Using a combination of oil paint and gold leaf in her contemporary works, Georgia artist Gwen Wong features hummingbirds in detailed and dynamic poses, capturing their delicate beauty. Artist: A fourth-generation Chinese American, Wong was born and raised in Augusta, GA. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BFA in scientific illustration. She also…
Growing up, Windell Dobson was drawn to art and athletics and pursued both in college. The Atlanta multi-media artist feels the discipline and spirit of his athletic past help shape his abstract and layered creations today. The artist: Born in Jamaica, Dobson was raised in an environment where art and athletics were twin passions. He…
Keith Holt spent 17 years running a gymnastics center in Maryland before he turned to art. The experience in the gym strongly influenced his wood forms and sculptures. Artist: Grew up close to where he lives now in Forest Hill, MD. In school, Holt took art classes every year and had a teacher who took an…
Atlanta ceramist Jennifer Diaz strives to make sculptural work that echoes nature, not imitates it. Artist: Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Diaz graduated with a BA in literature and psychology from University of California at San Diego. While she has no formal art training, Diaz has taken various art classes over the years…
Maryland’s Alice Kresse brings her foundation in printmaking and enthusiasm for non-traditional materials to her modern, fun-to-wear jewelry designs. Artist: Born in Cleveland, OH, Kresse grew up in Ann Arbor, MI. She graduated from Ohio University with a BFA in printmaking and painting. For many years, Kresse worked as an art director, graphic designer and…
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.…
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…
Kay Franz found a connection to clay in college. The Virginia artist hopes that, through her work, she can connect with you, too. Artist: Born and raised in Halifax County, VA, in a small rural community called Turbeville. She attended the University of Georgia (UGA), where she earned a BFA in ceramics. Company/studio: Clay & Green Tea,…
After years of creating practical and useful pieces, Virginia-based woodworker Sarah Grace Cheek is exploring more abstract and sculptural forms. Artist: The Virginia native was born and raised in Smithfield. Cheek felt lucky to attend the Governor’s School for the Arts while in high school. “This really solidified my trajectory and interest in pursuing a…
Over the last few years, Georgia’s Jason Matherly has found himself thinking of his colorfully shaped paintings as “brooches for walls.” Artist: Born in Danville, VA, Matherly grew up in Gastonia, NC, near Charlotte. He graduated with a BA in philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and earned a master’s degree in…