith and gratitude for his lifelong talent drive his creative process, inspiring audiences to appreciate and connect with his art. For over 60 years, Larry has shared his God-given gift, creating pieces that captivate and leave lasting impressions. 

Judy Boyette is a versatile artist renowned for her glass mosaics, mixed media, and acrylic paintings. With 37 years of experience teaching language arts and visual art in NC public schools, she brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to her work. Judy has participated in numerous local art shows and has painted murals in various locations across Johnston, Wake, and Lee counties. Currently, she serves as the president of the Johnston County Arts Council and facilitates the art studio Creative Connections. Her work is celebrated for its vibrant energy and innovative use of materials.

Skyler Cason is a dedicated artist from Clinton, North Carolina, whose passion for art began in childhood. After attending Campbell University and rediscovering her love for art in Missouri, she now thrives as a full-time artist and mother. Known for her live wedding paintings, Skyler also creates vibrant pieces inspired by her home, relationships, and faith in Christ. She believes the world, designed by Jesus, is the most beautiful art, and she strives to reflect this in her work. Skyler invites you to connect through her website to bring your art and design dreams to life. 

Follow Skyler on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/skylerhopedesigns 

Courtney Cheatham, known as “Co,” is a photographer/director born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana and based in Fayetteville, NC. Courtney’s work is inspired by femininity, intimacy, and nature. Her primary focus is to gracefully capture people of color in their natural form.

Follow Co on Instagram.

Tim Ellis is the esteemed curator and chief creator for Photography by Tim Ellis. He uses his art to inspire Black culture and celebrate the leaders in his community. His works celebrate black culture and include images from his personal project “Saddle and Soul” focused on preserving the vibrant history and celebrating the enduring culture of Black Cowboys in America.

Follow Tim on Instagram, Facebook and find him online at www.photographybytimellis.com.

Susan Fecho is a versatile artist specializing in multi-media printmaking, surface design, and illustration. With an M.F.A. from ECU and a botanical illustrator certificate from NCBG, she brings over 40 years of teaching experience and a deep devotion to her craft. Fecho's artistic journey has taken her across the globe, exhibiting nationally and internationally while garnering numerous awards, grants, and residencies along the way. Rooted in Virginia and a long-term resident of North Carolina, Fecho's work is imbued with a profound connection to the natural world of North Carolina. Her impactful images have found homes in prestigious collections such as the Smithsonian Institution’s American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery Library and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Fecho's academic contributions have been featured in esteemed scientific journals, while her work has graced the pages of educational and inspirational publications. Fecho is currently a distinguished faculty member at Barton College, where she shares her wealth of knowledge and passion for the arts with students and fellow artists alike. Through her art and teaching, Fecho continues to inspire and enrich both local and global communities with her passion for creativity and connection to place.

Follow Susan on Instagram.

 Beth Hill, a Mount Olive, NC native, holds a BA in Art Education from UNC Chapel Hill (1972) and an MAEd from East Carolina University (1991). She has spent many summers studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design while participating in the Art Educator’s Forum. After 30 years of teaching art in North Carolina public schools, Beth now focuses on her painting, showcasing her work in numerous group and solo exhibitions and completing various public and private commissions, including murals in schools, state buildings, and churches. Her paintings are displayed in athletic facilities at UNC Chapel Hill, the University of South Carolina, and Elon University. Represented in several state Arts Council galleries and private galleries across North Carolina, her artwork often features nature and animals. She aims to inspire joy and serenity in viewers, stating, “I am inspired by God’s beautiful creation of life and nature… I hope it will bring them some sort of pleasure and serenity in this action-addicted and chaotic world.” 

Chapel Hill native T.J. Jackson is a self-taught artist who discovered his passion for art at an early age, drawing everything from dinosaurs to portraits. Inspired by his stepfather, a local artist, he immersed himself in art but didn’t begin painting until 2018. Initially working with charcoal and pencil, he transitioned to painting abstract works to explore color and brush techniques. His dedication led to his first gallery appearance at the Sampson Arts Council. Still refining his craft, T.J. aspires to share his art with audiences worldwide.

