About Andrea
Andrea Grimsley
I grew up on a farm in Southeastern Indiana, my desire to create
emerged at a very early age. Arts education was very limited to rural children but the local public library helped fill the void. I spent many hours drawing, painting and dreaming of the day I could become a professional artist.
I began my career as a commercial artist, specializing in graphic design and illustration. In 1979, I moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Northern California where I became involved in the sign industry freelancing for the next twelve years as a painter, designer and muralist.
In 1987 my fine art career eclipsed my work in signage, shifting into residential and Corporate Art sales. In 1992 I created a faux finishing Business building on the contacts I had made in both industries. Specializing in color consultation, murals and custom finishes, painting everything from ceilings to furniture. I enjoyed the abstract nature of surface design and its connection to natural materials. Creating environments and impacting living spaces satisfied a desire to work large scale. I enjoyed the impact of color and its effect on the architectural mood.
In 2001 I returned to the Midwest and became involved in the design and creation of Public Art. In designing for large scale installations, project management and creating client presentations I utilize the various skills acquired by working in multiple industries.
Most recently I have helped create Artist in residence programs in rural schools to encourage the next generation of Artists to follow their dreams. Working with children reminds me that the creative spirit is a remarkable gift.
I continue to pursue a Fine Art career and exhibit regionally. My projects can be seen from Portland Oregon to Peekskill New York, it has been a very interesting journey. My work continues to be informed by a desire to record and communicate this curious state of physical existence with its stark contrasts, flashes of color and distant horizons.
