Wanda L. Spence
National Caribbean American Heritage Month, 2017
Wanda L. Spence
Exhibiting Artist
Calvary Episcopal Church
820 6th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
June-July, 2017
Exhibiting Artist
Calvary Episcopal Church
820 6th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
June-July, 2017
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Bio
Wanda L. Spence, a native Washingtonian, born in 1957, is known for her rich style, ranging from the figurative to abstract with colorful compositions inspired by nature, shapes, and colors. Spence’s inspiration, which started at a young age, comes from her travels to Martha’s Vineyard and her lifetime perspective of the world around her. Spence developed her visual talent at The University of the District of Columbia, as well as local and regional artist workshops. Spence attended Strayer Business College receiving a Diploma in Computer Programming. She went on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Averett College and Masters Degree in Project Management /Entrepreneurship from George Washington University. During February 2016, through a juried process, Spence was selected and displayed her art at the DC Pepco Gallery in Carnaval - Celebrations of the African Diaspora. Her art was also selected and shown at the US Embassy, Italy in Transcending Boundaries and presented a Certificate of Appreciation from John R. Phillips, the Ambassador for the Embassy of the United States of America, Rome, Italy. Spence has exhibited artwork at Children’s Hospital Light of Our Future; University of the District of Columbia; The Hard Rock Café in Washington DC and has art work on the cover of “The Birthing Is In Your Belly” sold at www.TheBookPatch.com. At the age of seven, Delilah W. Pierce, Spence’s great aunt, discovered her artistic ability while on holiday at Martha’s Vineyard Island – A place Spence’s family has vacationed for 5 generations. Mrs. Pierce encouraged her to paint what you see - words that resonated as Spence got older. Spence painted murals on Washington, DC office building’s as a young aspiring artist and won many artist competitions. As an artist and business professional, Spence launched Wanda’s Brushworks (formerly LUWAN Creations) in 2012 – a handcrafted greeting card company. She has taught the youth of her church, in Arts and Crafts classes, also while on mission’s trips in St. Ann, Jamaica. Her entrepreneurial spirit comes from family lineage, education, and a combined 25 plus years of experience in the creative arts and business industries. Spence also manages the Pierce / Spence Art Collection, established in 1999, to primarily honor the life and legacy of Delilah W. Pierce. Spence manages the sale and acquisition of artwork with organizations namely the District of Columbia Government, University of Maryland University College, Smithsonian Institute and The Kinsey Collection of California, as well as private art collectors. Spence joined Art Impact USA in 2015, a local Arts and Humanities group in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. The group has a membership of over 2400 artists around the globe with a primary focus to create opportunities for artists by converging art throughout the cultures both nationally and internationally. Visit http://www.artimpactusa.org for more information. |
Artist Statement
Inspired through the eyes of her great aunt Delilah W. Pierce. Spence was encouraged to "Paint What You See". Spence owns her own handcrafted card business, Wanda’s Brushworks (f/LUWAN Creations) founded in 2012. Spence’s entrepreneurial spirit comes from her family lineage, education, and a combined 25 years of experience in the creative arts and business industries. As an artist, Spence is inspired by nature and vibrant colors. Spence reflects on her years of attending DC Public Schools and learning how to make Christmas wreaths in IBM Cards. Her elementary art teacher encouraged her to make and sell the wreaths. Each paper wreath sold for $5. Spence’s great aunt Delilah was so proud, she encouraged her to continue doing projects to develop her artistic talent and entrepreneurial spirit. Spence remembers her art projects in junior & senior high school, where she created science projects. Spence's work would always be awarded for the artistic creativity of the science project. Spence was also part of several DC summer art programs painting murals throughout Washington, DC. 
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