Cleveland’s Van Monroe has built up a high powered following for his painted sneakers that often feature African-American themes:

"The wearable art, which Monroe sells through his MySpace page, has caught the attention of actors, musicians and up-to-the-minute fashion seekers. Hip-hop artists Will.I.Am, Fat Joe, T.I., Nelly and Diddy have pairs. So do actors Hill Harper, Bridget Monyahan and Oprah’s best friend, Gayle King. Some celebs have exclusive pairs, and more celebs are on a waiting list to have Monroe paint them a pair of shoes."

Van Monroe’s sneakers will be featured next month in an "exhibit titled "Beyond the Walls of Intelligence" in Los Angeles’ historic Leimert Park."

Be sure to check Van Monroe’s MySpace page for a wide range of pics including his Obama and Darfur designs.