About the Artist: Stephanie Grimes

Stephanie Grimes grew up on the coast of North Carolina in an area where art and music were not part of the school curriculum. This did not stop her from drawing at every opportunity she got. She had a strong interest in animals, the outdoors, and art. By the time she was ready to graduate from high school, it was clear that she should either pursue her interest in animals or in art. Though she had a natural talent for drawing, she had never taken an art class. Stephanie knew this would be a major disadvantage for her when applying to art school. Being encouraged by her teachers, she decided instead to major in zoology.

Upon graduating from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in zoology, Stephanie started working in a laboratory. When her husband, John joined the military, Stephanie decided to take a break from her career and start a family.

Military life took them to Oklahoma, Germany, New York, and finally back to North Carolina. With her children now in school, Stephanie wanted to start a new career. She checked out the local universities and decided to pursue her dream of becoming an artist. This ended up being one of the best decisions of her life. She entered the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and majored in studio art. Her hunger for art was enormous and all areas of art fascinated her. She excelled in all of her classes, and met each new course with enthusiasm and excitement. She was especially intrigued with the lost wax process of bronze casting and made sculpture her concentration.

After graduating from UNCP, Stephanie Grimes continues to pursue her passion in art. She continues to paint and draw as well as work on her sculpture. As she creates her art, she is on a constant journey to learn and to develop her artistic skills. She continues to enter juried shows with both her paintings and sculpture. Another move in July of 2004 has brought her to the Tampa Bay area of Florida where she is establishing herself among the many artists of the area. In March of 2006, she was selected to participate in the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts as one of only eight "Emerging Artists".