Kristen Wheatley

Kristen Jean Wheatley is an artist working with activity, circulation, and endurance. She was raised in rural Southwest Virginia alongside her five siblings, where she tested herself physically through performing arts and sport. An interest in visual art led her to Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received her BFA in Craft and Material Studies. While studying, Kristen was awarded a Dean’s Research Grant and scholarships to attend Penland School of Craft and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Upon graduation, she relocated to 29 Palms, CA, a rural town in the Mojave Desert, where she worked for organizations like High Desert Test Sites and Yucca Valley Material Lab. She currently lives in Richmond, VA.

Wheatley’s work has been shown in group shows at the Anderson, Kimball Art Center, Snide Hotel, and Compound YV. Recent solo presentations include PLOT at Lazy Eye Gallery and Count the Ways, exhibited through the Yucca Valley Public Art Program. She has recently taught workshops at Yucca Valley Material Lab, Mendocino Art Center, and Small School. Kristen has been awarded residencies through Vermont Studio Center, ACRE (Artists’ Cooperative Residency and Exhibitions), and the Artlands REACH Residency at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.