Annette McCarty

Biography I am an African American artist and educator from Cambridge and Roxbury, Massachusetts. My work reflects Northern Black culture through symbolic narratives that emphasize pride, resilience, and authenticity. Inspired by neighborhood graffiti, “Fat Albert” animation, and the expressive realism of Ernie Barnes, I create vibrant compositions filled with movement, color, and lived experience. For over thirty years, I have worked as an arts educator and community artist across the United States, including Massachusetts, California, Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Washington, D.C. My teaching experience spans early childhood through higher education, and my practice has always centered on uplifting communities through creative expression. I hold a BFA and three master’s degrees in Art Education, Special Education, and Education, as well as multiple teaching certifications. My work continues to merge my experiences as an artist, teacher, and cultural storyteller to document and celebrate the richness of African American life.