BIO

Phillip Snead has been painting since he was a little boy – starting at just 7 years old – inspired by his aunt and uncle, both graduates of the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1976. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in a home improvement program, hoping to build a better future while staying true to his artistic side. However, work in the construction industry proved to be slow, so he decided to explore other avenues for his talents.

At age 22, Phillip was given the opportunity to join an apprenticeship program at a downtown Baltimore barbershop in 1991. He earned his barber’s license while continuing to paint at night. He began incorporating materials he had collected from construction sites into his artwork, applying them to canvas in innovative ways.

Working in the barbershop allowed Phillip to express his creativity through haircuts, blending his artistic eye with technical skill. For the past 25 years, he has owned and operated his own barbershop, Tight Image, located in historic downtown Baltimore. He used the space not only for hair but also as a gallery to showcase his artwork and host his own art shows – earning him recognition in his hometown.

Today, Phillip has been exhibiting his artwork for more than 23 years. He continues to host private shows and has seen his art career soar. His work has been featured in festivals and galleries across the country, and he was even honored as a featured artist on Maryland Public Television. Phillip continues to push himself as an artist, building a legacy marked by passion, creativity, and a powerful body of work.

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