Arnita was born and raised in Detroit Michigan. She is the seventh of eight children. Arnita began drawing displaying talent as a very small child. Her mother, Lillian Reed, encouraged her to pursue her art. Selected by teachers, she attended many special art classes as a child, at Cranebrook Institute of Art and the Detroit Institute of Art. Arnita was awarded an Art Scholarship from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, MI., to attend Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Arnita achieved four years at Pratt in the BA program, majoring in Art & Design and Art Education. Arnita also later graduated from the University of Detroit with a BA in Communications, Advertising & Public Relations.
Arnita is a professional artist and was a team leader with over 16 years experience in computer graphics, ad design, advertising production and training at AT&T, a major publishing company. She has distinguished accomplishments in leadership, employee development, planning and project management.
Arnita is an award winning artist her work includes beading drawing, mixed media, painting, and sculpture. Being a mixed media artist, she explains that however she envisions a project is how she does it. For example if she conceives of a project in 3D, she will create a sculpture. If she sees a painting or mixed media that’s what she does.
Arnita moved to Oil City from Florida in 2008 with her husband Gary and son Vincent. Arnita shares with the community by displaying her work, making her work affordable by providing professional artist prints and handmade beaded jewelry, teaching art, hosting paint parties, and doing face painting.
Arnita’s prize winning work has been on display in many public and private venues including those in Florida, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania.