ROOTS: Black Art and Life in These Hills
Meet the Artists
ROOTS: Black Art and Life in These Hills is an annual exhibit that provides a platform for African American artists and photographers who are local or have roots in Southeast Kentucky to showcase their work. The exhibit at times welcomes a guest artist from outside the area. ROOTS: Black Art and Life in These Hills carries this message: Your work and your story matters!
Herbert Cornett
Hazard native Herbert Cornett, born June 19, 1953,was a talented artist who created works in oil/acrylics and did many sketching’s. He also expanded his creativity through bead work (jewelry). Herbert was never acknowledged and appreciated for his talent and gift in the art world. Herbert passed away onSeptember 25, 2016.
We acknowledge him today.
This collection of Herbert Cornett’s sketching’s, pastels, and watercolor was donated to SEKYAAMCC by his family (the family of Bennie Ruth Cornett).
Kenneth Jones
My name is Kenneth Jones, and I was born and raised in Hazard, Kentucky. Although I spent a few years away, Eastern Kentucky was always home in my heart. In 2022, I returned to the mountains that helped shape who I am, with a renewed appreciation for the people, communities, and landscapes that make this region so special.
Since moving back, I have made it my mission to showcase the beauty of Eastern Kentucky through photography, drone imagery, and storytelling. My goal is to shine a positive light on our mountains, preserve local memories, and highlight the places, people, and progress that make our communities unique. Through my work, I hope to share the pride I have in this region and help others see Eastern Kentucky through a different lens.
Nahima Grace Konate
Nahima Grace Konate is an 11-year-old aspiring nurse with a bright future and a powerful story to tell. A fifth grader at Reedy Creek Elementary, Nahima is known for her creativity, kindness, and determination. She is the oldest child of Soulemane and Valerie Konate. Her piece, Red Winter, was inspired by a quiet moment looking out of her bedroom window in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she spotted a beautiful cardinal on a cold winter day. Her piece, Beautiful Chaos, was inspired by a challenging time during her third and fourth grade years. Despite facing bullying, Nahima discovered the strength and beauty within her spirit, amongst the chaos. Nahima has been dancing with Order My Steps Dance Company since the age of four, showing both passion and discipline in the art. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, writing stories, and making fun videos with her friends. She loves the color blush pink and enjoys her favorite meal, orange chicken and lo Mein. With her big heart and strong voice, Nahima is sure to inspire and touch many lives.
Barbara Hagans
"In my spare time, I like to paint and draw, which I have been doing for over 20 years. This helps me to express myself in a creative way. In addition, writing short stories and poems allows me to be creative as well".
PAINTING: THREE SISTERS AT THE CANYON
Janice Hagans-Higgins-Peters
Janice Hagans-Higgins-Peters was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, and raised in the mountains of Knott County,Kentucky. She discovered her artistic talent in grade school. Later she took a few art classes in high school and college. After the death of her first husband, she poured her emotions into charcoal and pastel mediums. Later in life after a long career in nursing, and a new marriage to Gerald Peters, Janice enjoys a career in counseling and continues to pursue her passion in the arts working with acrylics. “One day I’ll be for the fire ignite for the charcoal and pastels once more.”
Shakina Jones
Hazard-based, Shakina Jones, uses acrylic to explore the history of Southeast Kentucky. This exhibit showcases different pieces exploring the history through different styles, aiming to remind those who may not know the history of Southeast Kentucky.
Kelen Joel Konate
Kelen Joel Konate is a seven-year-old with a bright future ahead, whether as a computer analyst or a police officer, he’s still deciding. A second grader at Reedy Creek Elementary, Kelen is known for being quiet, intelligent, and a gentle prayer warrior. He is the youngest child of Soulemane and Valerie Konate.
Kelen recently enjoyed his first season playing basketball this past winter and continues to grow in confidence both on and off the court. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, riding his bike, and spending time with friends.
His piece, ROY G BIV, is a reminder of God’s beautiful promise, inspired by the vibrant colors of the rainbow.
Kelen’s favorite color is green, and he enjoys eating French fries, chicken nuggets, and drinking Sprite. With his kind heart and thoughtful spirit, Kelen is sure to make a meaningful impact wherever life leads him.
Kyra Higgins
Kyra Higgins is an Afrilachian poet and performer and storyteller. She was awarded the 2023 Kentucky Fire Starter Award from the Kentucky Foundation for Women. She has a Bachelors in the Arts. She was raised in Knott County. Kyra’s earlier works are visual art self-portraits and surrealistic explorations of identity and mental health. Her latter works focus on storytelling and spoken word with appearances at the Redfox Storytelling Festival in Wise, Virginia, and poetry readings in Hazard, Kentucky. She is also a Certified Community Scholar.
Leshem CH
Leshem CH is the daughter of Ludrenia Hagans-Shepherd from Knott County and currently lives in Louisville. Leshem means “Precious Jewel” in Hebrew. Her crochet work on exhibit includes:
Havanna Hagans
About her photography: “Some would say I like purity, an image presented as is, untouched by editing software, and accepted for the art that it is without being altered. So many times, people desire to change something into what it isn’t, rather than admire the beauty exactly as it is, imperfections and all. Being different is the very thing which makes all creations unique and completely special.
My series, “ON THE HOLLER,” is an inside look at what life is like between the hills, and the history of survival. Generations of our people have come and gone. It’s up to us, to preserve the history and keep tellin’ our stories, from the porches and in the gardens, about what living is like…On the Holler.”
-Havanna Hagans
Havanna is a Knott County native currently living in Richmond, Kentucky.
Edwin Hagans
About her photography: “Some would say I like purity, an image presented as is, untouched by editing software, and accepted for the art that it is without being altered. So many times, people desire to change something into what it isn’t, rather than admire the beauty exactly as it is, imperfections and all. Being different is the very thing which makes all creations unique and completely special.
Marcus Hudson
About her photography: “Some would say I like purity, an image presented as is, untouched by editing software, and accepted for the art that it is without being altered. So many times, people desire to change something into what it isn’t, rather than admire the beauty exactly as it is, imperfections and all. Being different is the very thing which makes all creations unique and completely special.
Victor Hagans
Victor was born in Hazard, KY. At an early age he learned to draw and competed in school and local art contests. He continued to learn different mediums through high school.
Developing skills in pastels, acrylics and oils, he built a portfolio. Those works won awards on the local and state levels, including becoming a Who’s Who Student in Fine Arts.
Victor became the first Issac Hathaway Scholarship recipient at the University of Kentucky. During that time, he learned metal and bronze sculpture earning a bachelor’s in fine arts.
