Charles K Hester, Jr (AKA Hillbilly)

I am an Armey Veteran who spent 6 years homeless, then, after working with Triune Mercy Center, 5 years in welfare hotels and rooming houses. In September 2025, I was able to rent a rundown mill house on Bragg Street in the Monaghan community where I have room to take up painting again. Art has been a more constant thread in my life than even substance abuse. My family has created art for two generations, starting with my father – a tradition my brother and myself carry on. At Triune I began painting again. My work is at Triune outside the director’s o/ice and in several private collections both here and in the low country. Since double cataract surgery and leaving abuse alcoholism on hold, my work has been trending toward abstraction celebrating celestial creation. My faith has sustained me through all of my troubles – the death of my 3-month-old son of SIDS and my wife from addiction. I hope my work brings new insights to the viewer and enriches their lives.