November Artist of the Month: Peggy Shifflett

The November Artist of the Month Is Peggy Shifflett. In addition to being a talented artist, Peggy also teaches classes at The Bay School and serves as our Pottery Studio Technician.

You can view her work in the gallery throughout the month and also view and shop it online. Read on to learn about her life, work, and what inspires her.

My Artistic Journey: A Life Embodying Creativity

Hello! I'm an artist born into a vibrant family of creators, where the love for art flows through our veins like a rich, colorful paint on a canvas. Growing up surrounded by painters, engravers, and wood lathe artisans, I couldn't help but be drawn to the world of art from a young age. My childhood was filled with sketches and doodles, and I naturally gravitated toward any studies that involved creativity.

I pursued my passion for art by earning an associate degree in commercial art from Chowan University. It was during my time there that I was first introduced to pottery—a medium that would come to play a significant role in my artistic journey.

After graduation, I landed my first art-related job as a billboard designer for local businesses in Virginia Beach. This experience not only honed my design skills but also taught me how to communicate visually with a broader audience. From there, my path took an exciting turn as I delved into drafting. I joined the planning office of the city of Richmond as their graphics designer and draftsperson, where I had the incredible opportunity to work on the drawings for the River Walk project. This experience ignited my passion for urban design and the way art can enhance public spaces; however, about eight years ago, I rediscovered my love for pottery.

I decided to take classes at the Visual Arts Center in Richmond, and I instantly fell in love with the art of handbuilding. It felt as if I had found the missing piece of my artistic puzzle. Two years ago, I took a leap of faith and joined The Bay School, where I dove headfirst into the world of pottery.

I can't express how exhilarating it has been to explore this medium fully! One of my greatest joys in pottery is creating one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the beauty of nature—particularly the serene woodlands and the vibrant ocean reefs, along with their myriad inhabitants. Each piece I craft tells a story, and I pour my heart and soul into every carve and brushstroke. Exploring textures, colors, and forms has become a thrilling adventure that constantly inspires me.

In addition to creating art, I also love to give back to the community. Volunteering for gallery openings and events allows me to connect with fellow artists and art lovers alike. It fills me with energy and enthusiasm to see how art can bring people together and inspire conversations.

Art is more than just a profession for me; it is a way of life—a beautiful, chaotic, and fulfilling journey. I cherish every moment spent working with clay, crafting unique pieces, and immersing myself in the vibrant artistic community around me.

I look forward to what the future holds and am excited to continue this incredible adventure of self-expression, creativity, and connection through art. Thank you for joining me on this journey!