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"small town...big city...mostly small town" is now on display at the Randolph Hospital Outpatient Cancer Center. Cancer sucks and I hope that my new show will help patients and their families through the tough times. This world has too much darkness...so I use bright colors in my paintings in the hopes that they will add some light....

Nikki Cherry, a North Carolina native, comes from a long line of strong and talented women. Before Nikki could walk, her Grandmother Cherry introduced her to the wild and wonderful world of paint. Her exposure to creating at such a young age had a profound impact. In school, she could be found taking as many art and design classes as she could fit into her schedule. Nikki takes risks with her art, and she is always willing to try a new subject or a new medium. She has left her mark on Dr. Scholl’s sandals, flowerpots, old floors, and pieces of furniture in need of a makeover. Nikki’s philosophy is that almost anything can be improved upon with some paint and the right touch.

While at Appalachian State University, she began to re-visit painting on canvas. She was commissioned by locals to paint their favorite mountain places, and her work began popping up on gallery, home, and shop walls across the state.

On a regular afternoon, Nikki might be found sipping a warm vanilla latte while flipping through magazines for ideas and inspiration, while listening to NPR and sitting on a vintage glider. Often, she is seen scoping out wares at antique stores or bargain shops, but most hours are consumed by her passion for her work. Those hours are spent in her “paint shack.” There she brings canvas to life with her bright, vibrant, and playful brushstrokes.

*Nikki’s main professional artist mentor is George Thompson, who took the time to teach and inspire her. He is a native of the Bronx, N.Y. and taught for 15 years at the pastel society of America and now resides in Statesville, N.C. Please check out his work HYPERLINK "http://www.artisfineart.com/Gallery" http://www.artisfineart.com/Gallery

HYPERLINK "http://georgeethompson.com" http://georgeethompson.com