Tamlyn Akins

STATEMENT/BIO:

So often we rush through life and fail to notice the beauty around us. Sometimes combining the real with the imaginary, it is my intention to create imagery which inspires the viewer – uplifting and heightening the senses. I enjoy presenting unusual perspectives such as closeups of orchids, looking up at the sky through trees, creating the geometry of mandalas, or the surprising three-dimensional qualities of origami.

I have known since before I could sign my name that I would be an artist. In 1980 I received my BFA with Honors in Drawing from the California College of Arts and Crafts, and in 1983 I moved to Madison, Wisconsin. Since then my work has been exhibited regionally, nationally, and internationally; honored with awards; and purchased for numerous private and corporate collections. In 2001 I moved my home and studio out of the city of Madison and into the rolling hills of rural Black Earth, Wisconsin.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO WVA:

WVA MEMBER (SOUTH CENTRAL) SINCE 1986 (40 years): Over the years I have served as SC Chapter Membership Committee Chair, SC Chapter Program Committee Chair, and on the SC Chapter Exhibition/Curation Committee (6 exhibitions at the Steenbock Gallery). Also I played an integral part in developing and organizing the Japan/WI Artist Exchange Program, including statewide transportation of artworks, creating the original Exchange Website, participating in 2 artist hosting exchanges, and demonstrating pastel drawing at the Saitama Museum in Japan (seen on Tokyo TV).

CONTRIBUTIONS TO OTHER ARTS PROGRAMS:

MOUNT HOREB AREA ARTS ASSOCIATION (MHAAA): I was vital in the creation of this organization in 2007 and in acquiring its nonprofit status in 2008. My commitment has been to bring the arts to our rural communities around Madison, and to create opportunities for under served artists in the area. Over the years since then I served as President , Vice President, Spring Art Tour (SAT) Coordinator, SAT Marketing Director, SAT Brochure and Website Designer, SAT Fund-raiser & Grant Writer.

AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS: As an MHAAA leader I’ve provided data regarding income that our annual Spring Art Tour events bring to our communities. Americans for the Arts, a national art’s organization creates annual “Arts & Economic Prosperity” reports from data gathered nationwide. This report gets presented to the U.S. Congress to show how much funding for the arts contributes to the economic well being of cities and towns across the nation, which aids in pursuit of more funding for the arts.

ART TEACHING: Over the years I have taught origami classes and workshops for adults and children.