Ken Halstead is a painter/printmaker who works from his Sandy Ridge studio near Waxhaw, North Carolina. Ken began his career at a young age where he studied under his father, Kenneth Leroy, who was an accomplished illustrator and political cartoonist. He attended West Virginia University and majored in drawing and printmaking through a BFA scholarship. While at the University, he taught beginning printmaking classes in stone lithography and later went on to apprentice with Master Printmaker, Will Petersen.

His background in printmaking and design led him to work as a graphic designer and publication expert. For several years, he worked in Urban Planning at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission, where he produced award winning graphics for notable projects such as the North Davidson Arts District, Center City Charlotte, City Within A City and Neighborhood Matching Grants. Ken enjoys drawing and painting and creating designs for a select group of clients. He also spends a lot of time petting his dog; playing jazz guitar and making up love songs on his ukulele. He may be contacted at ken@symbolicmedia.com.