Visual Art – Raleigh

Paul V. Lehto III is a spray paint space artist currently residing in Pinehurst, North Carolina. His artistic expressions began at a young age, exploring several mediums at art camps and schools. The inspiration for his current style comes from European street artists such as “Trasher”, a Bulgarian painter performing live shows. Through studying his videos Paul adopted those techniques and methods and applied color theory to create vibrant cosmic works. Before long he began to sign his artwork as “Merkyrie”, an amalgam of Mercury and Valkyrie. Mr. Lehto’s past live painting performances include house legends DJ Dan, Fabrizia, Mark Farina, and Roland Clark. He participated in RAW Artists Raleigh’s “Spectrum” Showcase in the spring of 2012, Ultimate Painting 19 and 25 (in Greensboro and Raleigh, respectively), and local exhibitions throughout North Carolina. His artwork resides in many private residences as well as local businesses. In addition to his painting he is also a DJ and a home winemaker. He studied at the Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham. He is currently a Journeyman Artist with the International Association for Astronomical Artists. His future goals include establishing a community fabrication center and continuing art education.