Diverse Artists Elevate Charlotte’s Cultural Scene By Angela Haigler
16
“Aggie Pride” (top) and “Down from Here” (bottom) by Curtis “Cee Kay” King
to complete it. However, he performed 90 percent of the work, King added. King said the community inspired him to create the piece. A lover of research, he said he always makes sure he studies the subject of any of his artwork. On the left side of the Uptown mural is Queen Charlotte. Also represented are the blues and hues of the city. Giving back to the community has always been important to King, who teaches art at Oakdale Elementary in Charlotte.
Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
Photos courtesy of Curtis King
Curtis King burst into the national spotlight when he and his family were featured on ABC’s “Extreme Home Makeover” in 2008. The program blessed the family with a beautiful new home that included an art studio for King and an expanded community daycare center for his wife Alisha. At that time the audience caught a glimpse of his bold and colorful artwork in quick snippets on the screen. Fast forward to today and King’s talent is so much more than quick snippets. Audiences in Charlotte and across the region now know who Curtis King is, and his work can be found on murals, in private homes and as featured works in several exhibits. Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, King was encouraged to pursue his artistic talents at an early age. He sold his first painting at seven years old and later one of his high school teachers suggested he study art in college. He started out at North Carolina A&T State University and after his “Extreme Home Makeover” debut, King continued his education and then received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in painting. King’s body of work includes drawings, paintings, collages, murals and sculptures. He describes his art as “abstract expressionism and distorted urban contemporary.” “Probably the most exciting piece I have out right now is the farmer’s market mural in Uptown,” said King, who also goes by Cee Kay in the art world. “That one is about 70 by 30 feet high, my largest one to date. It was incredible to get it done. It took about two months, but we finally got it done. It’s the piece I’m most proud of.” King said the magnitude of the piece meant he had to call in some help
Photo courtesy of Curtis King
CURTIS KING
