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…
After seeing an iconic chair on a museum stop, Nathaniel Newcomb realized that furniture could be sculpture. The Richmond sculptor and woodworker now designs and creates his own unique line of furniture that often features heavy or thick forms – and the occasional chainsaw marks. Artist: Born in Richmond, VA, Newcomb grew up in Texas and…
From small works on nubby paper to ladder sculptures made with organic materials, Virginia’s Holland Williams draws on her quiet fascination with patterns and colors found in nature. Artist: Born in Charlottesville, VA, Williams spent her early years in Brussels and England before returning to Virginia. Her family preferred living in old homes, including a restored log…
Over her 30-plus years as a mixed media artist in Virginia, Frankie Slaughter has challenged herself to create art in various mediums. From intensely colorful paintings and porcelain panels to oversized sculptures and hand-sewn textiles. Artist: Born in Lynchburg, VA, Slaughter grew up with artistic parents. Her mom practiced modern dance and later taught art…
Sarah Wiley, a Virginia-based interior designer turned textile artist, uses fabric to make unique creations, from custom pillows to framed art that reimagine special rooms and cherished memories. Wiley’s “rooms in miniature” bring spaces to life with intricate detail, blending artistry and storytelling through textiles. Artist: The Virginia native was born in Ivy and grew up…
Virginia’s Allan Rosenbaum uses a number of traditional craft processes in his textured mixed-media sculptures. But in unconventional ways. Artist: Rosenbaum was born and grew up in St. Louis, MO. He graduated with a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned an MFA in ceramics from Virginia Commonwealth University. From 1986 to 2012, he…
At a young age, Stephanie Firestone enjoyed flipping through her father’s college textbook on human anatomy. Today, the Virginia-based artist creates intriguing, semi-abstract sculptures of human figures. Artist: Born in Detroit, MI, Firestone grew up in Chevy Chase, MD, where her father worked in advertising in the DC metro area and had a small painting…
Virginia native Matt Lively is a sculptor, painter and muralist whose love of movies, invented themes and unconventional materials influence his work. Artist: Born in Richmond, and graduated with a BFA in sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University. After college, he lived in Louisville and Atlanta before moving back to Richmond. Company/studio: Matt Lively, based in Richmond, VA,…
Virginia clay artist Linda Wren enjoys capturing moments in time and unique expressions, such as the gasp of surprise or the sheer joy of laughter. Artist: The Virginia native grew up in Richmond and received a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, studying both industrial and graphic design. After college, she spent 40-plus years in advertising, creating…