Also an alumn of Fisk, Hardison received a B.A in fine arts in 1971 from the University. Hardison was only 16 when he had his first one man show at Fisk's Carl Van Vetch Galley. It was the start of a long and successful career. Hardison taught at several institutions including The Children’s Art Carnival, in New York City, Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ and the Fisk University Art Department. Additionally, he was also a set and prop designer for the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) production. Creator of Five Little Shorties, Hardison’s uses whimsical characters to showcase various personalities, skin colors, and hairstyles of African American children.