About Jeffery:

Born in Lincolnton, Georgia, Jeffery has lived in McCormick, South Carolina most of his life. He attended McCormick public schools prior to entering Bauder College of Fashion in Atlanta, Georgia. While there, he interned with fashion designer Mary McFadden in New York City. He completed his undergraduate education at Lander University with a BA Degree in Education. Since that time, he also completed his Masters in Creative Arts from Leslie University and earned his Specialist in Education Degree from NOVA Southeastern University.

At an early age, Jeffery demonstrated an interest in and a talent for art. In childhood, this interest was nurtured by a doting grandmother’s unique storytelling ability and it was then that he began “doodling” with cartoon characters. In high school, Jeffery became interested in fashion illustration and attended The Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities at Furman University. In 1988, Jeffery won the Butler Derrick Congressional Artistic Discovery Art Competition and his work was displayed in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

After college, Jeffery began to focus on his southern cultural heritage by reflecting on stories, family traditions and scenes from his youth. Patti McAbee, mentor and Executive Director of the McCormick Arts Council Keturah (MACK) in McCormick, South Carolina, was particularly helpful in encouraging Jeffery to develop his talent and artistic interests.