Artist Bio

Janice Harris is a contemporary mixed-media artist based in Hickory, North Carolina. Her work combines acrylic painting with hand-painted paper collage to create vibrant, richly textured compositions inspired by the beauty of nature. From native wildflowers and blooming gardens to the birds and wildlife of North Carolina, her artwork celebrates the wonder and diversity of the natural world.

A distinctive element of Harris's artistic process is her use of ephemeral papers, including pages from vintage hymnals, worn Bibles, North Carolina maps, and other timeworn printed materials. She paints these papers with acrylics, transforming them into colorful layers that are meticulously cut and assembled into each composition. Upon close inspection, viewers may discover fragments of a beloved hymn, a meaningful Bible verse, or portions of an old map woven into the artwork, adding layers of history, faith, and memory.

Each piece is composed of intricately hand-painted, textured, and patterned papers that are carefully layered to create depth, movement, and luminosity. By transforming ordinary printed pages into expressive works of art, Harris invites viewers to slow down, look closely, and discover the hidden details within each piece. Her work celebrates both the beauty of creation and the stories preserved within the materials themselves, offering a visual experience that is at once joyful, meaningful, and deeply personal.

Harris has exhibited extensively across the region, with solo shows at The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center, the Old Rock School Art Gallery in Valdese, and the Lincolnton Art and Cultural Center. Her work has also garnered recognition through numerous juried exhibitions.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Wright State University and a Master’s degree from the University of Dayton.

Janice Harris’ artwork is held in private collections and continues to be exhibited in galleries and shows throughout the southeastern United States. Her dedication to both making and teaching art speaks to a lifelong commitment to creativity and community.