MEET CLAIRE WENTZEL
Mixed Media Artist & Strategic Creative Consultant
photo by Kelsey Correa
Because I view everything in my life through my artist-lens, I am always seeking more beauty, accessibility, inclusion, and connection, both in my day-to-day and in the Big Moments.
I first knew I was an artist in kindergarten when I cried at the prospect of missing “art day” on a surprise weekday trip to Disneyland. I started taking photographs as soon as I could hold a camera, became a published poet in elementary school, and began independent art study and mentorships with practicing artists from high school on. I paid my own way to a bachelor’s degree in studio art and various art residencies in adulthood, and have received several awards for my photographs and paintings in group shows. I explore new mediums with curiosity and vigor and apply the techniques across all my work. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY ART PRACTICE
I was born into and started out professionally in the architecture world at age 14, so I solve problems using a design mindset. My goal is always to find solutions that serve individuals and organizations timelessly across ever-evolving landscapes, balancing function and form to reach mutually beneficial goals. I’ve worked in all kinds of environments and adapted to each seamlessly; be it office or restaurant, school or remote startup, agency or military base community. I am currently based in Las Vegas, NV, and Santa Barbara, CA, working remotely and traveling to complete projects worldwide. LEARN MORE ABOUT CONSULTING SERVICES
I’m bold enough to try things on my own and wise enough to ask for help when the scope expands beyond my limits. There’s nothing I love more than people who want to work with me.
You can learn more about my professional background at www.linkedin.com/in/claire-wentzel. My selected art experience is listed below!
Solo Exhibitions
“ÚNICA ” – Haute Fringe Salon – Las Vegas, NV: 2018
“Caught in Thought” – Gallery Orangee House – Pyeongtaek, ROK: 2013
Juried Exhibitions
“Use Other Door” Fourth Annual Juried Show – Core Contemporary – Las Vegas, NV: 2022
“Use Other Door” Third Annual Juried Show – Core Contemporary – Las Vegas, NV: 2021
“Use Other Door” Second Annual Juried Show – Core Contemporary – Las Vegas, NV: 2020
“Everybody Has A Dream” LVAG Spring Juried Show – Sahara West Library – Las Vegas, NV: 2019
“Untold Stories” – Nevada State College – Henderson, NV: 2019
2019 Spring Juried Show – City Lights Art Gallery – Henderson, NV: 2019 *2nd Place, Mixed Media
“Use Other Door” – Core Contemporary – Las Vegas, NV: 2019
Group Exhibitions
Downtown Summerlin Poetry Display – Las Vegas, NV: 2022.
Open Call: Group Show – Priscilla Fowler Fine Art Gallery – Las Vegas, NV: 2019
LVAG Gallery Open Art Exhibition – Galleria at Sunset – Henderson, NV: 2019
Las Vegas Artist Guild Gallery – New Orleans Square – Las Vegas, NV: 2018, 2019
Tunnel of Awareness: #MeToo Room – Nevada State College – Henderson, NV: 2018
The Healing Arts Exhibit – Walter Reed National Military Medical Center – Bethesda, MD: 2015
National Military Spouse Network Military Spouse Small Works Exhibit – Mary M. Gates Learning Center – Alexandria, VA: 2013
“Annyeonghi Gyeseyo” – Gallery Orangee House – Pyeongtaek, ROK: 2013
“Gangnam Secret Sunday” – Audace Lingerie Studio – Seoul, ROK: 2013
“Linen & Lace & Sea Salt, Oh My!” – Audace Lingerie Studio – Seoul, ROK: 2013
Morelli Gallery – Montecastello di Vibio, Italy: 2012
American Forces Spouses’ Club Luncheon – Dragon Hill Lodge – USAG Yongsan, ROK: 2012-2013 (monthly)
“Gunbae!” – Osan AB, ROK: 2012
“Wild West Night” – Osan AB, ROK: 2012, 2013
“Art in the Vineyard” – Kunsan AB, ROK: March & November 2011
“TOAST” Sibell-Wolle Fine Arts at University of Colorado at Boulder – Boulder, CO: 2008
United States Air Force Artist/Craftsman and Photography Gallery Showcase – Columbus AFB, MS and Misawa AB, Japan: 2004, 2008
DTJ Design “Salon d’Art” – Boulder, CO: 2003
Santa Barbara Museum of Art Ridley Tree Education Center: 1997, 2000
Packard Hall Gallery at Colorado College – Colorado Springs, CO: 1999
El Montecito Presbyterian Church Parish Hall: 1999
The Office of Congresswoman Lois Capps – Santa Barbara, CA: 1998
Coast Village Art Walk – Santa Barbara, CA: 1998
Awards
“Under the Sun” – 2nd Place, Mixed Media – 2019 Spring Juried Show – City Lights Art Gallery – Henderson, NV: 2019
Street Painting Festivals
I Madonnari – Santa Barbara, CA: 2000, 2004–2006, 2008, 2012, 2017–2022
NHL San Jose Sharks Season Opener Pre-Game Event – San Jose, CA: 2021
Chalk La Strada – San Diego, CA: 2000–2002
Selected Teaching Workshops & Classes
“Outside Art” Chalk Painting Workshop: The Villages at Fort Irwin Self-Care Series – Fort Irwin, CA: 2021
“The Art of Self-Reflection” Drawing Workshop: The Villages at Fort Irwin Self-Care Series – Fort Irwin, CA: 2021
Virtual Blind Contour Workshop: Military & Civilian Spouses’ Club – Fort Irwin, CA: 2020
Open Studio Creative Safe Space Series – Fort Irwin, CA: 2020
Contour Art Workshop: Nevada State College “The Artist at Work Series” – Henderson, NV: 2019
Basic & Landscape Painting Courses – Misawa AB Arts & Crafts Center – Misawa, Japan: 2007
Private Lessons – Various
Education
2017, 2019 • ART IN THE ALGARVE • OLHÃO, PORTUGAL • Coursework in pastel drawing, watercolor and mixed media painting.
2017 • UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA LAS VEGAS • LAS VEGAS, NV
Architectural and landscape photography continuing education course.
2013-2014 • DEFENSE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE • MONTEREY, CA
Brazilian Portuguese language and culture.
2012 • INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PAINTING, DRAWING AND SCUPLTURE • MONTE CASTELLO DI VIBIO, ITALY
Artist residency led by painting faculty from Brandeis University and Rhode Island School of Design.
2001–2004 • UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER • BOULDER, CO
Bachelor of arts in studio art with a geology minor, distinguished graduate.
1999–2000 • SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE • SANTA BARBARA, CA
Coursework in figure drawing and artist’s books.
1999 • ARTCENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN • PASADENA, CA
Saturday High painting course.
1999 • MARIE WALSH SHARPE FOUNDATION • COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
Summer painting seminar.
1996-1998 • ARTS FUND MENTORSHIP • SANTA BARBARA, CA
Study with professional master artists in landscape and abstract painting.