For professional visual artist Ryan Cureton, life has come full circle. A proud graduate of Monroe High and an alum of East Elementary and Monroe Middle, Cureton is now returning to East Elementary to inspire and encourage students to explore their creativity.
His visit began with the artist leading a lively chant, “I say East, you say Eagle. East, Eagle! I say East, you say Side! East, Side!” With the group energized, he spoke about his artistic journey, from drawing at a young age to becoming a professional artist over two decades.
Cureton’s deep connection to East Elementary goes beyond nostalgia. Having grown up within walking distance of the school, he recalled discovering his artistic talent at a young age. His family recognized his gift early on, and by middle school, teachers encouraged him to showcase his work in impactful ways. One pivotal influence was his seventh-grade history and language arts teacher, Dr. Collins, who dedicated an entire wall in the classroom to Cureton’s artwork. This support fueled his passion, encouraging him to pursue his art and share it with others.
"Returning to East Elementary feels like coming home," Cureton says. "I want these students to know that their creativity is powerful and can lead them to incredible opportunities, just like it did for me."
His mother, a seamstress, also influenced his artistic outlook. Watching her work with fabric, thread and intricate designs, Cureton learned the value of precision, patience and the beauty of craftsmanship.
"She would sew intricate designs, and I saw how she put so much care into every detail," he recalled. "It taught me that every piece of art, whether a painting or seamstress work, requires dedication and respect for the craft."
Carrying that lesson forward, Cureton shared the importance of persistence with the students.
"Art requires practice," Cureton told the students during his recent visit. "It may not look perfect right away, but keep going. You'll get there."
Though art was always a part of his identity, Cureton initially envisioned a career in architecture. His drafting courses in high school equipped him with technical skills that now influence his unique mixed-media approach, particularly his signature work with wood inlays. Over time, he developed a style that merges history, surrealism and intricate craftsmanship, earning him praise from institutions like the North Carolina Museum of Art.
Despite early experiences selling artwork and traveling to shows, Cureton sought a deeper connection between art and community. In 2018, he shifted his focus to public art and civic engagement, founding the Amun Ra Arts Foundation. His mission? To make art accessible, meaningful and transformative for communities. His work has been showcased in places like the Union County Library, Wingate University and Wake Forest School of Business, emphasizing how art can be a conduit for culture, history and everyday life.
During his visit, students were eager to learn about Cureton’s artistic techniques. He shared simple tips to help them get started with drawing, such as creating a horizon line and experimenting with color blending. He also explained, "Paint can be a natural eraser," demonstrating how mistakes could be corrected with more paint and persistence.
The conversation quickly turned to his artistic process, sparking a lively discussion between students and teachers. Questions ranged from the technical aspects of his medium to his personal experiences as an artist. One student asked, “Do you use different brushes when working with canvas and wood?” Another asked, “How long did it take to complete the gorilla painting?”
Cureton was happy to share his insights, explaining that different materials, like canvas and wood, require distinct techniques. He mentioned that the gorilla painting took him 10 hours, while another piece took him 130 hours. He emphasized that the time spent on a piece of art was often driven by his passion and the challenges he aimed to overcome.
Returning to East Elementary was not just about showcasing his artwork—it aimed to inspire students to view art as more than a hobby. Cureton shared how his artistic journey has been intertwined with academics, personal growth, and a desire to give back.
"Art requires determination. It requires focus. It requires a sense of discipline within yourself," he told the students.
He also shared how his artistic skills have evolved over time.
"When I first started painting, I didn’t know about things like mixing paints," he explained. "But over time, I learned that the materials you use—like the quality of your paint—can make a huge difference in your art."
His advice to students was don’t rush to be perfect. Growth and improvement take time, and it’s okay to take your time and develop your skills.
"When I really want to challenge myself, I push my limits. Art is like playing basketball—you don't want to face an easy team. The challenge is what gives you a sense of accomplishment."
One of his most recent pieces, “Celestial Mitochondrial,” honors the role of women in shaping humanity. It emphasizes his belief that art can focus on aesthetics but also on preserving history and nurturing appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Through his return to East Elementary, Cureton hopes to inspire the next generation to embrace their creativity and recognize that art is not just a career—it’s a way to connect, educate and uplift communities.
"Art requires you to master your emotions," he explained, “and just like life, it requires focus to create something meaningful.”
03/20/2025
