Here at WMA, we take pride in our Studio Artists. We appreciate and value their dedication to enhance the creative expression within our community by providing direct experiences and interactions with visual art. In this post, we are highlighting AND spotlighting our wonderful Studio Artists at WMA.

 

Jacqueline Furlong

” I allowed myself freedom to create without the constraint of realism. I am formally trained as a scientist and that knowledge dictates my artistic style.”

Why do you create/teach?

JF: I love helping guide people through their creative process. We learn from each other while finding their own style. It is an honor to be trusted in this uniquely personal experience. I enjoy making the process less stressful for my artists and celebrating the finished product with them. I want my students to be able to practice on a regular basis without it being a negative experience. Art is meant to be a happy place and I am here to help my fellow artists find their way.

The work of Jacqueline Furlong:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aimee Burr

“I love work I can hold in my hands, so I return most frequently to the embroidery needle.’

Why do you create/teach?

AB: Teaching is creating. It is always an experiment and demands adaptation. It is fun to walk into a learning environment and pretend I know what I am doing; somehow people find my acting inspiring. While I am supposedly teaching, my students are teaching me so much! I know, I know, what a cliché! But there it is, I love teaching because I love learning because learning is creating. Hmmm, is everything act an act of creation?

The work of Aimee Burr:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orran Scruggs

“My purpose in life is to create daily and ensure the success of those around me! I believe in a return to the land and the renaissance of craftsmanship.”

Why do you create/teach?

OS: My high school art teacher invested deeply in my growth as an artist. Recognizing my talents, she provided unwavering support and encouragement, even arranging for me to have two art periods every semester. Her belief in me was transformative, shaping my artistic journey in profound ways. Without her dedicated mentorship, I often wonder where I would be today. This experience instilled in me a profound appreciation for the importance of art education. Teaching art isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling rooted in the desire to inspire and nurture young talents. If I can impart even a fraction of the impact my teacher had on me to just one budding artist, I consider it a success.

The work of Orran Scruggs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kylie Parker

 

 

 

 

 

Why do you create/teach?

KP:I have always enjoyed creating and exploring different art mediums. I have a strong love for clay, collage and fiber arts but am always looking to try something new. Teaching has always been one of my biggest passions. Art has always been a constant in life, as my main form of relaxation and expression. Combining my two loves (art and teaching) is the perfect mix for me.

 

Brandon Rice

“Stories have served both as entertainment and as a means to shape cultural identity, a function they continue to fulfill today.”

Why do you create/teach?

BR: Art and teaching are significant to me because they offer opportunities for individuals to transcend their own cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and struggles and gain insight into how others perceive reality. While the creative process involves becoming deeply immersed in a subject, teaching requires stepping back and guiding others to engage with the same subject matter. My passion for both art and teaching stems from my belief in lifelong learning.

The work of  Brandon Rice:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Austin Smith

 

 

 

 

 

“I explore the multifaceted nature of human existence through whimsical and surreal compositions that defy conventional boundaries. Drawing inspiration from the rich symbolism and innate curiosity associated with the animal kingdom.”

Why do you create/teach?

AS: For me art is a way to express part of who I am and my interest in life. My mind usually just hits me with inspiration for pieces and I just get the urge to create what pops into my head. I also love helping students learn to create and have a voice in a way they may normally not. To me that moment a technique or process clicks with a student is everything. It’s the joy in their face when they connect to the process and come out with a piece they are proud of. I hope to inspire my students to continue even after they leave my class.

 

The works of Austin Smith:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please look forward to studio classes taught by these wonderful artists. We will continue to uplift and support all of our Studio Artists and Local Artists in the Wiregrass.

Click here for more information about our Studio Artists classes!

Click here for our more information about our Studio Artists.