photo by zaina mahmoud
Bio
Anna Richards is a visual artist based in Macon, GA. Her work balances internal reflection and observations from daily interactions. By using abstraction in various types of media she aims to elevate and transform the often hidden and overlooked aspects of life and society. Anna has been creating art since 2009 through the different mediums of drawing, painting, video, photography and public art. She received her BA in Studio Art from Wesleyan College.
Artist Statement
My work is about the process just as much as the finished piece. I make art to explore my ideas, memories, feelings, observations, and curiosity about the spaces around me. I draw on my internal and external worlds and try to translate them into my work.
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
ExhibitionsSmall 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/FeaturesWesleyan 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, 2023 to present
Mainstreet Marketing Committee, NewTown Macon, 2022 to present
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
WorkMarketing & Creative Manager, Visit Macon - April 2023-present
Program Assistant, Knight Foundation - September 2017 - April 2023
Gallery & Communications Assistant, Macon Arts Alliance - April 2015 - September 2017