About Me

Julie Graden is a native of Florida.  Being raised on a farm, she discovered a love of animals and nature, which is reflected in her art today.  An artistic life began for Julie at a young age.  When she was nine years old, she began taking drawing and painting classes at the local library.  By age 13, Julie had progressed into oil paintings.  

 

When Julie was in high school, she set the goal of attending art school.  In fact, she was awarded several art scholarships and arrived at the Florida School of the Arts.  While there, she focused on graphic design and fine art. 

 

After college, Julie started work in graphic design; a field which continues to afford her the opportunity to remain focused on her fine art interests outside of work.   

 

The 2001 Festival of the Masters Art show at Down Town Disney (Now Disney Springs) was an eye-opening exhibit for Julie.  This was the first time Julie saw artists chalking on the sidewalks. That’s all it took for her to become hooked on the sidewalk art scene.  Since then, Julie has completed over 80 works of art on the sidewalks/pavements, ranging in size from

5ft x 5ft to 20ft x 12ft.  In 2014, Julie participated in the Sarasota Chalk Festival as a member of a ‘chalking team’ and the result of those efforts resulted in a prestigious Guinness World Record award for Largest Anamorphic (3D) Pavement Art.  

 

Julie moved to Missouri in 2017, where she is now focusing more on fine art and mixed media.

 

 

Artist Statement

 

I have worked in various medias: oils, acrylics, watercolor, photo manipulation, poster design, to name a few.  I am always trying to learn new methods and techniques.  Most recently, I have become interested in copper art, jewelry design, etching, and embossing.

 

Of these, copper is at the forefront of my efforts.  I combine hammered copper with wood, paints, and inks; sometimes using fire to create additional color and dimension.

 

I look forward to creating something new each day.