Catherine Spencer (she/her)
Artist Biography:
Catherine Spencer is a Central New York–based artist whose work explores the intersections of human experience, ecological resilience, and constructed environments. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes and materials of her childhood, she transforms found and human-made materials into biomorphic sculptures and imagined ecosystems that invite viewers to consider the shifting relationships between nature, memory, and transformation. Spencer holds a BFA in Painting from Alfred University (2013) and an MFA from Syracuse University (2021). Her multidisciplinary practice spans sculpture, expanded painting, soft sculpture, and installation, often incorporating memory foam, embroidery, and mixed textiles to create sensory, organism-like forms. She has participated in several notable artist residencies, including the Cleveland West Art League Residency, the Turner Residency in Los Angeles, and the Chautauqua School of Art Residency in Chautauqua, New York. Her work has been exhibited nationally at venues such as the Muskegon Museum of Art in Michigan, Axis Gallery in Sacramento, Governors Island in New York City, Dama Gallery in California, Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio, and Woman Made Gallery in Chicago. In 2025, Spencer was selected for the Everson Museum of Art’s CNY Artist Initiative Cohort, which culminated in a solo exhibition showcasing her recent explorations of transformation, ecological metaphor, and material experimentation.
“As an art educator, I believe that meaningful creative learning grows from a balance of structure, adaptability, and genuine enthusiasm. I create workshops that offer clarity and direction while also allowing participants of all ages and backgrounds to shape their own experiences within the process. Each session begins with clear objectives and an accessible prompt that helps participants feel grounded and ready to explore. Rather than guiding everyone toward a single outcome, I focus on providing flexible pathways and multiple points of entry. This approach supports individuals who are new to making art as well as those with more experience, encouraging each person to engage at a level that feels comfortable and expansive. Adaptability is central to my teaching. Participants arrive with different learning styles, sensory preferences, and relationships to creativity, and I adjust my instruction to meet these needs. I demonstrate concepts in varied ways, offer step-by-step and open-ended options, and shift the complexity of the process based on learners’ interests and curiosity. My goal is to create an environment where people feel supported enough to take risks, follow their instincts, and experiment freely. I am passionate about the autonomy that art can cultivate. I share my excitement for materials and process openly, because enthusiasm helps learners feel brave and willing to explore. I emphasize that this is a space where mistakes become discoveries and where unexpected outcomes often hold the most insight. By normalizing experimentation, I help participants build confidence and trust in their own creative decision making. Equally important is fostering an emotionally supportive environment. I encourage curiosity, respect, and a sense of shared exploration, offering gentle guidance for reflection and conversation that deepen participants’ engagement with their work. Ultimately, my teaching aims to spark curiosity, nurture creative confidence, and empower people of all ages to recognize their own artistic potential.”
– Catherine Spencer on her Teaching Philosophy
