Using time-tested blacksmithing techniques and modern practices, Virginia-based metalsmith Marc Maiorana creates unique projects, such as ribbon-like steel benches, for clients across the country. Artist: Born in Greenfield, MA, Maiorana grew up in Montague, NJ, just down the road from the NY, NJ, PA Tri-state marker. Maiorana was introduced to metal working at a young age. His…
In her ceramic forms, Atlanta-based figurative sculptor Corran Shrimpton examines the complicated and fraught relationship that she and many women/femmes have with their body in a beauty-obsessed culture. Artist: Shrimpton is from Syracuse, NY, and received her BFA with a minor in philosophy from Alfred University. She is currently an MFA candidate and Welch Fellow…
Baltimore’s Kate Norris rips and collages wallpaper to construct intricate images ranging from animals to anatomical portraits. Artist: Norris was born in Bend, OR, and grew up Redding, CA. She graduated with a BFA from Stanford University and earned an MFA in painting from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Studio: Kate…
North Carolina’s Valerie Berlage likes to think that her colorful and playful art is like quilting with wood. Artist: Born and raised in the Asheville area, Berlage graduated with a BFA with a concentration in mixed media printmaking from University of North Carolina Asheville. After graduating in 2003, she returned to UNC-Asheville two years later…
Texas-based artist William Hall utilizes sand, grout, mortar and acid stains to produce his abstract cast wall reliefs. Artist: Born in Bartlesville, OK, Hall moved to Dallas in 1963. After graduating with a BA of fine arts from the University of Texas at Arlington, he became one of the founding members of 500 Exposition Gallery…
Maryland’s Shirley Gromen says her porcelain work is a portal into the ever-changing natural world of the Chesapeake Bay. Artist: Gromen grew up in Maryland. She earned her BFA from MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) and her MFA in ceramics from The Ohio State University. She worked many years as a graphic designer before…
Jaydan Moore believes the past can still live within a new object. That is why the Virginia metalsmith turns secondhand silver trays and platters into modern sculptures. Artist: The California native grew up in Antioch, where Moore was influenced, in part, by his family’s decades-old business as tombstone makers. Though objects, the tombstones, served as memories…
Atlanta’s Amy Rader is known for using unconventional materials, such as preserved butterflies and crushed glass, in her large, layered paintings. Artist: The Alabama native was obsessed with creating art throughout high school. Because of her interest and talent, Rader was awarded a full scholarship to the Art Institute of Atlanta. After graduating with the…
In college, Joe Grant was seduced by the power of glass. Today the North Carolina glass blower is known for his high-end, thoughtfully designed, hand-crafted glass objects. Artist: The Illinois native grew up in Champaign and studied glass at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Grant earned an MFA at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. He…
In her bright, shiny and over-the-top paintings, Virginia’s Lou Haney explores the excess, absurdity, and intensity of American culture. Artist: The Alabama native, grew up in Decatur. She went to Rhodes College in Memphis, where she explored the technical qualities – glossy and plastic – of acrylic paint. After graduating with a BA, she spent…