Five Arts+ Instructors To Follow on Instagram

It's no secret that Arts+ offers a vast amount of different learning opportunities from some of Charlotte's most well-known and experienced working artists. From film and digital media to music and visual arts, our faculty are truly among the best of the best. Here, we highlight five Arts+ instructors making their own wave in the Instagram world. Check them out, and give them a follow! (Listed alphabetically by last name.)

1. Sharon Dowell (@sharon_dowell)
   A painter with a focus on works on canvas, murals, and large scale public art projects, Sharon received her MA in arts administration from Winthrop University and a BFA from University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her commissions include mural and transit projects for the cities of Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, and Boulder, Colorado. It is important for her art and artistic knowledge to serve as a vehicle to give back and shape communities for the better. She believes that creative placemaking, teaching painting workshops, and conducting interactive murals with the public all help to generate connections across communities.
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2. Jonathan Grauel (@bluegrauel)
   A Charlotte-based artist with international and regional recognition, Jonathan's life has been shaped by his desire to create. He transforms that need into unique visual narratives using energetic lines, whimsical shape, and vivid color to construct surreal spaces. For Arts+, he teaches workshops and private lessons and has been a guest speaker on many occasions. In addition, he taught high school art, so he has a keen interest in arts education. He enjoys the freedom of creating with digital media while continuing to work in 2D and 3D media.
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3. Jason Jones (@jasonjet)
   An Iceland native, Jason Jones, whose stage name is Jason Jet, quickly rooted himself into the indie-soul music scene soon after his migration to the Queen City years ago. Equipped with a brilliant tenor voice, astounding production prowess, and gripping lyricism, this singer/songwriter empowers Studio 345 students with the tools and resources it takes to break into the music industry as a singer/songwriter or producer. With numerous awards under his belt, Jason recently opened his own music recording studio in Charlotte — GrindHaus Studios. He's opened his doors to students of Studio 345 as well as independent artists across Charlotte and Grammy award-winning recording artist Anthony Hamilton.
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4. Herman Nicholson (@hermannicholson)
   Born and bred in Charlotte, North Carolina, Herman received his BFA in photography from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and his MFA from Columbia College Chicago. An instructor with Studio 345, he has an extensive background in working in a photographic lab, including darkroom setup (B/W & RA4), studio lighting, digital input & output, and alternative processes. His work primarily focuses on portraiture and human relationships. He is also a teaching artist with The Light Factory here in Charlotte.
5. Tom Thoune (@sugarphile)
   Alongside a 20-year textile career, Tom Thoune maintained a fine art practice which he focuses on today. As a multi-multimedia artist in both 2D and 3D, he has spent the past 10+ years creating public mosaic art with his works found at The Charlotte Light Rail (East-West station), the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department on Wendover, and the Harris Teeter on Central Ave. Tom has been teaching workshops and college courses for more than 30 years at various learning institutions including Charlotte Piedmont Community College, McColl Center for Art + Innovation, and, of course, Arts+.
   Full bio.