THE ARTIST
Jamil Dyair Steele, a visual artist based in Charlotte, draws from his roots as a proud graduate of West Charlotte Senior High School and his formal education in fine arts at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, as well as a Master of Art Education from Winthrop University. His artistic journey is deeply intertwined with the narratives of minorities, marginalized communities, and the vitality of youth.
Employing painting as his primary medium, Dyair specializes in crafting distinctive portraiture, murals, and illustrations. Beyond his artistic endeavors, he is known to his students as Mr. Steele, a National Board Certified teacher. He channels his artistic career into his teaching, infusing it with a passion that resonates with his students.
Dyair’s creative influences stem from the legacy of his father, Ernie Barnes, along with the artistic mastery of Norman Rockwell and Kehinde Wiley. His works have graced spaces such as the Art House in NoDa, Festival in the Park, Spirit Square, The Art Institute of Charlotte, The Center for the Arts in Rock Hill, Romare Bearden Arts Festival, UNCC’s Projective Eye Gallery, NoDa @28th Creative Arts Center, the McColl Center, the Mint Museum, and VAPA.