Curriculum vitae
Sarah Spillers
(615) 689-6399sarahspillersart@gmail.com
Education
2027* | Master of Fine Arts, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
2021 | Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN
2019 | Associates of Science, cum laude, Austin Peay State University
2019 | Associates of Science, cum laude, Austin Peay State University
Work Experience
2025 | Clarksville Academy Workshop Instructor, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2025 | Clarksville Academy Guest Artist Speaker, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2024 | Sunday Studio with Sarah Spillers Painting Instructor, Customs House Museum & Cultural Center
2024 | Community School of the Arts Summer Camp Painting Instructor, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2024 | Clarksville Academy Workshop Instructor, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee 2024 | Clarksville Academy Guest Artist Speaker, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee 2023 – 2024 | Mixed Media Painting Instructor, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 – 2024 | After School Program Mural Instructor, West Creek Middle School, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 – 2024 | Visual Arts Teacher at West Creek Middle School, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Community School of the Arts Summer Camp Painting Instructor, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 – 2023 | Curator of Two Birds Art Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Abstract Circle Painting Workshop Instructor, Two Birds Art Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Instructor’s Assistant at Willow Oak Center for Arts & Learning, Springfield, Tennessee
2021 – 2022 | After School Program Painting Instructor, West Creek Middle School, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 – 2022 | Social Media Coordinator for the Downtown Artists Cooperative, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 – 2021 | President of Kappa Pi Art Honor Society, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | Editorial Contributor, class project for History Italian Renaissance Art 3210, Tamara Smithers, The Cults of Raphael and Michelangelo: Artistic Sainthood (Routledge; 1st edition July 29, 2022), Fall 2020
2019 | Curator of Drop a Doodle, Interactive Wall Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2018 | Installation Assistant, class project for Foundations Studio 1 Art 1340, Megan Geckler’s installation “Believing is art”, Spring 2018
2024 | Clarksville Academy Workshop Instructor, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee 2024 | Clarksville Academy Guest Artist Speaker, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee 2023 – 2024 | Mixed Media Painting Instructor, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 – 2024 | After School Program Mural Instructor, West Creek Middle School, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 – 2024 | Visual Arts Teacher at West Creek Middle School, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Community School of the Arts Summer Camp Painting Instructor, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 – 2023 | Curator of Two Birds Art Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Abstract Circle Painting Workshop Instructor, Two Birds Art Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Instructor’s Assistant at Willow Oak Center for Arts & Learning, Springfield, Tennessee
2021 – 2022 | After School Program Painting Instructor, West Creek Middle School, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 – 2022 | Social Media Coordinator for the Downtown Artists Cooperative, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 – 2021 | President of Kappa Pi Art Honor Society, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | Editorial Contributor, class project for History Italian Renaissance Art 3210, Tamara Smithers, The Cults of Raphael and Michelangelo: Artistic Sainthood (Routledge; 1st edition July 29, 2022), Fall 2020
2019 | Curator of Drop a Doodle, Interactive Wall Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2018 | Installation Assistant, class project for Foundations Studio 1 Art 1340, Megan Geckler’s installation “Believing is art”, Spring 2018
Awards
- 2023 | Nashville’s Best Visual Artist of 2023 Award, Nashville Scene, Nashville, Tennessee
2023 | 2nd Place Painting Award, Downtown Artists Cooperative's Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Nashville’s Best Visual Artist of 2022 Award, Nashville Scene, Nashville, Tennessee
2022 | Honorary Mention Painting Award, Downtown Artists Cooperative's Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Nashville’s Artist of the Week, Nashville, Tennessee
2021 | Center for Excellence in the Creative Arts Purchase Award, 53rd Annual Juried Student Exhibition, Juror: Dr. Claire Kovacs. The New Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN
2021 | The T. Max Hochstetler Painting Award, 53rd Annual Juried Student Exhibition, Juror: Dr. Claire Kovacs. The New Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | Center for Excellence in the Creative Arts Scholarship, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN
2019 | Building Opportunities for Leadership through Diversity Scholarship, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
