melissa sims

Atlanta-based artist Melissa Sims is known for her fun, pop-art paintings that look like glossy photographs. Artist: The Georgia native was born and grew up in Conyers, GA. After taking a photography class in high school, she wanted to learn more. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BFA in photography and a…

emily zawislak

New Orleans jewelry designer Emily Zawislak uses traditional metalsmithing techniques to make striking, minimalist pieces, integrating faceted gemstones and the elegant luster of gold accents. Artist: Born in Houston, Zawislak’s family moved around the country many times before they settled in New Orleans when she was a teenager. After high school, she went to the…

keavy murphree

After starting a career in industrial design, Keavy Murphree migrated back to her first love: ceramics. The Nashville artist now makes decorative and functional clay works that are equal parts minimal and modern. Artist: Born in Chicago and raised north of the city, Murphree moved to Cape Coral, FL, halfway through high school. She headed back…

anne storie willson

Using an intricate random weave process, Raleigh’s Anne Storie Willson works with reed and other natural materials to create sculptural weavings of dresses, nests and pods. Artist: Born on a coastal sound near Wilmington, NC, Willson grew up and lived in Greensboro for many years. She earned three BA’s: communications, museum studies and art history…

roger halligan

Influenced by Neolithic stone forms, South Carolina artist Roger Halligan uses a variety of materials to create his freestanding and wall mounted sculptures. Artist: Born in Troy, NY, Halligan grew up in the Hudson River Valley.  He received a BA in economics from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, and after graduation began taking art courses…

justin archer

Using emerging technologies and traditional sculptural practices, Atlanta artist Justin Archer creates his figurative wood sculptures with a pixelated effect. Artist: Originally from Denton, TX, Archer received his MFA in 2016 from the University of North Texas. In addition to creating his work, Archer teaches at SCAD Atlanta. Company/studio: Justin W. Archer has been based…