Katey Morrill, 36, of Broadway, is a fine arts instructor at Fayetteville Technical Community College.
She was nominated for 40 Under 40 because "she consistently goes above and beyond the scope of her job to engage and inspire her students and to provide public art for FTCC and the community," nominator Sandy Ammons writes. "She is an accomplished painter and has shown her work in dozens of exhibitions and won numerous awards. Her work is on display throughout the United States and in France. ... In 2023, she invited Durham-based artist Sherrill Roland and former art school classmate to speak to students to raise awareness of social issues surrounding mass incarceration with his art. Roland was falsely accused and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. He was exonerated and after being released, Roland continued to wear the orange jumpsuit challenging the stigmas and prejudice of the incarcerated. This event organized by Katey Morrill was the most well-attended event among our students in many years and was recognized as edgy, creative and inspiring. Katey is always looking for ways to excite students, faculty, staff, and members of the community through art."
Here's what else you should know about this member of The Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.
Who are your immediate family members?
Husband, Dexter Morrill; son, Henry Morrill; dog, Wally Morrill.
What does your job entail?
Fine arts instructor, painting and drawing.
Where did you receive your education?
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The University of New Hampshire, 2011. Master of Fine Arts degree from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2014.
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with?
The Triangle Cultural Arts Center; The Art Gallery@The Library at FTCC
How do you volunteer your time in the community?
Attending artists' lectures, workshops and galleries in Cumberland, Harnett and Wake counties. Collaborating with high school art teachers. Mentoring future career artists.
What is one thing you wish people knew or understood better about your profession?
Art is a job. Making art involves learning, taking risks, time, criticism, focus, being honest, play, evaluating, failing, facing challenges, joy and perseverance.
What's the best advice you've ever received and/or the worst advice you've ever followed?
Best advice. When faced with a choice, do both.
Worst advice. Being called a “sleeper” and thinking I couldn’t be seen as an expressive artist beyond that.
What goal have you already achieved, and how did you make it happen?
Having my artwork exhibited in an art museum. I traveled to the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington where I was accepted into the “Art of the State/State of the Art” exhibit and had my work reviewed by a museum curator.
If you weren't in your current profession, what would you be?
Professional global bakery patron.
What are five things (not people or pets) you can't live without?
Coffee, my wristwatch, the beach, my planner and my art studio.
What's something you do outside of work to enrich yourself?
Visiting art museums, going on walks, baking, attending globally diverse activities and petting dogs.
What's a song that always makes you happy or that motivates you?
“Protons, Neutrons and Electrons” by Cat Empire and “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck.
Some responses may have been edited for style and grammar.
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