Amie Bantz, Artist & Illustrator

A Baltimore-born, Midwest and New England raised, current Pennsylvania resident, Bantz fills her days with teaching art and art history to high schoolers while finding time to create on the side. She received her Bachelors in Art Education in 2015 and is completing her Masters of Arts Administration at Kutztown University. Her background in education fosters a desire to make art accessible to everyone as she creates work that incorporates themes or images that encourage connection through familiarity. Bantz takes everyday objects or scenes and transforms them, thereby forcing viewers to experience something ordinary in a new way. Her goal is rather simple: create joy. Make images that make people smile. Or remember something wonderful. Or chuckle a little. It isn’t always necessary to have a grand emotive response to her work. Viewers should just naturally feel a little lighter – as if the work has come off the wall, canvas or paper and given them a little pat on the back.