Art has always held a central place in my life. In grade school, I immersed myself in every class I could—painting, drawing, ceramics, and sculpture. In college, I expanded into sewing and apparel design, working in the costume department at the University of Colorado, where I designed 15th-century wedding dresses. After graduating, while working at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, I also ran a fashion design business.

At the start of COVID, I lost my triplet brother to an 18 month battle of Glioblastoma. His curiosity, brilliance, and kindness shaped me deeply and continue to influence how I live and interact with the world around me.

Art has taught me to seek beauty, even in difficult moments. It invites us to play, to engage with the world creatively, and to express what might otherwise remain unspoken or remain locked away. Art helps shape the lens I see the world and gives me a greater appreciation for the beauty all around.

With love and joyfulness,
Sharone (Rawson) Bailey