Edward “Ned” Houston is a self-taught artist whose passion for art began in the first grade when his teacher recognized his talent. On the first day of school, he drew a bridge with a freight train crossing the river, and his teacher proudly shared his artwork with all the classes. From that moment, Ned’s interest in art grew, and throughout elementary and junior high, he was often asked to create drawings for school bulletin boards.

Ned’s artistic journey continued with the help of his older brother, who gifted him paint-by-number sets each Christmas. These sets taught him valuable lessons in painting, shadowing, and highlighting. Over time, he expanded into oil paintings, acrylics, watercolors, and pencil drawings. His work includes a mural at the Carolina Theater in Hickory and three benches for the city’s “Art on the Bench” contest.

Now retired, Ned dedicates more time to his art and enjoys painting weekly at a workshop at the Salt Block. Many of his display pieces were created there. In some of his paintings, he includes a hidden church in the background—a subtle signature of his style. Ned hopes you enjoy his art as much as he has enjoyed creating it.