About ME
“Brother Behind the Bristles”
Artist Statement
Arshaad’s conviction is to create mesmerizing public art that emanates the beauty of black culture, the plight of the American dream and our insatiable quest for freedom from blight of bondage to the brink of oblivion in hopes to educate, empower & inspire the next generation of fathers, community leaders & aspiring artists and foster kids to use their talent to transform marginalized & underprivileged communities, promoting compassion, self reflection & upward mobility for future generations to come!
Professional Biography
Arshaad Norwood, known as "The Brother Behind the Bristles," stands as a dynamic force in Atlanta’s contemporary art world. He has built an inspiring career as a visual artist with over two decades of experience. His contributions to both the art community and the education sector, combined with his influence across various platforms and events, make him a notable figure in the Atlanta area and beyond.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Christian City Foster Care, Arshaad earned a Bachelor of Art from Lagrange College in 2005, his career quickly took off. He gained recognition for his painting "The Triumph," which earned him first place at the Arts Clayton Gallery in 2009, solidifying his status as an emerging artist in the Atlanta art scene.
Transitioning into education, Arshaad brought his passion for the arts into the classroom which led him to become an art educator at Jonesboro High School. Arshaad pursued and obtained his Master’s degree in Secondary Education, positioning himself as both an academic and creative leader. His desire to nurture emerging talent extended beyond the classroom, as he simultaneously founded his own artistic venture, ArtbyArshaad LLC, where he continued to produce his own work while supporting others in the community.
Arshaad's art career continued to rise with his commission as the Featured Artist for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Centennial Art Collection, a prestigious honor that brought his work to an international audience. His contributions have been celebrated by Mayor Andre Dickenson and featured in South Cobb Voice, Voyage ATL, ArtsATL, Atlanta News First, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and on display at the NBAF Ascend Horizon Awards & Christian City Community Champions Award, cementing his place as a pillar in both the artistic and local communities.
Arshaad’s evolution from a passionate young artist to a distinguished visual artist and art educator is a testament to his dedication, skill, and versatility across various artistic platforms.