The ARMES Visual Art Program provides talented and motivated students with an opportunity to explore a broad range of two- and three-dimensional art forms in a supportive, challenging environment. While students develop technical skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, the program also emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem solving, and the development of each student’s unique artistic voice.

Instruction is designed to balance individual growth with collaborative learning. Teachers work closely with students one-on-one, helping them refine their craft and pursue personal artistic goals. At the same time, group projects and shared studio experiences encourage teamwork, communication, and confidence in working with others.

Peer critiques are a key component of the program. Through structured discussions, students learn to analyze ideas and techniques, articulate their artistic intentions, and reflect on both strengths and areas for growth. This exchange of perspectives creates a community where students not only receive guidance from instructors but also learn from one another.

The ARMES Visual Art Program prepares students to be innovative thinkers and confident creators. Whether they continue in the arts or apply these skills in other fields, participants leave with a strong foundation in discipline, creativity, and collaboration.

Shay Black ​is​ ​a​ ​poet, writer, visual artist​​ and 30 year U.S Army veteran from Greenville, SC.  Shay​ ​attended​ ​Converse College where she received a BFA in ceramics & sculpting. She’s the owner and artist of Shay Black Expressions, LLC.  It’s her stance to create beauty out of life’s imperfections, influence emotions and perceptions to bring people together physically through art and heal culture differences one heart at a time. She’s a three time team member of Say What slam team, Greenville, SC and competed with Team Injustice, Spartanburg, SC in 2017. 

Kephira Davis is a Grenville, SC based artist with a love for teaching! In 2023, Kephira received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Lander University. She has worked with many students in  the Greenville area, and is excited to be a part of the ARMES team! 

Anna Grace is a Greenville, SC-based artist who explores astronomy, engages in the community, and enjoys alternative art forms. She received her BA in Painting and Drawing and a Minor in Art History from Anderson University. As a 2020 Brandon Fellows Alumni, the experience had her grow conceptually and embrace new alternative mediums. She has explored human connection through her origami installations in her recent work. Her work has been exhibited in competitions such as Artist of the Upstate at Artisphere in Greenville, SC, and Artfields in Lake City, SC, and in galleries including the Greenville Center for Creative Arts, The City of Greer Center for the Arts, and the Mint Museum in Atlanta, GA. Many publishing platforms have recognized her work, including The Push, Polemical Zine, and Turn it Around!

She looks forward to teaching and helping young and inspiring creators achieve their artistic goals.

Savannah Ralph is a painter and native to Greenville, SC. She is known for her expressive figurative works. Ralph creates in her own style—a mix of realism, surrealism, and illustration—and pushes the limits of traditional art using unexpected materials and surfaces. As a 2020-2021 Brandon Fellow Alum, Ralph has exhibited her artwork as well as instruct classes at the Greenville Center for Creative Arts. Her work has been featured in various publications such as Town Carolina, Carolina Muse, the Greenville Journal, and more. She works as a studio artist in addition to teaching and showcases her work regularly in local galleries. Ralph is passionate about teaching and looks forward to fostering the creativity of her students in the ARMES program.