Kenny Porter

Lumberton, NC 28360

Objective

Mixed-media artist concentrating on sculpting, charcoal drawing, and hands-on fabrication, and seeking a position in production or practical effects where I can apply strong skills in creature design, material experimentation, and detail-oriented creative work.

Education

University of North Carolina at Pembroke — Pembroke, North Carolina

Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art (Concentration in Sculpting) Expected Graduation: December 2026

Cumulative GPA: 3.49 • Major GPA: 3.95

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Media Arts & Animation (Bachelor’s Program) Attended 2011–2013

Cumulative GPA:• Major GPA:

Robeson Community College — Lumberton, North Carolina

General Education Coursework (Transferred)

Honors & Awards

·        Dean’s List, UNC Pembroke, 2024

·        Best in Show (Adult Division), ROBESON County Agricultural Fair, 2025 (including multiple 1st-place ribbons)

·        Featured Artist (photo &Mention) The Robesonian, Main Street Art Stroll Coverage, October 11, 2024

·        Seven 1st-Place Ribbons, Robeson County Fair (Various Categories), Multiple Years

·        Multiple 1st,2nd, and honorable mentions awards, Robeson County Agricultural Fair, multiple years

·        Multiple 1st-Place Awards, NC Federation of Women’s Clubs Art Competition (High

school Division, Various Years

·        2nd Place (State Level – High School Division), NC Federation of Women’s Clubs Art

competition, 2006

Memberships / Professional Involvement

·  Member, Robeson County Arts Council, 2024–Present

·        Participating Artist, Robeson County Arts Council Exhibitions, 2023–2025

·        Exhibiting Artist, Robeson County Art Show, 2024–2025

·        Featured Participant, Main Street Art Stroll (Robesonian Coverage), October 11, 2024

·        Community Artist Participant, Robeson County Agricultural Fair, Multiple Years

Skills

Technical Skills

·        Mixed-media sculpture (foam, clay, wood, Magic Sculpt, repurposed materials)

·        Creature & practical-effects–inspired fabrication

·        Diorama & miniature environment construction

·        Charcoal drawing (portraits, figures, poster-style compositions)

·        Surface texture creation, weathering, and aging techniques

·        Basic facility maintenance and repair

·        Inventory organization and workflow coordination

·        Production line workflow & quality control

·        Training and onboarding of new team members

·        Time tracking, coding, and payroll accuracy

·        Scheduling and vacation approval management

Soft Skills

·        Creative problem-solving & material experimentation

·        Leadership & team coordination

·        Strong work ethic and reliability

·        Time management & prioritization

·        Detail-oriented craftsmanship

·        Adaptability in fast-paced environments

·        Communication & instructional skills

·        Ability to work independently or collaboratively

Work Experience

Team Lead / Maintenance Supervisor / Stocker

Walmart — Lumberton, North Carolina

May 2013 – November 2022

Progressed from Stocker → Maintenance Supervisor → Overnight Team Lead

·        Led overnight stocking teams, coordinated workflow, and ensured 100 percent completion of freight, as well as

store-wide recovery before opening up every morning

·        Reviewed freight volumes and assigned staff based on employee strengths and departmental needs

·        Unloaded grocery trucks (frozen, dairy, meat, produce) using electric pallet jacks

·        Verified orders, checked product temperatures, and ensured compliance with food safety standards

·        Operated an electric walkie stacker to move and retrieve freight from the top of the steel

·        Corrected inventory counts and ensured accurate binning and labeling of overstock

·        Approved vacation requests and maintained accurate scheduling

·        Held Team members accountable for productivity, attendance, and workplace behavior

·        Trained new associates and supported department teamwork

·        Maintained a safe, organized work environment during high-volume shifts

Crew Leader — Picnic Line

Smithfield Packing — Tar Heel, North Carolina

July 2006 – 2011

Started as Picnic Skinner → Learned all line positions → Promoted to Crew Leader

·        Learned and performed every position on the line, including operating skinner machines

·        Reviewed daily hog-cut totals and prioritized orders based on production needs

·        Led 2-shift crew and maintained workflow during shift transitions

·        Tracked hours and coded pay rates for multiple work areas

·        Trained new employees in equipment use, safety, and line procedures

·        Checked product quality and enforced sanitation and safety standards

·        Hold team members accountable for performance and safety compliance

Team Member Trainer

Taco Bell — Lumberton, North Carolina

June 2004 – JULY 2006

·        Trained new and existing team members in procedures, safety, and daily tasks

·        Demonstrated proper workflow and equipment use

·        Evaluated trainee performance and certified employees when ready

·        Supported shift leaders and maintained smooth operations

·        Communicated clearly to ensure strong team performance

Relevant Experience

·       Leadership shaped by years of coordinating teams in high-pressure environments, now applied to managing studio

orkflows, and hands-on fabrication projects

·       Ability to break down complex tasks and teach others how to safely and confidently perform in workshop studio‍ ‍

settings.