Valerie Edwards, Painter

Valerie Edwards grew up in Long Island, New York. After graduating from Eastern New Mexico University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, she went on to work as a graphic designer in New York City. It didn't take long to miss the landscape of New Mexico, and returned to the Land of Enchantment to teach drawing at Clovis Community College and Eastern New Mexico University. Shortly after her return, she was hired to work as an illustrator for Boeing. And after several years, she left her position to pursue her passion of art.

"My mentor taught me how to create a foundation, a structure on which to build a painting. A.C.T. has taught me the foundation to build a career. In the past nine months I have done three solo exhibits, I have been in six newspapers, picked up by associated press, and will be featured in Wildlife Art Magazine, Natures Way, July/August issue. Two years ago this would not have been possible.

My greatest obstacle was to learn to market my work without fear. Art galleries, publishers, clients, newspaper reporters, all the questions, art receptions; talking about my work with strangers, being the center of attention, it was overwhelming. The A.C.T. TeleClasses helped me to break all this down in easy to follow steps, and gave me the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from those with experience. I learned fear was only a result of my ignorance.

Aletta's insightfulness in our coaching session helped me to face my social anxiety. Her recommendations of books to read helped me understand that this is a common fear. (Otherwise, why would there be so many books on the subject!) She walked me through it, giving me sample social situations and verbal replies for guests at my first reception. She made me feel comfortable. When 'show time' arrived, I talked non-stop for two hours and sold a painting for $1,000.00!

I worked as a graphic artist and illustrator in the corporate world for ten years. I did the creative work, the management made the decisions. I wanted to be a part of decision-making, but management and art were separated. Last year in a coaching session with Aletta, I learned I could do both. We went through a list of 'to do's' for my first solo exhibit. Mailing lists, designing postcards, press releases. . . no one was going to make these decisions for me, I was in charge. The CEO in me was rising to the surface. Marketing has become a blank canvas, another creative outlet.

Two of the greatest tools I've learned and use today are networking and mailing lists. Using these together has allowed me to make contacts that are supportive and influential in my art career. That, combined with knowing what to do when the phone calls come, becomes a winning situation. Publishers, art galleries and directors want to see new work. It's up to me, as an artist, to know how to present the package.

As an artist, marketing is a new field. When I first read the A.C.T. curriculum, I was frantic to learn it all immediately. But a slow, steady and consistent pace is important. And finding a pace that fits my lifestyle is imperative. I'm still learning, growing and working hard, and always being reminded to be kind to myself.

I am the painter of wild and delicate souls that give voice to my silence."

Valerie was recently asked to create an exhibit for the Audubon Society in Santa Fe in conjunction with Jane Goodall's arrival. Edwards has exhibited her work nationally, and is included in the permanent collection of the Jane Goodall Institute in Maryland, Eastern New Mexico University, Clovis Community College, and Save The Chimps in Alamogordo and Fort Pierce, Florida. Today, she lives in a secluded canyon outside of Cloudcroft, New Mexico with her husband Rory Edwards and their son, Anthony. Valerie's goal in art is to inspire a spiritual connection with others and to encourage compassion with all living beings. Valerie Edwards is a continuing graduate member of A.C.T. 201.