“Mona” as she is widely known has served on the board of three art guilds. Her service has included president through various other volunteer positions. She served the three pastels societies of North Carolina as chair of the 2014 N. C. Statewide Pastel Juried Exhibition and Workshop. She has taught decorative art and calligraphy through Gaston Community College. Her experience also includes painting and reproducing old master oil paintings for a company affiliated with the High Point Furniture Market.

Her works have been recognized and juried into prestigious exhibits, many of which have received awards. Among Jurors/Judges who have honored her by choosing her works include Larry Elder, Scott Boyle, Marla Baggetta, Frederick Somers, Jerald Melberg and Susan Carlisle Bell. Awards have ranged from Best in Show through Honorable Mention. Many of her works grace the homes of family, friends and business associates. She has donated many renderings, as fundraisers for missions efforts to her church. She is grateful most of all to God for giving her the ability to create works of art, inspired by His creation. Contemporary art professionals and friends have influenced her painting journey, favorites include Mary Erickson, Christopher Pariano, Elizabeth Mowry, Terry Ludwig, Margaret Dyer, Kim Lordier, Richard Schmid, Barbara Jaenicke and young master Daniel Keys. There are many old master painters she admires, Vermeer is at the top of her list.

"Jesus answered Nicodemus, 'I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot (every) enter the kingdom of God."

John 3:5 AMP 

Loves God.

Loves People.

Loves Art.

North Carolinian Vernona Hearne, enjoys painting landscapes, portraits and still life. A student of the Munsell Color System,she especially likes to paint with oils, soft pastels and watercolor. She also enjoys creating scriptural calligraphic renderings.