Goldsboro, NC — April 21, 2025, University of Mount Olive senior Victor Isaiah Skinner will be among the featured artists in the University’s annual Spring Student Art Show, opening Thursday, April 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Laughinghouse Hall. The exhibit, hosted by the Department of Art and Graphic Design, will remain open through May 2. Admission is free and open to the public.
Skinner, a Goldsboro native and senior art major, brings a deeply personal touch to his creative work. Known for his emotionally resonant and non-naturalistic style, Skinner uses a variety of materials—ranging from high-end supplies to found objects—to tell stories, process grief, and explore identity.
“To me, my projects are many things. They’re how I grieve, reflect, dream, and tell stories,” Skinner said. “Sometimes it’s dark because life can be dark. Other times, I leave things for only my friends to understand. I love to hear other people’s conjectures.”
Art, for Skinner, is as much a therapeutic outlet as it is a form of expression. “Instead of crying, I might paint,” he shared. “Sometimes my favorite pieces are just what quantifies how I’m feeling now. I create for the sake of creating, and once I start, I begin to open up.”
Interestingly, Skinner didn’t begin his college career in the art department. Initially enrolled as an agricultural business major, it was a ceramics class with Professor Frank Grubbs that shifted his path.
“He told me that all the things that come from earth are to return to earth. That gave me the confidence to try whatever without worrying about mistakes or trying to impress others,” Skinner explained.
He also credits UMO’s art faculty for nurturing his talent and pushing him creatively. “Professor Cheryl Hooks’ teachings and encouragements were always insightful. I credit all my painting work to her because she pushed me to try new things,” he said. “Professor Bob Murray’s new digital art class has sparked a new interest for me, and I plan to continue using digital media after graduation.”
Beyond the classroom, Skinner found strength and support in the university’s wrestling team, especially after the loss of his mother. “They were the first group that helped me stay strong,” he said.
As he prepares to graduate, Skinner’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, creative discovery, and the transformative impact of mentorship and community.
For more information about the Student Art Show, contact Professor Cheryl Hooks, Assistant Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, at [email protected].
The University of Mount Olive is a private liberal arts institution with Christian values, founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. Learn more at www.umo.edu.
