photo by zaina mahmoud
Bio
Anna Richards is a visual artist based in Macon, Georgia. Her abstract works explore the intricate relationship between personal introspection, social constructs and cultural influences. Since 2009, Anna has been creating art across various mediums including drawing, painting, video, photography, mixed media, found objects and textiles. Her work aims to reveal the often-overlooked layers of the human experience and society.
Anna’s work invites viewers to experience the depth of human emotion, from personal reflection to collective experiences that are influenced by the external world. Anna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Wesleyan College. Her work has been featured in exhibitions at Wesleyan College, McEachern Art Center, Athens Institute of Contemporary Art, and The Bakery.
Artist Statement
Through my work I translate the wide range of emotion, memory, and movement through color, mark making, and materials. I draw inspiration from music, nostalgia, and my own experience. Painting is my way of processing and evolving, letting the subconscious rise to the surface. By creating my own visual language, I try to give form to the unseen aspects of life.
I believe art and art making are not to be experienced alone. As my practice evolves, community becomes more of a focus in my work. Whether it is through public projects or collaborating with and supporting other artists, I strive to make my work bigger than myself and contribute to the collective creativity that brings people together. In 2020, I started the Macon Artist Group in order to create a space where the Macon artist community could connect, share opportunities, resources, and support.
instagram: @annarichards.art
CV
ExhibitionsCelebrating Art, Stratford Academy, Macon, GA - March 2025
Small Works, Third Street Studio, Macon, GA - August 2023
2023 Senior Studio Art Exhibition, East Gallery - Wesleyan College, Macon, GA - April-May 2023
The Woman At the Desk, McCrary Gallery - Wesleyan College, Macon, GA - January 2023
Artists of 830 High group show, 830 High, Macon, GA - August-October 2022
Freedom & Resilience group photography exhibition, McCrary Gallery - Wesleyan College, Macon, GA - April 2022
LIGHT juried exhibition by Matt Porter, Athens Institute of Contemporary Art, Athens, GA - August-October 2021
Open Studio Show, Kathleen Jones Studio, Macon, GA - June 2021
Porch Studio Show, Macon, GA - October 2020
New Macon Open, McEachern Art Center, Macon, GA - June 2020
Drawing II, My Father’s Place, Warner Robins, GA - November 2018
ResidenciesKathleen Jones Studio Residency, Macon, GA - June 2021
Press/Publications/FeaturesLocal Gift Guide, Macon Magazine, December 2024/January 2025
Meet Anna Richards, Bold Journey, January 16, 2024
Wesleyan College artists open their final exhibition, reveal thinking about world, Macon Telegraph, April 29, 2023
Wesleyan studio art majors to showcase series of work, WGXA, April 9, 2023
Artist Interview - Anna Richards, The Artful Collective, March 2023
Artist exhibit opens at Wesleyan, local musician playing Macon’s classic venues, Macon Telegraph, January 15, 2023
Wesleyan College ‘Women at the Desk’ art exhibition on display, 41NBC, January 13, 2023
830 High hosts inaugural art show, 41NBC, August 5, 2022
First Friday features first-ever art show at 830 High, Macon Telegraph, August 5, 2022
Share Your Local Love Gift Guide, Macon Magazine, October/November 2021
Inaugural Macon Art eXplosion, Macon Telegraph, October 22, 2021
Featured artist, Local Love Box, Macon, GA - Fall 2021
Community ProjectsMacon Artist Group, founder, 2020 to present
Board Member, Bragg Jam Music Festival, 2023-2024
Creative Conversations, co-founder, Macon, GA
Art Juror, Macon Art Explosion, August 2021 - October 2021
Volunteer Mural Painter, Bike Walk Macon, 2021
Steering Committee Member, Macon Cultural Master Plan, January 2019-January 2020
Awards2022-2023 William P. Simmons Art Scholarship, Community Foundation of Central Georgia.
2021 Downtown Ambassador Award, Tour of Progress Partners in Progress, Newtown Macon.
EducationB.A. Studio Art, Wesleyan College
A.A. Studio Art, Georgia Military College
WorkGallery & Communications Assistant, Macon Arts Alliance - April 2015 - September 2017