jill melyssa

Historical architecture, industrialism and haute couture influence the bold jewelry designs of North Carolina metalsmith Jill Melyssa. Artist: Born in Bogota, Colombia, Melyssa was raised in New York. She earned a BA from the University of Albany and an MBA from Empire State University. After college, she worked in various managerial positions in New York…

mary zio

In her abstract, color-interactive work, Mary Zio occasionally suggests a subject. But more frequently, the North Carolina artist wants her paintings to be open to the viewer’s interpretation. Artist: Born and raised in Syracuse, NY, Zio said there was never a time that she wasn’t exploring or making art. She graduated from SUNY Purchase in…

peggi nadeau

Florida ceramic artist Peggi Nadeau explores movement and surface texture in her sculptural work. Artist: Nadeau grew up in Lancaster, PA where she was born. She graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a BA in graphic design and went to work as a graphic designer in 1997. In 2012, she moved to Mount Dora, FL.…

michael reese

Fascinated by the historical significance of cyanotypes, Atlanta artist Michael Reese employs the blueprint as a metaphor within his work, weaving layers of meaning and symbolism into each piece. Artist: Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Reese moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College. After two years, he enrolled in Atlanta College of Art…

evan stoler

From a distance, the unique art of Evan Stoler comes together to form intricate textures and patterns. But look closer. The materials the Atlanta artist uses to create his work might surprise you. Artist: Stoler grew up in Omaha, NE, and first found an interest in art in a high school ceramics class. At Denison University…

emily ridings

Kentucky native Emily Ridings says her fashion training helped refine her eye for silhouette, proportion and storytelling: Qualities that now define her basketry. Artist: The Kentucky native grew up in Richmond in a creative family. Judy Ridings, her grandmother, is a master basket weaver who lived nearby. Ridings’ mother is a talented seamstress. By age…