Grants
2023 - 2024 | Arts Experience Grant, Center for Excellence in the Creative Arts, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 - 2023 | Arts Experience Grant, Center for Excellence in the Creative Arts, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee 2020 | Art + Design Winter Research Grant, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | Summer Research Grant, Center for Excellence in the Creative Arts, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 - 2023 | Arts Experience Grant, Center for Excellence in the Creative Arts, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee 2020 | Art + Design Winter Research Grant, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | Summer Research Grant, Center for Excellence in the Creative Arts, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
Solo Exhibitions
2024 | Radiant Reflections, Chapel Gallery at the First Presbyterian Church, Clarksville, Tennessee
2024 | Neon Nashville, Mezz Art Gallery, Kenect Nashville, Nashville, Tennessee
2023 | Nashville Nights, Downtown Artists Cooperative, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Spillers’ Snacks, Two Birds Art Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Colorful Rhythms, Clarksville-Montgomery Public Library Children's Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Spillers’ Sweet Palette, Clarksville-Montgomery Public Library Children's Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | Keep it Whimsical, Salon Uplift, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | Luscious Layers, Barbara Beach Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | New Beginnings, Artlink Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | American Abundance, The Bored Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2024 | Neon Nashville, Mezz Art Gallery, Kenect Nashville, Nashville, Tennessee
2023 | Nashville Nights, Downtown Artists Cooperative, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Spillers’ Snacks, Two Birds Art Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Colorful Rhythms, Clarksville-Montgomery Public Library Children's Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Spillers’ Sweet Palette, Clarksville-Montgomery Public Library Children's Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | Keep it Whimsical, Salon Uplift, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | Luscious Layers, Barbara Beach Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | New Beginnings, Artlink Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | American Abundance, The Bored Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
Group Exhibitions
2025 | Enough to Go Around: Food and Community in Nashville, Conte Community Arts Gallery, Frist Art Museum, Nashville, TN
2025 | In CommonWealth: Kentucky Art, Craft, and Design, Giles Gallery, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY (curated by Kurt Gohde)
2024 | It’s Complicated, I Like Your Work Online Exhibition (curated by Erika Diamond)
2024 | Dogwood Regional Exhibition, Emporium Center & Dogwood Gallery, Knoxville, TN
2024 | Lending Library Exhibition, Main Branch Mezzanine Gallery, Nashville Public Library, Nashville, TN
2024 | Glory Music City!, The Soundwaves Gallery, GEODIS Park, Nashville, TN
2024 | Artfields 2024, Lake City, South Carolina
2024 | Costra Nostra, Rock Wall Gallery, Nashville, Tennessee
2024 | ARTVILLE, Community Art Show, Nashville, Tennessee
2023 | 5th Annual Cohen Art Show, Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | 2023 Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Downtown Artists Cooperative, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Tennessee Craft: A Statewide Member Exhibition, Customs House, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Tennessee Art Education Association Connections Exhibit, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee
2023 | Friends of the Flock, Two Birds Art Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Nashville in Rhythm, The Soundwaves Gallery, GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
2023 | Artfields 2023, Lake City, South Carolina
2023 | Family Dinner, The Fiddlehead Gallery, Cookeville, Tennessee
2022 | 4th Annual Cohen Art Show, Customs House, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Further Hues, COOP Gallery, Nashville, Tennessee
2022 | Annual Juried Art Exhibition, Downtown Artists Cooperative, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Circle, Kenect Art Gallery, Nashville, Tennessee
2022 | 7th Annual Cityscapes Art Exhibition, Fusion Art, Online Exhibition
2022 | 54th Annual Juried Student Exhibition, The New Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | Blueberry Pancakes, East Nashville Art Show, Nashville, Tennessee
2021 | Recent Acquisitions, The New Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | 53rd Annual Juried Student Exhibition, Juror: Dr. Claire Kovacs, The New Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | Unfamiliar, The Living Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | Kappa Pi, Downtown Artists Cooperative, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | 52nd Annual Juried Student Exhibition, The Virtual Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | World of Wonder, The Living Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2024 | ARTVILLE, Community Art Show, Nashville, Tennessee
