About the Artist
Raised in Newport News, I began making art as a child and was encouraged by both parents and grandparents to pursue my interests. I took art classes throughout my school years, eventually getting my degree in K-12 art education from Old Dominion University. My first job out of college was as a patient advocate at a children’s psychiatric facility.
My teaching career began in Williamsburg James City County School system and continued in Newport News Public Schools where I taught students drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and weaving. When I left the public school system, I was employed for nine years at The Mariner’s Museum as a Museum Educator and in-house artist. During my years teaching, I also worked as a longtime collaborator in a stained glass production partnership. Our stained glass can be seen at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Trinity Lutheran School Library, the Main St. Library, as well as businesses like Port Arthur Restaurant and many private homes. Currently I paint with a talented group of women form the Smithfield area and some of my work is on display at The Crab Shack Restaurant at the foot of the James River Bridge. I work by commission or make available paintings for sale that I do for my own pleasure. I typically paint what I like and always appreciate it when others like it enough to want to buy it for themselves.
My husband Patrick, a retired Merchant Marine captain, and I bought our home in Christopher Shores a year ago and look forward to the planned rejuvenation of the nearby community. It is an honor to have been invited to display some of my work at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. I hope you enjoy viewing my efforts.
-B. Wright
