Visual Artist
Service Location: Lee County
School Placement: Greenwood Elementary School
Graduate of: University of South Carolina at Beaufort
Originally from Moore County, Toni “TJ” Chavis, has had an intense passion for learning, discovery, and the arts since she could walk and talk. TJ graduated from the University of South Carolina at Beaufort with a bachelor’s degree in fine art, with a special focus on painting, printmaking, and drawing. She is an artist from the Lumbee tribe who incorporates art history, craftsmanship, and her indigenous roots into her work to reflect on nostalgia while reclaiming the narrative of Indigenous History.
TJ also has experience in serving other non-profit organizations like the Coastal Expeditions Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. Her passion and a natural ability to exceptionally work well with children of all ages and abilities come from her background growing up with extended family members. TJ is unmatched in her knack for empathizing and actively listening to those around her. Along with these skills and the work ethic she has cultivated throughout the years from gallery exhibitions and working with youth, TJ is looking forward to serving underrepresented and underserviced youth through ArtistYear as an ArtistYear AmeriCorps Resident Teaching Artist in Moore County.