Five Questions for Artist Nancy Stark

Talk a bit about your Blue Ridge art education. What stands out in your mind?

I took my first art class at BRCC with Kay Flory in 1983. It was watercolor 1. I loved it and quickly took watercolor 2, watercolor 3, and several workshop classes also with Kay. She was a kind and challenging teacher who was happy to share all of her knowledge with her students. I still have many of my paintings and exercises done as assignments for her classes. Her written comments on these paintings were always thoughtful and detailed.

Who or what inspires your artwork?

I love color, pattern, shape, and texture and these are important in my artwork. I love to see strong sunlight casting shadow patterns and this will often be the inspiration for my work.

You’ve won many awards for your work. Which one gives you the most pride?

There are 3 awards from large international juried shows that I am very proud of. I am also extremely proud of a small homemade construction paper ribbon that I was given at an outdoor art show. It was a student's choice award, and it hangs on my studio wall.

Do you have any places outside of Virginia that you’d like to go to paint?

I would love to be able to travel and paint. There are places in the Southwestern United States that I would like to see, as well as some islands and some European countries.

In general, why are the arts an important part of higher education?

The arts can teach us about history, cultures, values, design…the list is endless. "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."--Pablo Picasso

Nancy Stark Multimedia Paintings: Taking a Different Track exhibit runs through Feb. 16.