Leilani Jones
B.F.A. in Art with a concentration in Painting
Hometown: Concord, N.C.
Graduation Year: 2027
Tell us a little about yourself! How did you first get interested in art?
I became interested in art after years of doing coloring competitions during Christmas with my family. I eventually started creating my own coloring sheets because I felt discouraged by my messy coloring and wanted to express line on my own terms. Over time, I discovered a love for illustration and linework, and what began as a hobby became an emotional outlet through the ebbs and flows of life, as I wrestled with verbal expression.
After taking figure drawing and mixed media at Charlotte, I realized art is a language that allows me to be loud about what I hold inside. I learned to let go of control and decided painting was something I wanted to pursue full time. I didn’t like being put in a box and wanted to connect with people through my art, while still giving myself room to learn new skills.
My willingness to try, fail and learn opened the door to new hobbies like music, dance and photography. Now I’m able to explore those mediums more deeply and connect them with my artistic practice.
What kind of career do you hope to have?
I don’t think there’s a specific name for the career I want to have, but I do know I want to wear a lot of hats and try a lot of things. Right now, I hope to work closely with skateboarders, musicians and fashion designers to create and sell custom art pieces that can interact with daily life outside of a traditional gallery. I want to travel and connect with different people, whether it’s through murals, custom skate decks, backdrop designs, etc.
What is your favorite thing about UNC Charlotte?
My favorite thing about UNC Charlotte is the community. In every class I’m in, I love seeing new faces and getting to understand different personalities and people. I love to laugh, learn and enjoy the presence of others. My professors are not only caring and wise, but they push me outside of myself and make anything feel possible. I’ve built a lot of confidence and perseverance, not only in my work, but in my character outside the classroom, and I’m truly grateful for that.
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts/design community?
I helped design the T‑shirts for FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), a museum block party that helps artists connect with one another. The shirts were sold at the Harvey B. Gantt Center, where I also connected with high school students and showed them what different artistic processes and practices can look like. I’ve also created art pieces for a fashion show, contributed work to the group exhibition To Be Consumed at Goodyear Arts, and shown work in the 58th Annual Juried Student Exhibition.
Do you have a scholarship?
I was granted the Roderick MacKillop Memorial Painting Merit Scholarship for the 2026- 27 academic year. It has helped relieve a lot of financial stress and given me more room to put my funds toward art supplies for my senior thesis.
When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
Outside of class and work, I enjoy skateboarding and writing songs. I’ve learned how to produce music and play guitar over the past year, and I hope to perform for fun one day!