top of page
LaDara-7.jpg

About the Artist

LaDara McKinnon is a teaching abstract artist, curator, and business owner based in Charlotte, NC, who was raised in Hawaii and Japan. Her appreciation for the arts and color began in her years living abroad. 

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts while minoring in Psychology and Women & Gender studies from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As an undergraduate she studied abroad at Burren School of Art in Clare, Ireland which inspired her to pursue a career as an artist. Which turned into LaDara Fine Art being founded.

 

LaDara's vibrant abstract compositions are layered with rich colors, playful brushstrokes, and gestural mark making that are heavily influenced by her desire for self expression, creative freedom, and stories of triumph.

 

LaDara’s work has been licenced, published and collaborated with numerous brands such as Uppercase Mag, QC Exclusive Magazine,  Minted, HGTV, Better Homes and Gardens, Davidson College, HomeGoods, Wexel Art, Allsprings Global Headquarters, Atrium Heath, and WestElm.com. Also, invitationally exhibited at The Harvey B. Gantt, Matthew's Town Hall, and GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art. 

 

Including, invitationally ask to speak at panales and host workshops at colleges and retreats such as Catawba Valley Community College, Utah Valley University, and McColl Center for Arts + Innovation.

 

She received recognition by Honeybook and Rising Tide based on empowerment, impact, purpose, and passion, received an Artist Support Grant from ASC, and much more.

 

LaDara pushes the boundaries within the art industry by incorporating teaching, philanthropy and storytelling into her art practice. Some of her philanthropy includes benefiting organizations like Safe Alliance, The Loveland Foundation, and many more.

ladarafineart.jpg

About the Art

At the core of my work lies the exploration of cross-cultural influences, gathering the elements of cultural syncretism into abstraction within my practice. This idea allows me to investigate the interconnectedness of my intersectional identity and cross-cultural upbringing with the identities and cultural references of others. My art serves as a canvas for storytelling that communicates equanimity, resilience, and triumph. Beyond artistic expression, my practice is deeply rooted in philanthropy. I leverage my creative talent to support causes close to my heart while generating awareness and funds for charitable initiatives blending creativity and social responsibility into an impactful and immersive viewing experience.

Check out my CV here.

As Seen In

As Seen IN LaDara McKinnon.png
Photo Credit : Corrie   and Megan
 
bottom of page