2023 | 5th Annual Cohen Art Show, Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | 2023 Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Downtown Artists Cooperative, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Tennessee Craft: A Statewide Member Exhibition, Customs House, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Tennessee Art Education Association Connections Exhibit, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee
2023 | Friends of the Flock, Two Birds Art Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Nashville in Rhythm, The Soundwaves Gallery, GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
2023 | Artfields 2023, Lake City, South Carolina
2023 | Family Dinner, The Fiddlehead Gallery, Cookeville, Tennessee
2022 | 4th Annual Cohen Art Show, Customs House, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Further Hues, COOP Gallery, Nashville, Tennessee
2022 | Annual Juried Art Exhibition, Downtown Artists Cooperative, Clarksville, Tennessee
2022 | Circle, Kenect Art Gallery, Nashville, Tennessee
2022 | 7th Annual Cityscapes Art Exhibition, Fusion Art, Online Exhibition
2022 | 54th Annual Juried Student Exhibition, The New Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | Blueberry Pancakes, East Nashville Art Show, Nashville, Tennessee
2021 | Recent Acquisitions, The New Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | 53rd Annual Juried Student Exhibition, Juror: Dr. Claire Kovacs, The New Gallery, Clarksville, Tennessee
2021 | Unfamiliar, The Living Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | Kappa Pi, Downtown Artists Cooperative, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | 52nd Annual Juried Student Exhibition, The Virtual Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | World of Wonder, The Living Gallery, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
Residencies
2024 | Customs House’s In-House Artist Residency, Clarksville, Tennessee
2024 | Kenect Nashville’s Live-In Artist Residency Program, Nashville, Tennessee
2021 | The Living Gallery Residency, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | The Living Gallery Residency, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2024 | Kenect Nashville’s Live-In Artist Residency Program, Nashville, Tennessee
2021 | The Living Gallery Residency, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 | The Living Gallery Residency, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
Professional Memberships
2023 – Present | Tennessee Craft Association Member
2020 – Present | Tennessee Art Education Association Member 2021 – 2023 | COOP Gallery Full Member Nashville, Tennessee 2021 – 2023 | Downtown Artists Cooperative Full Member Clarksville, Tennessee 2023 | Makers Corner Board Member, First Presbyterian Church, Clarksville, Tennessee
2020 – Present | Tennessee Art Education Association Member 2021 – 2023 | COOP Gallery Full Member Nashville, Tennessee 2021 – 2023 | Downtown Artists Cooperative Full Member Clarksville, Tennessee 2023 | Makers Corner Board Member, First Presbyterian Church, Clarksville, Tennessee
ARTIST TALKS
2025 | Visiting Artist Lecture + Workshop, Clarksville Academy at Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2024 | Visiting Artist Lecture + Workshop, Clarksville Academy at Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
2024 | Visiting Artist Lecture + Workshop, Clarksville Academy at Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
Commision Work
2024 | Mural Commission from West Creek Middle School, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Painting Commission from Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Mural Commission from West Creek Middle School, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Painting Commission from Martin Luther King Middle School, Nashville, Tennessee
2022 | Mural Commission from West Creek Middle School, Clarksville, Tennessee
2023 | Painting Commission from Martin Luther King Middle School, Nashville, Tennessee
2022 | Mural Commission from West Creek Middle School, Clarksville, Tennessee
Publications (Mentions)
2024 | Erika B Hess, “It’s Complicated curated by Erika Diamond.” I Like Your Work - Summer Catalog, June 1, 2024 https://www.ilikeyourworkpodcast.com/product-page/it-s-complicated-summer-exhibition-catalog-2024
2023 | Becky Wood, “Vendor Highlight: Sarah Spillers.” Second and Commerce Magazine Vol. 3, No 1”, 1 October, 2023 https://customshousemuseum.org/secondandcommerce/
2023 | Spencer Castleberry, CSA Summer Arts Camp at APSU: Where painting sparks imagination.” Community School of the Arts at Austin Peay State University. 24 August, 2023 https://www.apsu.edu/news/august-2023-csa-painting-0824.php
2023 | Ethan Steinquest, “APSU to host stage at Clarksville Parks and Recreation’s final Riverfest.” ClarksvilleNOW, 22 August, 2023 https://clarksvillenow.com/local/apsu-to-host-stage-at-clarksville-parks-and-recreations-final-riverfest/
2023 | Jay Sanchez, “Sarah Spillers: Nashville Nights.” Number Inc. 1 July, 2023 http://www.numberinc.org/nashville-nights/
2023 | Lee Erwin, “First Thursday Art Walk features work by Sarah Spillers, Jim Diehr.” ClarksvilleNOW, 2 June, 2023 https://clarksvillenow.com/local/first-thursday-art-walk-features-works-by-sarah-spillers-jim-diehr-photos/
