Annie Harden: Trailblazer, Engineer, and Artist

Artist Renee Harden

Annie Harden, a distinguished native of Dobbins Heights Community, is a trailblazer whose achievements span engineering, education, and the arts. As the first African American woman to graduate from Richmond Community College’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program in 1995, Annie broke barriers early in her career. She went on to become the first African American woman to chair the department, a position she held for a decade. Currently, she continues to inspire as a Mechatronics Engineering Technology Instructor while pursuing her graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at NC State University.

Annie’s journey is marked by a deep commitment to her faith, family, and community. A lifelong member of St. Mary Holiness Church, she upholds the values of respect, kindness, and devotion in all she does. Married to Reginald Harden for five years, she balances her roles as a wife, missionary, and leader with grace.

In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Annie is a proud member of the Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, Inc., where she served as 2nd Vice President. She is also the innovative mind behind Divine Dimension Design, a business where engineering meets art. Through her "One Day All Girl STEM Camp," Annie empowers young girls with hands-on learning experiences, including her signature walking GLAMBOT and 3D jazz paintings.

Her artistic creations, characterized by their engineering precision and creative flair, celebrate jazz music and the culture of her community. From her mural at the Dobbins Heights Community Center to the celebrated "All That Jazz" painting at Seafoodie’s Restaurant in Hamlet, NC, Annie’s work resonates with energy and soul. Her 3D art has been featured in the Daily Journal, earning recognition as one of Richmond Community College’s hidden treasures.

Annie Harden is not only a gifted artist but also a dedicated community leader. She shares her talents generously through private paint parties and mentoring, embodying the spirit of a true Queen who uplifts, inspires, and leads with compassion.

Visit Culture Queens at MEGA Park to experience the “Ode To Jazz” Exhibit during normal business hours, Fridays 2:00 - 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 2:00 - 5:00 PM.

Small Group Private Tours can be scheduled for groups of 8 or less. Email culture@cltqueens.com for more information.

Attend one of our Midweek or Special Events. RSVP is required. Find more information on our EVENTS page.

“Ode to Jazz” Collection by Annie Renee Harden

Welcome to the Queens Gallery! We’re delighted to have you here. To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, please review our house rules below

HOUSE RULES

General Guidelines

  1. Respect the Art: Please handle all artworks with care. Do not touch or lean on the exhibits unless otherwise specified.

  2. Photography: Photography is permitted unless otherwise indicated by signage. Please refrain from using flash as it can damage the artwork.

  3. Food and Drinks: No food or beverages are allowed in the gallery. Please enjoy them in designated areas only.

  4. Mobile Devices: Kindly keep mobile phones on silent mode. If you need to take a call, please do so outside the exhibition areas.

  5. Children: Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times. Ensure they do not touch or disturb the exhibits.

  6. Pets: Only service animals are permitted in the gallery.

Dos and Don’ts

Do’s:

  • Do: Engage with the art and ask questions. Our staff is here to help and provide information about the exhibits and artists.

  • Do: Use provided brochures and informational materials to enhance your visit.

  • Do: Respect the personal space of other visitors and the staff.

  • Do: Tag us on social media to share your experience.
    Artist Annie Renee Harden on Facebook
    Gallery @culturequeens_clt #CultureQueensCLT #CultureQueensRC

  • Do: Share your feedback and suggestions for upcoming events and exhibitions using the provided materials.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t: Touch or handle artwork unless explicitly allowed. This includes leaning against walls or pedestals.

  • Don’t: Use flash photography or any other devices that may harm the art or disturb other visitors.

  • Don’t: Engage in loud conversations or disruptive behavior. Maintain a respectful atmosphere.

Purchasing Art

  1. Inquiries: If you are interested in purchasing any artwork, please contact Jennifer Everett. Our staff will provide you with details and assist with the purchase process. Many items can be purchased by scanning the code or clicking on the picture you wish to purchase.

  2. Payment: We accept various payment methods including credit/debit cards and cash. Please consult with our staff for payment options available for your purchase.

  3. Hold and Delivery: If you wish to hold an artwork, a deposit may be required. Shipping and Delivery options can be discussed with our staff based on your location. We currently do not ship international.

  4. Returns and Exchanges: All sales are final. Please make sure to review the artwork thoroughly before purchasing.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We hope you enjoy your visit to Culture Queens Gallery and appreciate the creativity and passion of the artists showcased. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

For the Culture,

Jennifer Everett
Founder
Culture Queens | Outdoors