Macon Middle School (MMS) artist and art teacher Chris Bell chooses to use his passion for good, not just in the classroom.
Bell recently contributed to the Future of Hope Family Ministry, which was started by Molly Hornsby, an FHS alum and daughter of MMS science teacher, Annie Hornsby. Since 2014, the ministry has battled poverty and violence found in the communities of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, using Christ-based resources. The organization is holding an auction fundraiser on Sept. 14, and Bell felt called to play a part.
“I first did a sketch of a hacienda-style place, because I think it is important to give people an image to attach themselves to. I was asked to donate a piece for the auction by Ben Rodriguez,” said Bell.
“Chris Bell is such a talented artist,” said Rodriquez, one of the Future of Hope Family Ministry fundraiser’s coordinators. “We went to Franklin High School together – graduated in 2011. He painted back then and won art awards and started having an art career early.”
Bell also uses his talent to make a difference at the school.
“Because so much money was granted towards giving the students hope after COVID, former principal Dr. Kevin Bailey had the idea to paint murals in the school,” said Bell.
Bell began work on the project with some of his students.
“We wanted to paint inspirational people … wanted to include a quote on each one. We were fortunate to be given this opportunity.” The mural in the main open hallway area of MMS features Albert Einstein, Hank Aaron, and Delores Huerta.
Always an artist
Born and raised in Macon County, Bell has had a passion for art for as long he can remember. Constantly sketching, his parents encouraged him to continue to hone his craft. Later, Bell’s art teachers noticed his natural talent and urged him to persist in his efforts, which eventually led him to an apprenticeship.
“After I graduated high school, I had initially chosen to go to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD),” explained Bell. His plans were seemingly set in stone until a professional artist from England happened upon some of Bell’s work on display at Creative Framing on Depot Street.
“I thought the small exhibit was a big deal because I had never had anything hanging up before. He saw my art and the employees told him I was going to attend SCAD. He said, ‘No, I need an apprentice,’ so he invited me to come and study with him. I chose that option instead,” Bell elaborated.
Bell’s mentor was Julyan Davis, whose most notable artwork is in the North Carolina Governor’s Western Residence and in the private collection of actor/songwriter Kris Kristofferson.
“It was a wonderful opportunity as I was able to get one-on-one instruction from a significant painter day after day,” said Bell.
Then a teacher
Eventually, Bell attended Western Carolina University (WCU), graduating in 2013 with a degree in history, his other great interest. Although he never obtained a degree in art, Bell’s apprenticeship opportunity was intensive and required many hours to complete. His degree and his innate art talent combined, he returned to FHS to student teach.
However, Bell was not sure he could become an effective teacher.
“I’m an introvert … I naturally never would have chosen to teach, but I’ve gotten used to it and I’ve gotten comfortable with it.”
Originally, Bell had planned on just teaching high schoolers, but now loves teaching middle school.
“They’re at a fun age. I like to think of art as something that builds on itself. My role is to emphasize drawing skills and foundations because I think that gives them the opportunity to express themselves more in high school.”
Most recently in Bell’s class, the middle schoolers have been trying their hand at self-portraits.
“My favorite part about my job is seeing kids whose natural inclination is to do art. I love to see the kids who struggle in other areas do really well in here. I like to give them that opportunity to grow.”
He also incorporates art history while teaching art techniques.
Bell has been able to keep in touch with a number of his students and enjoys watching their progress over the years.
“I’m lucky,” he said. “Art is my passion, painting in particular. Education plays a part in that because I get to use my passion to help others.”
Enhancing his skills
Early in Bell’s art career, he focused on Western North Carolina scenes and landscapes.
“There was, and continues to be, a market for my work in Highlands, Asheville, and Blowing Rock. This material will always feel like ‘home’ to me, but as I have begun to travel more over the past few years, I have found that I can find something beautiful and inspiring anywhere. I am attracted to beautiful light, interesting compositions, and color wherever that may be found,” he said.
Bell enjoys traveling to Europe and learning about art through his ventures.
“I got to go on trips during high school, which, absolutely, had a strong impact on my artwork.” He and Bryan Wilkinson, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teacher at MMS, decided to start taking students on overseas educational trips.
“It is a change of environment and culture; even the mundane, everyday tasks of European life are beautiful. They take time in the mornings; nothing is rushed. That kind of slowness allows you to observe and absorb your surroundings,” said Bell.
Over the years, Bell’s art has undergone an evolution of sorts in art mediums.
“Although my earliest paintings were in acrylic, I began painting in oils soon after when I began to take private lessons in high school. As I became comfortable with oils, I felt that there was a lifetime of learning within the medium and so I haven’t seriously considered other mediums. Of course, I occasionally use watercolor and gouache as a sketching medium (due to their quick drying properties) but all of my finished work is in oil.”
Bell’s work in on exhibit at the Martin House Gallery in Blowing Rock and at Pinckney Simons Gallery in Beaufort, S.C., but he is also typically at work on several private or gallery commissions. View his work or contact him at https://chrisbellfineart.com.