Artist Statement
My ceramic work begins with forms found in nature. During days spent hiking the mountains of Western North Carolina and combing the beaches of Green Turtle Cay, Abaco Bahamas, I collect from nature, treasures that continue to fascinate me for their form, beauty or unusual characteristics. These forms often cause me to take a second look, wanting to further explore their qualities and uniqueness. I treasure these gifts and begin to construct a "home" of sorts from slab so that the observer may enjoy the form as well as the dwelling in which they reside. Just as in nature, no two are alike. I am continually drawn to the elements of nature, the surprises and the ever changing qualities that exist. Time spent exploring the outside world transcends into my life, my studio and my work. It is responsible for my creative process in clay.
Education
BS Degree from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
Ceramic classes at Daytona Beach College, Daytona Beach, Florida
Ceramic classes at Penland School of Crafts, Penland North Carolina (2002- present)
Awards
July 2016 - Arts & Crafts Design Award Nominee
July 2014 Third Place in the Yadkin Arts Council's "Eye of the Artist"
Oct. 2011 Honorable Mention in Weaverville Art In Autumn
Oct. 2011 Honorable Mention in Bakersville Creekwalk Festival
Recent and Upcoming Shows
2021:
"Trancendence" An Artistic Celebration of the U.N. International Year of Peace and Trust, The Gallery at Flat Rock, January 21st – February 28th (click here for more info)
2020:
"StudioConfidential", The Gallery at Flat Rock, Flat Rock , NC
Spruce Pine Potters Market ( October 10 & 11)
Toe River Arts Winter Tour ( December 4-6)
Exhibitions
Art of Native Plants" BRAHM, Blowing Rock, NC
"Islands to Highlands" Avery arts Council, Linville, NC
"Artists New to Asheville" Grovewood Gallery, Asheville, NC
"Containment III" Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville, NC
"WNC's Best" Riverside Gallery, Asheville, NC
"Carolina's Got Art" Elder Gallery, Charlotte,NC
"Winter Show" Green Hill Center for NC Art, Greensboro, NC
Galleries representing Valerie's work
The Gallery at Flat Fock, Flat Rock , NC
Publications
Laurel of Asheville - January 2021
https://thelaurelofasheville.com/arts/the-gallery-at-flat-rock-transcendence/
Laurel of Asheville - June 2016 Featured Artist
http://thelaurelofasheville.com/arts/visualarts/valerie_bjork_schnaufer/
Collections
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, Spruce Pine, NC
Mauzy Phillips Medical Center, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, Spruce Pine, NC
Carpenters Union Building ("101 Constitution"), Washington DC