About Phoenix Art Studio
Rhea Brown was born in Los Angeles, California, of African American, Mexican, Sicilian, and Turkish descent. Adopted by a loving family at 6 months, she traveled from North Dakota, to California, to the Philippines, to Maryland, and to Illinois.
Since a young child, she had a love for art. In high school she attended the visual and performing arts program at Suitland High, MD. However, she had every intention of becoming a doctor, having graduated with a full scholarship to study veterinary medicine at Tuskegee University.
However, with the birth of her daughter, she decided to marry, move to Texas, and devote her time to raising a family. A year later she had the opportunity to study under a local fashion designer, then shortly after decided to return to her first love; art.
Phoenix Art Studio was birthed in 2001 with the aid of Killeen’s Carol’s Art Gallery. She went on to acquire an Associate’s Degree in Commercial Arts from Central Texas College. She also received informal training under Moody muralist/portrait artist Sandy Dusek, and Killeen photographer/muralist/film art director Rudy Calooy, Jr. Rhea has also had the pleasure of experiencing the ancient art of Athens, Kavala, and Cozumel.
Over this time she has practiced creating acrylic and oil portraits, murals, woodwork, wall sculptures, book and CD illustrations, graphic design, airbrush design, face painting, and scrolls. Aside from commissioned work, she creates inspirational works of art that have ministered to many people nationwide.
She is a member of the Killeen Civic Art Guild, the National Association of Professional Women, and the Austin Art of Texas. In 2006 she was awarded the ESGR Patriotic Employer Award. In 2008, she began donating her gift to honor the sacrifice that many military families have made in this country by painting portraits of fallen soldiers free of charge and assisting the Combat Warrior Crisis Network (now known as "TakeASoldierFishing.org"). In 2009 Rhea joined the Texas Design Network, which provides room makeovers free of charge for deserving Texas families. She also teaches art to young children in her local church, the Killeen American Shotokan Karate Academy, and the Cordovan Art School in Harker Heights.
Rhea plans to expand her business and continue to help others with her gift.
Press Coverage
2011
- Kim Steele. "Nursing home resident's artwork to be displayed". Harker Heights Herald. Nov. 10, 2011
- Heights library celebrates 'Art Attack Month'. Harker Heights Herald by Rebecca Rose
- Diverse Inspirational Art: Phoenix Art Studio. Harker Heights Evening Star by Andralena Miller
- VLA Displays Heights Artists' Work. Killeen Daily Herald by Steven Doll
- All About Art. Killeen Daily Herald by Lauren Cabral - Local artists, KISD students show their work during "Take 190 West Arts Festival".
- Art On The Spectrum. Killeen Daily Herald by Rose L. Thayer - Heights art school offers classes geared toward children w/ autism.
- Ladies Night Out Offers Art, Fun. Homefront Magazine - Fort Hood Herald by Colleen Flaherty
2010
- Local Artist Releases Latest Work. Killeen Daily Herald by Allcia Lacy
- For Arts' Sake. Killeen Daily Herald by Andrew D. Brosig - Festival brings art and more to Conder Park on Saturday
- Art From The Heart. Round Rock Leader
2009
- Rhea Brown Creates Extraordinary Pieces Of Art. Anchor News by Fan Minnitt
- Take 190 West. A print item as featured in Take 190 West circular.
- Testimony On Canvas. Killeen Daily Herald by Rebecca LaFlure with photos from Christina Kruse - A story by the Killeen Daily Herald about Rhea Brown's faith-based testimonies.
2008
- Salute To Our Heroes Event - A newspaper article from the Killeen Daily Herald about the "Salute to Our Heroes" Event held at Pignetti's at the Killeen Mall.
2007
- Putting Art In Its Place. Killeen Daily Herald - A newspaper article about Killeen Civic Art Guild's involvement in celebrating Killeen's 125th Birthday. The article features Rhea Brown sketching out a shadow box in the mural on the side of Jack Stereo in Killeen.
2006
- Family Honors Father's Memory. Killeen Daily Herald - A news article from the Killeen Daily Herald taken from the Gospel Youth Blast in 2006. The clip showcases the artwork by Rhea Brown in the background.
- Art Competition Winners Announced - A newspaper article from the Killeen Daily Herald about the 27th Annual Central Texas Art Competition and Exhibition held at Temple College. The article features Rhea Brown as one of the winners from Central Texas College.
Rhea Brown
People Visiting Us
