James Stephen Terrell is a native Washingtonian who was reared in Ward 7. He received his high school diploma from Gonzaga College High School in Washington D.C. He received the Bachelor of Fine
Art from Howard University, Master of Fine Arts from Parsons
School of Design in New York City and the Master of Divinity Degree from the UnionTheological Seminary in New York City with a concentration on Theology and the Fine Arts in 2006. While attending Union Theological Seminary, he pursued Fine Arts painting elective courses at Columbia University.

Terrell has taught art for over fifteen years in DCPS and DCPCS schools Terrell has exhibited his work all over the country and has had multitude of solo shows, including at museums.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

I believe that art is reflective of the reality that lies beneath the natural, physical appearance of human existence. Art is historical, political, psychological, musical and emotional. Art is a form of
a deeper understanding that exposes the truths of life. Art is a visual language that is devoted to depicting the visual contemplation of the human experience. Art is a doorway, open to expressing
various levels of human emotion and truth through the forms of pattern, texture, shape, line, shade, color, contour and shadow. Art is important because it provides an outlet for our youth to express many of the issues confronting them today in a positive manner. Art is a commentary on one’s environment. Art is an examination of humanity. Although different streams of consciousness, ethnicity, and spirituality exist and struggle within all of humanity, the different
elements of art come together to convey and explore the concerns, joys and beauty that exist within all of humanity.