Dr. Joseph F. Johnson, EdD, a native of Durham, NC, and resident of Sampson County, discovered his passion for art at the age of five, embarking on a lifelong journey of creativity, education, and community impact. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from UNC Greensboro, a Master’s in School Administration from NC A&T State University, and a Doctorate in Education from Liberty University, Dr. Johnson has seamlessly blended his leadership and artistic talent with a 30-year career as an art teacher and school administrator, serving the children and families of Guilford County Schools. As the owner of Greater Works Fine Arts and Designs, he has shared his Signature Collection of original paintings and prints, inspired by Michelangelo, Ernie Barnes, and Khadir Nelson, reflecting culture, history, and the human experience. A former board member of the African American Atelier Gallery in Greensboro, NC, Dr. Johnson has dedicated himself to elevating Black artistry and cultural expression.

Follow Joseph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjart06/

Josiah King is an accomplished artist and teacher from North Carolina, known for his paintings that capture interesting yet often unnoticed moments from everyday life. His work has been exhibited in prestigious venues such as the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Contemporary Art Museum, the United States Capitol Building, and the Erie Art Museum. He received special honors in the Self, Observed juried exhibition and is a recipient of the Congressional Art Award, which earned him a year-long exhibition spot in the Congressional Building in Washington D.C. King's paintings have been featured in Chimera 13 Art Journal and on the cover of Voices Journal. He is a full-time Art Instructor at Sampson Community College in Clinton, North Carolina, and maintains a studio space in downtown Clinton.

Follow Josiah on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/josiahking.art 

Loretta Langdon is an acclaimed artist known for her vibrant acrylic paintings, capturing pastoral scenes and intricate floral compositions. With a distinguished career marked by numerous awards, including first place in the 2020 Johnston County Arts Council Art Festival, Loretta's work has been showcased in various exhibitions across North Carolina. Her pieces, celebrated for their detail and charm, reflect a deep connection to the rural landscapes and natural beauty of her surroundings. Loretta continues to inspire art lovers with her compelling storytelling through art.

Keith O. McLaurin is a North Carolinian Painter who stalks celebrities on canvas and donates to various charities to increase awareness of good causes. His work explores religion, politics, isolation, and personal relationships. His vibrant style is introduced to the world as “Vibe Art.” McLaurin owns over 400 original paintings between the years of 2002 until now.

Follow Keith on Instagram. 

Raleigh-based artist Eric McRay, originally from Washington, DC, uses collage to explore visual storytelling, focusing on the human figure as a symbol of change. His work draws inspiration from African-American culture, biblical and art history, pop culture, and personal relationships, creating narratives that blend the real and constructed worlds.

McRay’s collages incorporate a variety of materials, including painted papers, photographic reproductions, fabric scraps, and magazine elements, allowing him to dissolve the boundaries between art and life. He holds a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and has exhibited widely since 1987. A founding member of C-MAC (City Market Artist Collective), McRay has been featured in major publications and collected by institutions such as Duke University Medical Center, NC State University, and the US Embassy in Copenhagen.

Follow Eric on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcraystudios/. 

Rev. Bobby L. Simmons, Sr., featured artist for Whitestone International Art, brings a wealth of artistic training and passion to his work. A graduate of East Carolina University with a BFA in painting and drawing and certification in arts education, he has dedicated himself to creating impactful images that resonate deeply with viewers. Rev. Simmons' art, showcased by Whitestone International Art, is a testament to his ability to capture profound moments and emotions, offering a gift to the world through his expressive and meaningful creations.

Follow Rev. Simmons on Facebook. 

Robert A. Taylor is a native of Lumberton, NC and currently resides in Clinton, NC, after spending many years living between Atlanta and Charlotte while working in the banking industry.  His interest in painting began as a child and has grown over the years.  Landscapes, seascapes, and cloudscapes are his subjects of choice using acrylics and bold colors to capture the moments in time and space. Robert desires to transport the viewer to a peaceful place through his works. He is mostly self-taught with the help of books, videos, workshops, and the support and guidance of artist friends and family.

Follow Robert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r_taylor_art/

Heather B. Williams, a native of western North Carolina, is both an accomplished artist and a high school math teacher. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1995 with a degree in Studio Art and later earned an associate's degree in Furniture Design and Development from Catawba Valley Community College in 1997. After several years in the furniture industry, during which she traveled to countries like India, China, and France, Heather took time off to raise her three children. She has since continued her artistic pursuits, working across multiple mediums—including oils, acrylics, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, and collage—while teaching art and dance. Since August 2023, she has been teaching math at North Duplin Jr/Sr High School. Inspired by the beauty of natural patterns and the changing light throughout the day, her work blends technical precision with a deep appreciation for nature's organic rhythms.