Torchlight Mentors

T Land (they/he)

T is the Autistic, Disabled, Trans, Queer Executive Director of the Autism Support and Advocacy Center (ASAC). They have been working within the Autistic, Neurodivergent, and Disabled community since 1997. He has spent over 15 years in Special Education, teaching in local public, charter, and private schools. In 2008, they founded the ASAC, where they have since worked to create programs to address systemic gaps and engage in advocacy work that is rooted in disability justice and the neurodiversity movement. T holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Visuals Arts, specifically non-linear digital editing. In 2004 he was the video editor for a local telenovela, Nuestro Barrio, before it was picked up by Univision. He has coursework completed at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University.

Rezilience Williamson (they/them)

Bethany Bash (she/her)

Bethany Bash earned her BFA from the University of Connecticut, and has been living and working in Durham since 2008. She has exhibited her art at VAE in Raleigh, The Carrack Modern Art formerly in Durham, the Carborro Arts Center and the Rubenstein Arts Center at Duke University. She is a member of the Durham Art Guild, and was part of their Creative Mentorship Program in 2020.

Along with her studio art practice, Bethany is an active muralist in Durham. Among her public works are one of the satellite dish murals at the Duke Arts Annex, the Corcoran Poetry Wall mural, and a community-created mural at Durham Public School's Hub Farm. Bethany and her work can be found at www.bethanybash.com.

Darius Quarles (he/him)

Born and raised in Louisa, Virginia, Darius’ dreams of becoming an artist began as a little boy. At the early age of 5, he would go outside and find himself studying the lines between the trees and clouds. Once he would come back inside, Darius would transform those visions into small sketches on paper. After high school, Darius joined the US Navy but in his free time would still sketch and draw. After serving in the US Navy, Darius studied color theory at the American Intercontinental University in Atlanta, GA and after various jobs decided to pursue his dream.

In 2006, he started his own business now known as Virginia Henry’s, in honor of his grandparents, Clyde Henry and Adeline Virginia Quarles. Darius’ works can be found in a myriad of doctor’s offices and private homes throughout the United States. He has participated in hundreds of art shows and festivals. He produces over 200 original pieces per year which includes murals and various art. He recently joined a gallery collective in Durham called Pleiades Gallery. His works can be found at https://virginiahenrys.com.

King Nobuyoshi Godwin (he/him)

King was Born 1991 in Raleigh NC and diagnosed with autism when he was two and a half years old. He attended the Special Education program of Wake County School Systems and received a certificate from Leesville High School in Raleigh NC in 2012. King attended UNC at Greensboro for one year, living away from home in the college apartment for the Beyond Academics Program in 2013. King became a painter in 2013. In addition to his parents, Thomas (jazz drummer and college music educator) & Yuko Taylor (fine art painter) and a brother Malik Nobumasa Godwin (antique clocksmith), King has many other supporters of his painting career. He currently lives independently in an apartment attached to his parent’s home. He is a proud team member of the Special Olympic Raleigh Racer Swimmers and a performing member of Special Japanese Taiko-Drum ensemble. King is a member of Reality Ministries in Durham, NC. His work can be see at www.kinggodwin.com.

Jackie Pilgrim (she/her)

Jackie Pilgrim is an Advocate for persons having Epilepsy, Autism, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and Mental Illness; Founder of Autism’s Love: The Pilgrimage, Public Speaker, Artist, Poet, Blogger and Parent to a young adult who challenges the stigma of having disabilities. Jackie is currently partnered with the Durham CIT Leadership Collaborative to increase Autism and Intellectual /Developmental Disability awareness. Jackie also serves on the Board of Directors for NAMI Durham (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the Mayor’s Committee for Disabled Persons and Jackie is a representative of the National Black Disability Coalition (NBDC) and serves on several committees. Jackie’s goals are to dismantle disability stigma and empower disabled individuals, family members, caregivers, and providers by increasing education and awareness of Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, and Mental Illness from the vantage point of lived experience.

TJ Mundy (they/them)

I am Black-biracial, trans non-binary, and queer. I primarily work in abstract, mixed media, and digital art, but I’m also very passionate about youth arts mentoring, calling attention to important societal issues, and using my art to share my experiences of how it feels to exist in this body. I want to give back to the communities that brought me to where I am, and that have always encouraged me to authentically be myself.

As long as I can remember, art has always been how I express myself… Whether it’s drawing, painting, music, etc- I’m always creating something to find better ways to express myself, and I strive to give others that same outlet to be able to say and feel their personal thoughts and feelings.

LOVING YOU QUIETLY is my way of sharing who I am with others through art.

Murphy S. McCully (he/him)

I'm a multimedia artist in Charlotte with a focus on printmaking, ceramics, and visual arts. I love nature and natural subjects, and I am a Savannah College of Art and Design alum (2016-2021). I've long been fascinated by my home state's face-jug tradition, which has informed my art practice. I have a special interest in young audiences and character development. I'm intrigued with faces, and I have a love for comic art and graphic novels. I hope to use my art in ways that resonate and engage, whether that’s through hands-on experience, teaching, encouragement, inspiration, or through the work and art itself.

I have struggled with learning disabilities, and art has been my portal to reading, learning, and growing as a social person, both in college and in the community. The opportunity to engage with the arts and showcase my work is an important way to represent those who discover art as a tool and support for facing challenges; a voice for when words fail; and a celebration of life, community, the environment, and creativity. People say I'm persistent, loyal, and a hard worker, and I like to see the best in others. I love art, libraries, greyhounds, and the environment, and I hope to continue my work as an artist in my home state of North Carolina. Follow me on Instagram: @artbymurphymccully
Check out my website: https://murphymccully.wixsite.com/mysite

Amelia Currie, ASAC Intern (she/her)

Amelia is a first year MSW student interested in direct practice and community work with Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals. Amelia graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Since then, she has been working with individuals with autism and IDD for over 5 years. Amelia is passionate about using art in her work with clients as a platform for exploration and growth. In her personal works, she enjoys using various mediums such as charcoal, acrylic, and clay to name a few. Amelia has also been dabbling in mural work over the past couple of years and loves ice cream.