Carlton Hardy was born into a family of rich traditions and many artistic talents. Carlton demonstrated his own artistic abilties very early in life as a student in elementary school. As time progressed he continued to draw and cultivate his own visual talents while attending for a time the Art Institue of a Atlanta. At present day Mr. Hardy is a retiree of Eastern Airlines for 12 years and is a fulltime fine artist residing in College Park, Ga.

Not many visual artist can depict African American life with such fluid and impeccable artistry as Carlton Hardy. With the stroke of a paintbrush he captures the true essesnce of African-American culture, heritage, and religion; Infusing his own personal view of American society, in a unique way inwhich the viewer can easily understand and respond to. With such talent and dedication to the jewel of his life, Carlton has recieved many accolades and awards for his work. His most recent contributions to the world of Black Art include the 2001 Disney World Epcot Black Heritage Poster, a yearly invite to Walt Disney World Heritage Festival, the featured artist on the set of BET's Comic View (2000-2001 season), the creator of the 40th annivesary poster for the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference), murals for various churches and public schools, and a regular exhibiting artist in numerous art exhibitions, and workshops across the country. Carlton Hardy has and will continue to place his mark on the Black art community with his artictic style and flare.

Hardy's Artistic Expression was established in 1989. The basis of it's existence is to promote the works of it's founder, Carlton Hardy and to use the medium of art as an apparatus to elevate the consciousness of Black America. Carlton is adamant about relaying positive and useful messages through his work and states that "I know art is a very powerful medium, and therefore I will continue to paint respectful and positive images for people to view. There is no room for deragatory and neagtive art in the world."