Local artist featured in National Online Art Auction

Art, Awareness, and Ability – #ThursdayswithTunstell  

“Artists can use a number of techniques to create depth in their compositions, some of which are simple and others that are more advanced.” (MasterClass)

Much like any other skill, depth perception is a varied ability that comes naturally to some but requires training and practice for others. People create art to express themselves, to feel seen, and to help others relate to them. Art lets us know we are not alone and that like the varied brushstrokes on a canvas, we are all different and beautiful. 

Tunstell Griffin is an artist that has been working on his skills for over a decade. Inspired by traditional landscapes of Bob Ross, he is motivated by a desire to find calm and peace and has learned that creating art to deal with his anger and anxiety, is a healthy way to cope. His story starts out with grief, the loss of his parents and younger sister at an early age, and unfortunately like many young black men lacking a support system, follows with an incarceration.  

He has been a client of the Challenge Unlimited Residential Options program for over 13 years and said in his interview that “He is so grateful for Challenge.” He works at Denny’s and says he spends almost all his free time painting.

When Palmetto Goodwill reached out seeking artist contributions from people living with disabilities for their Online Gallery Auction, we were excited to get the chance to highlight his artwork on a national stage and to celebrate his success. He said his art began as elementary and he has worked hard to learn the craft. He has taken classes and continues to practice perfecting his techniques.  

The Palmetto Art Gallery Auction is part of several events that Challenge Unlimited is participating in to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and all proceeds go directly to the artists.

Tunstell has 3 entries shown below: “Pathway to Recovery”, “Midnight Moon”, and “Chapel of Solace”. He says he has never titled his paintings before, but as an artist refines their skills, it is part of the natural progression to step out of your comfort zone. He did just that with these entries. 

Many of our staff have been lucky enough to purchase one of his early works and as an extension of the auction we will be promoting his art and offering many of Tunstell’s paintings for sale throughout the month.  

The album of paintings available for purchase is posted on our Facebook Page and linked here. You can email sschrage@cuinc.org or complete the Contact Us form on our website to inquire about purchasing.  

A little bit of Isaac Hayes and a little bit Bob Ross, the artist really is as cool as he looks.

Special thanks to Picture This & More in Alton, Il for their partnership and generous donation of gallery framing for Tunstell’s entries.  Click Here to Place Your Bid!