In an ongoing series of oil paintings, Kevin Palme portrays stacks of ice cubes in hyperrealist detail. Through his work, the Asheville artist continues to explore the idea of fragility and impermanence in an increasingly chaotic and frenetic world. Artist: Born in Morristown, NJ, Palme grew up in Long Valley, NJ. He attended Wake Forest…
North Carolina’s Tonya Thornton says there is always a fantastical nature to her puzzle-like collages and playful sculptures. Artist: Born in Niagara Falls, NY, her family moved to South Florida when she was five. After high school, she headed to Florida State University (FSU), where she graduated with a BFA in 1998. She left Florida…
North Carolina’s Summer Merritt blends geometric shapes and organic forms in her modern wood jewelry, blurring the line between art and fashion. Artist: Born in La Mirada, CA, Merritt moved to Olympia, WA when she was 10. After high school, she moved back to Los Angeles area to attend college. She graduated with a BFA in…
Richard Wilson’s art takes you back to cherished childhood moments, filled with warmth and connection. The North Carolina artist’s work also tells inspiring stories of African-American figures, often untold, through the use of symbolism in his paintings. These portraits reach out to everyone, especially children, encouraging them to dream big. Artist: The North Carolina native…
As a graphic designer, Kathleen Grebe once created logos and ad campaigns. Now the North Carolina artist transforms flat sheets of material into modern and often meaningful jewelry. Artist: The North Carolina native grew up in Chapel Hill, NC. After earning a BFA in graphic design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), she…
In his North Carolina studio, Davis Choun uses painted and deconstructed wooden clothespins to create his highly patterned and textured works. Artist: The North Carolina native was born and grew up in Rutherfordton, NC. He went to North Carolina State University, where he earned a bachelor’s of art and design. Company/studio: Davis Choun, based in…
North Carolina’s Casey Engel works in ceramics, textiles and printmaking. She is proof an artist doesn’t have to choose one medium to express herself. Artist: Born and raised in Pensacola, FL, Engel earned a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2015. After college, she worked in a commercial frame shop in…
In his jewelry work, North Carolina’s Matthew Smith draws on his background in graphic design and his appreciation of mid-century modern style. Artist: Born and raised in Columbus, OH, Smith graduated with a BFA from Wake Forest University, where he focused on printmaking and sculpture. For 20 years, he worked as a freelance graphic designer, but…
Using various colors, shapes and sizes, Charlotte’s Kirk Fanelly creates lively cut paper artworks that resemble paintings. Artist: The North Carolina native was born and grew up in Charlotte. Always a good student, Fanelly was innately good at drawing and observing detail. In college, he shifted from engineering to art and received a BA in…
In North Carolina, Ben Strear sculpts and carves wood sculptures that feature detailed patterns inspired by ancient artifacts and structures. Artist: Colorado native who was born and grew up in Longmont. He graduated with a BFA in furniture design from the Rhode Island School of Design. “The furniture design program was great for me because…