evan blackwell helgeson

Georgia native Evan Blackwell Helgeson creates layered abstract paintings that reflect a love of nature, travel and color. Artist: The Georgia native grew up in Roswell and earned a BFA from the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia. She also holds an MFA from School of the Museum of Fine Arts…

anne scarpa mccauley

Virginia’s Anne Scarpa McCauley uses wild honeysuckle in her distinctive coiled baskets, trays and sculptures. Company/studio: Honeysuckle Baskets is located in Free Union, VA. McCauley, a self-taught artist works from home, mostly outdoors. She began making honeysuckle baskets in 1974. Artist: Born in Windsor, VT, she moved at age four with her family to the…

jason janow

North Carolina jewelry artist Jason Janow describes his rustic yet refined designs as “precisely nature.” Artist: Growing up in Amherst, VA, Janow loved the outdoors and took an early interest in jewelry. Later, at age 30, he made a career change and enrolled in Haywood Community College in Clyde, NC, where he earned a degree in…

michelle laxalt

Atlanta artist Michelle Laxalt describes her ceramic sculptures and works on paper as intimately-scaled, abstract, biomorphic and purposefully ambiguous. The artist: Born and raised in Reno, NV, Laxalt graduated in 2014 from the University of Nevada, Reno, with a BFA in ceramics. She relocated to Atlanta for grad school, earning an MFA from Georgia State University…

steven l. anderson

Maybe best-known for his detailed tree ring drawings, Atlanta artist Steven L. Anderson works in a variety of media to explore the power and beauty of nature. Over time. And on us. Artist: Grew up in Ann Arbor, MI, and graduated from University of Michigan and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where…

chad eames

Self-taught Kentucky woodturner Chad Eames tries to highlight the natural features of the wood – knots, voids and bark inclusions — while still maintaining a modern feel with his designs. Company/studio:  Chad Eames WoodWorks started in 2008 and is based in Lexington. Eames’ workshop is in his garage. Artist: Born in Royal Oak, MI, and…

john shoemaker

North Carolina glass designer John Shoemaker draws on antique and scientific glass forms to create his modern apothecary flasks and drinkware. The artist: Originally from Pennsylvania, Shoemaker began blowing glass in 2008 at Tyler School of Art at Temple University, where he earned a BFA in glass. Over the years, he has extended his education by…

geoffrey aaron harris

Inspired by his collection and fascination with antique toys and games from the 1950s, South Carolina digital painter Geoffrey Aaron Harris strives to create unique and contemporary artwork with a nostalgic quality. Artist: Born on a naval base in Keflavik, Iceland, Harris lived in many places growing up, from Alaska to South Carolina. From an…

morgan lugo

Memories, fleeting and fragmented, play a key role in the abstract sculptural works of Georgia metal artist Morgan Lugo. Artist: Born in Marietta, GA, Lugo earned a BFA with a concentration in sculpture from Georgia State University (GSU). It was at GSU, where she was introduced to metal casting and mold making. She also learned…

hillary waters

Richmond-based textile artist Hillary Waters Fayle began stitching and using leaves as a primary medium because she loved intricate needlework and was drawn to organic and natural materials.  Artist: Born in Buffalo NY, Fayle earned a BFA from Buffalo State College and a MFA degree in Craft/Material Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). In addition…