Susan Keenan Wicklin, Artist Reception

The Catawba Valley Festival of the Arts is honored to exhibit a panoply of Susan's art and excited to host a reception to honor her and her artistic contributions to the world.

Join Susan on Sunday June 9th from 1:30-3:30 PM in the Tasting Room at Catawba Farms.

Here is a short bio shared by Susan:

♥️I can’t remember when I really started making art. It’s been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. My mom had a story about how I crawled out of my crib and got a purple crayon and drew Martians on my crib sheet. I do know that when I was a little girl, there was no TV in the bedroom, and when I got sent to my room, all I had was crayons. I had oil paints in the third grade, and even though I did go to college, I would consider myself very much self taught. After college I continued to teach myself and actually learn with my students! I had never used acrylic paint so that was a must for teaching high school. Now that’s all I use.

I went to college a little late around the age of 25. I studied art at Appalachian State University with a BS in Art Ed with a concentration in painting. I started teaching in Catawba County, where I continued that path until I moved to Greensboro and taught there for about five years. Coming back home, I got a job at Newton Conover High School where I graduated from and was overjoyed with that position. I was lucky enough to be the art teacher for both of my children in high school. I’ve had many former students to become art teachers (one of which is my oldest daughter), artists, and other professions in the visual arts. It’s been a joy to be able to share my knowledge with young people and to see many of them adapt that same love then turn it into a career. I still enjoy teenagers and have continued to substitute at Discovery High and NCHS since my retirement in 2012 after 31 years of teaching in NC.

Throughout the years I’ve had numerous commissions, portraits, and have sold many pieces. It’s a joy to make what I enjoy looking at and others want to enjoy it too! My first sell was in junior high. I painted a sunflower on a piece of siding from my Aunt Pauline’s house in WV. I used coffee grounds in the middle of the sunflower and it was actually a commission from a neighbor! My Aunt Pauline was a water color artist and was a huge influence on me.

I have two beautiful daughters and three awesome granddaughters. Of course I still enjoy making art. Like I said, it’s a part of who I am. I think color theory and composition are my strong suits. In addition I enjoy being with my family, reading, cooking and of course….making art!

I hope you enjoy my work as much as it joys me to create.

If you know me, it’s not a send off without:

“Be smart, make art” -SKW ♥️

This event is free and open to the public.