The Murderer: Lionel Hollins, the former coach of the Memphis team, was the one who allegedly hired Austin Jenkins’s best friend to murder him so that he can become the…..

She depicted her own visions of the ocean—recreating them on canvas with acrylic and mixed media, opting for styles that blend impressionism and expressionism rather than realism. “I excel at realistic painting, but this feels more authentic,” she explains, noting how these paintings reflect her emotions—her fond memories of coastal landscapes, her yearning for the ocean’s depths and its enigmatic allure.

Initially committed to creating 20 new pieces for the ANF exhibit, she found fulfillment in completing 14. “I felt satisfied, I said, ‘This is it. This is pure.'”

But then she embarked on a new journey as an art teacher at Compass Community School, guiding students from kindergarten to eighth grade. Having previously worked in the corporate world since immigrating to America, teaching offered a refreshing change of pace.

“I adore this job,” she expresses. “Despite feeling physically drained at the end of the day, I’m overjoyed. I can’t stop sharing stories about my students and showcasing their artwork to my husband. It’s incredibly fulfilling and inspiring… Teaching for just 10 months has ignited so much creativity in me. I’m now working on an additional six pieces inspired by my students, and I already have ideas for another collection.”

In February, she introduced her students to Alma Thomas, an influential African-American artist from the 20th century. “Her success story is remarkable. Nearly every child in Washington, D.C., can trace their art education back to her. She’s not only an inspiration because of her achievements but also because of her commitment to giving back to society through education.”

Rhodes asked her students to craft sunrises and sunsets using construction paper, and she was astounded by the results. Scrolling through photos of their work, she offers genuine praise: “These are incredible… Mind-blowing… Mesmerizing.”

These student-inspired works will be showcased at the ANF exhibit alongside a selection of her line drawings, some of which have been published in her book “Heart Traces.” These graphics, characterized by their linear simplicity, wit, ambiguity, and introspective nature, serve as a form of visual poetry—a fitting expression for Rhodes, who has always had a passion for writing.

Rhodes recalls a period of creative drought during her advertising career, longing for a return to “true art.” Seeking inspiration, she turned to dreams, where the vision for her “Angelic” drawing—a simple yet profound line drawing of a celestial figure—materialized.

While not all of her drawings stem from dreams, Rhodes describes them as “a feast for the intellect.” They provoke thought and may even evoke laughter.