About ME
“Brother Behind the Bristles”
Artist Statement
Arshaad’s conviction is to create visceral art that emanates the beauty of black culture and our insatiable quest for freedom from blight of bondage to the brink of oblivion in hopes to educate, empower & emancipate the next generation of fathers, community leaders & aspiring artists from marginalized & underprivileged communities, promoting compassion, self reflection & upward mobility!
Professional Biography
Arshad Norwood “The Brother Behind the Bristles” is a multitalented award-winning visual artist and Art educator from Villa Rica, Ga with over 15 years of professional experience specializing in fine art & graphic design. Arshaad earned his Bachelor of Art from Lagrange College in 2005. Post college, he excelled as a studio apprentice for Signe Grushovenko through the Artist & Residence program before working professionally as a graphic artist for Benjamin Studios in Atlanta, Ga. In 2009, Arshaad won first place honors at Arts Clayton Gallery for his iconic painting of the First Family, “The Triumph.” Soon after, he started his art educator career at Jonesboro High school, he earned his Masters degree in Secondary Education and launched ArtbyArshaad LLC. In 2017, Arshaad collaborated with National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) on launching the NEXTGEN Art Showcase at Benjamin E. Mays High School where he excelled as a Graphic Design educator & Lead Art Instructor. In 2020, Arshaad sealed his name into NPHC history as the first official Live Artist for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's Centennial Art Collection & Celebration in D.C., won 3rd place at the 2020 Decatur Fine Arts Exhibition with his winning masterpiece "American Dream" and was nominated for teacher of the year! This year Arshaad was selected as a featured artist in Cobb in Focus Magazine for SCAA Black History Exhibit, Articulate ATL @ Mint Gallery & NBAF Ascend & Horizon Awards. His pieces are currently on display at the Next 100 Years Exhibition at Thomasville Art Center.