Ashe Martin (she/her)
Artist Biography:
Ashe Martin is an artist in Cortland, New York, and the owner of Forged from Ashe Studios, a multi-medium art studio where she teaches with a focus on the art of mosaics. With over 20 years of experience, she encourages all age ranges and skill levels to get creative. Ashe is a live painter, installation artist, public art advocate, teaching artist and mural painter expressing a love of color and texture in her work. As a versatile artist, Ashe’s work spans various mediums, each reflecting her distinctive perspective on the world. Her artistic endeavors have extended to public art installations, collaborative projects with local artists, and the design of captivating visual experiences. Ashe is also co-owner of Crown City Curiosities planning unique community-engaging events, and activities. Ashe dedicates herself to community enrichment through art initiatives, playing a crucial role in fostering creativity in vulnerable neighborhoods by facilitating public mosaic projects and after-school art programs in Binghamton, New York. Her commitment to the local art scene manifested in dynamic contributions to events like Binghamton Mural Fest, Chestnut Fest, Porch Fest Binghamton, and the First Friday Art Trail, where she engaged audiences with live mural painting. Ashe serves as the Advising Creative for the Ross Park Zoo Imagination Garden Project, infusing creativity into unexpected spaces. Ashe is a founder and co-organizer of Crown City Mural Fest in Cortland, New York, an active member of the Cortland Downtown Revitalization Initiative Public Art Committee, and continues to develop inclusive community art experience. Some examples include demonstrating and exhibiting artwork at Creative Cortland: A Visual Arts Gallery, organizing exhibitions for the Cortland Corset Building Gallery, and painting with other artists at Cortland Porch Fest. Ashe imparts her passion for art as a Vocational Art Teacher for the William George Agency for Children’s Services, inspiring the next generation of artists. Ashe continues to be a driving force in fostering artistic vibrancy within her community. Her artistic journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the transformative power of art in community building. Explore her world of creativity and discover the unique vision that has left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape.
“Art is both a personal journey and a shared language that connects us to our communities, histories, and one another. As an artist and educator, I believe in creating inclusive, hands-on learning experiences that empower students to explore their creativity, develop technical skills, and find confidence in their unique artistic voices. My teaching approach blends art history, contemporary practice, and experiential learning. I design lessons that encourage students to think critically about how art reflects culture and place—whether through mosaics that celebrate local heritage, murals that transform public spaces, or small-scale projects that nurture self-expression. I strive to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or experience level, by fostering a supportive environment where experimentation and collaboration are valued. Community engagement is at the heart of my work. I see each class as an opportunity to build connection—between students, their surroundings, and the stories that define their community. By incorporating local history, sustainable materials, and collective projects, I aim to show students that art is not only a means of self-expression but also a powerful tool for transformation. Ultimately, my goal as a teacher is to inspire curiosity, courage, and creative problem-solving. I want every student to leave my classroom not only with new artistic skills, but with a deeper sense of belonging, pride, and possibility.”
– Ashe Martin on her Teaching Philosophy
