Meet Valerie.

As a fabric artist, Valerie finds inspiration weaved through nearly everything in Paducah. Our creative community allows her inspiration to grow in different ways – through nature, books, friends, and murals. “Granny arts” (as she’s dubbed them) have given her a chance to connect while sharing her own inspiration through the local Art Guild.

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^{Valerie Pollard with her work at The Art Guild}

“I have been creating most of my life, mainly in various forms of fiber, but I really came into my own once I moved to Paducah,” Valerie said.

Valerie has been a resident in the Lower Town Arts District for nearly 20 years and a member of the Art Guild of Paducah since 2019. Her love of fiber art shows in every piece she creates. Her inspiration also shines through her non-traditional pieces, like her up-cycled clothing, allowing people to wear her art.

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^{As an artist, Valerie finds inspiration in every corner of Paducah}

As a member of the Art Guild, Valerie’s imaginative designs showcase the many different ways of “creativity” in Paducah. You’ll find monster dolls, bags, pin cushions, quilts, and more that are sewn, knit, embroidered, quilted, and crocheted in her section of the Guild.

“Being a part of the Art Guild of Paducah creative art group and living in Paducah keeps my creative energy going,” Valerie said. “It is a joy to be a part of Paducah – a designated UNESCO Creative City – and to be able to participate in the [local] events and activities.”

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^{She recommends Downtown Paducah as the best spot to find your own inspiration}

Valerie often advocates for local organizations like The National Quilt Museum, Market House Theatre, and the Quilt City USA Murals. She notes the importance of community as a means of keeping her own creative energy filled. Not sure where to look for your own inspiration? She recommends the old ghost murals, shops, and businesses in Downtown Paducah. You never know what (or who!) you’ll run into.

“The creative spirit is alive and well in Paducah,” Valerie said. “Living in Paducah and creating fiber art is a joy.”

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^{Find more of Valerie's work at The Art Guild of Paducah's website or in-store}