2023 | Mona Lerch, “Curator’s Pick” Women United ART MAGAZINE Issue 3. 3 May, 2023 https://www.womenunitedartmovement.com/magazine
2023 | ARTFIELDS, “Sarah Spillers: Gas Station Chips.” 1 April, 2023 https://www.artfieldssc.org/galleries/art/2023/gas-station-chips/231463
2023 | News Staff, “Austin Peay State University’s Community School of the Arts brings back Summer Arts Camp.” Community School of the Arts at Austin Peay State University. 12 March, 2023 https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2023/03/12/austin-peay-state-universitys-community-school-of-the-arts-brings-back-summer-arts-camp/
2023 | Nashville Soccer Club, Stadium Art “The Soundwaves Gallery: Nashville in Rhythm.” GEODIS Park. 23 February, 2023 https://www.nashvillesc.com/geodispark/art/soundwaves
2022 | CANVAS REBEL, “Meet Sarah Spillers.” 14 November, 2022 https://canvasrebel.com/meet-sarah-spillers/
2022 | Louis Holstein, “November at Coop.” and “Spotlight: Sarah Spillers.” 1 November, https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=d051d0ee3c6f74ab8f0cf1488&id=13924317f9
2022 | Robin Fomusa, Nashville Scene, “Immersive Van Gogh Presents the #BON22 Award for Best Visual Artist.” 12 October, 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku3UQvsLq9Y
2022 | Joe Nolan, “Crawl Space: August 2022.” 4 August, 2022 https://www.nashvillescene.com/arts_culture/visualart/crawl-space-august-2022/article_9a21f588-1279-11ed-be42-ab620f78d871.html
2022 | Stoneboat Literary Journal, “Stoneboat 12.1 - Spring 2022.” 20 May, 2022 https://www.stoneboatwi.com/issues-1 and https://www.stoneboatwi.com/issue-12-1-contents
2022 | ABC Nashville, “Sarah Spillers Names Artist of the Week on The Nashville Sign.” 17 May, 2022 https://abcnashville.org/sarah-spillers-named-artist-of-the-week-on-the-nashville-sign/
2020 | Brian Dunn, “Austin Peay Art + Design launches twice-weekly studio visits on Instagram.” 22 June, 2020 https://www.apsu.edu/news/june-2020-virtual-studio-tours.php
2023 | Becky Wood, “Vendor Highlight: Sarah Spillers.” Second and Commerce Magazine Vol. 3, No 1”, 1 October, 2023 https://customshousemuseum.org/secondandcommerce/
2023 | Spencer Castleberry, CSA Summer Arts Camp at APSU: Where painting sparks imagination.” Community School of the Arts at Austin Peay State University. 24 August, 2023 https://www.apsu.edu/news/august-2023-csa-painting-0824.php
2023 | Ethan Steinquest, “APSU to host stage at Clarksville Parks and Recreation’s final Riverfest.” ClarksvilleNOW, 22 August, 2023 https://clarksvillenow.com/local/apsu-to-host-stage-at-clarksville-parks-and-recreations-final-riverfest/
2023 | Jay Sanchez, “Sarah Spillers: Nashville Nights.” Number Inc. 1 July, 2023 http://www.numberinc.org/nashville-nights/
2023 | Lee Erwin, “First Thursday Art Walk features work by Sarah Spillers, Jim Diehr.” ClarksvilleNOW, 2 June, 2023 https://clarksvillenow.com/local/first-thursday-art-walk-features-works-by-sarah-spillers-jim-diehr-photos/
2023 | Mona Lerch, “Curator’s Pick” Women United ART MAGAZINE Issue 3. 3 May, 2023 https://www.womenunitedartmovement.com/magazine
2023 | ARTFIELDS, “Sarah Spillers: Gas Station Chips.” 1 April, 2023 https://www.artfieldssc.org/galleries/art/2023/gas-station-chips/231463
2023 | News Staff, “Austin Peay State University’s Community School of the Arts brings back Summer Arts Camp.” Community School of the Arts at Austin Peay State University. 12 March, 2023 https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2023/03/12/austin-peay-state-universitys-community-school-of-the-arts-brings-back-summer-arts-camp/
2023 | Nashville Soccer Club, Stadium Art “The Soundwaves Gallery: Nashville in Rhythm.” GEODIS Park. 23 February, 2023 https://www.nashvillesc.com/geodispark/art/soundwaves
2022 | CANVAS REBEL, “Meet Sarah Spillers.” 14 November, 2022 https://canvasrebel.com/meet-sarah-spillers/
2022 | Louis Holstein, “November at Coop.” and “Spotlight: Sarah Spillers.” 1 November, https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=d051d0ee3c6f74ab8f0cf1488&id=13924317f9
2022 | Robin Fomusa, Nashville Scene, “Immersive Van Gogh Presents the #BON22 Award for Best Visual Artist.” 12 October, 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku3UQvsLq9Y
2022 | Joe Nolan, “Crawl Space: August 2022.” 4 August, 2022 https://www.nashvillescene.com/arts_culture/visualart/crawl-space-august-2022/article_9a21f588-1279-11ed-be42-ab620f78d871.html
2022 | Stoneboat Literary Journal, “Stoneboat 12.1 - Spring 2022.” 20 May, 2022 https://www.stoneboatwi.com/issues-1 and https://www.stoneboatwi.com/issue-12-1-contents
2022 | ABC Nashville, “Sarah Spillers Names Artist of the Week on The Nashville Sign.” 17 May, 2022 https://abcnashville.org/sarah-spillers-named-artist-of-the-week-on-the-nashville-sign/
2020 | Brian Dunn, “Austin Peay Art + Design launches twice-weekly studio visits on Instagram.” 22 June, 2020 https://www.apsu.edu/news/june-2020-virtual-studio-tours.php
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Tao Huang
Department Chair at East Tennessee State University
huangt@etsu.edu
McLean FahnestockDepartment Chair at Austin Peay State Universityfahnestockr@apsu.edu
Andrea Spofford
Director of Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts at Austin Peay State University
spofforda@apsu.edu