Meet The Team

Internationally renowned artist, Karl W. Wilkes believes that through the universal language of art and history, life’s lessons can not only be visualized, but also, better understood. Wilkes was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He gained national attention when his masterpiece, History Lesson #5 was chosen by Pepsi and Scholastic, Inc. as the focal point of a national curriculum that aims to help students explore African American experience and achievement.

Wilkes’ repertoire includes teaching art and history to seventh and eighth graders, to college students nationwide, and to organizations throughout the Department of Defense. Wilkes also uses his acclaim in a philanthropic manner to teach Black History and its relationship to America worldwide. He donates much of his art to non-profit organizations for auctions that raise money for outreach programs. Money raised from sales and auctioning of Wilkes’ work have also been donated to help support sororities, youth groups, women’s organizations and to help fund cancer research.

Wilkes has been recognized for his ability to capture his art in an almost photographic quality. This distinguishing characteristic of his work has helped him to win several awards nationally and internationally. These awards include recognition for his famed Carnegie Hall exhibit entitled, “Unspoken Words Heard Visually,” the International American Art Award (Europe), and the International Arts Festival (Seoul, Korea). Wilkes is also a two-time recipient of the NAACP Image Award (Clemson, South Carolina). Most recently, Wilkes developed a Black History Month Program for Burger King Corporation.