Description

Charles Rice, known professionally as Artbyrice, is a contemporary American artist, curator, and creative visionary based in Louisville, Kentucky. A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Rice has built a dynamic career that bridges fine art, design, and cultural storytelling.

Early in his career, Rice worked as an artist and graphic designer for The Walt Disney Company, where he refined his technical skills and developed a strong foundation in visual storytelling. His work has since evolved into a signature style that blends chalk pastels on suede, acrylic painting, and digital elements—creating powerful, emotionally resonant pieces that celebrate culture, history, and the human experience.

Rice also served as a Fine Artist at E&S Gallery in Louisville, Kentucky—one of the region’s most respected galleries—where he exhibited work, engaged with collectors, and contributed to the gallery’s reputation for showcasing museum-quality African American art.

His work has attracted notable collectors, including Patti LaBelle, Jodeci, Charlie Wilson, Mario, and Keri Hilson. His pieces are also part of prestigious corporate and private collections, including the Brown-Forman Collection.

Rice has been commissioned for major public and private installations, including a 22-piece collection for a prominent hospital in Louisville’s West End. His work has reached thousands through live art experiences, most notably as the lead artist for the Melanin Art Series, where he created portraits for over 5,000 individuals.

Beyond his studio practice, Rice is a respected curator and cultural leader. He serves as the Art Director and Curator of the Lyric Art Gallery in Lexington, Kentucky, where he leads exhibitions, develops programming, and creates opportunities for emerging and established artists. He is also the founder of RiceWorkz, a creative brand that produces original artwork, prints, and cultural experiences, and the former Chief Editor of Mogul Magazine, a publication highlighting Black culture and lifestyle.

Rice’s work has been exhibited nationally, including appearances on the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise, and continues to gain recognition for its bold aesthetic and cultural depth. Through his art, curation, and community engagement, Charles Rice remains committed to inspiring, educating, and elevating culture through creativity.