Holly Suzanne Rader, born in 1977 in Bristol, TN, currently resides and works in Passaic, NJ. She embarked on her fine arts career as a classically-trained portrait painter, later transitioning into a sculptor and mixed media artist. Her artistic exploration spans a wide array of materials, encompassing acrylic, photo collage, wax, resin, paper mache, sequins, glitter, and even candy. Rader's artistic fascination gravitates toward subject matter reminiscent of vintage glamour.
In her works, vibrant drops of paint, glitter-enhanced photos, and high gloss finishes intricately weave a captivating tapestry of color and texture, encapsulating the essence of her creations. Whether on canvas or in sculpture, her art exudes a playful essence of the feminine spirit.
During her pursuit of an MFA at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Rader embarked on extensive travels that garnered her international recognition. Notable exhibitions include her featured artist status in the 2002 "Women by Women" showcase at the Mona Bismarck Foundation in Paris. Furthermore, she was commissioned to craft paintings for the 2006 SCAD Fashion Gala, where she paid tribute to the renowned designer Vera Wang. In 2010, the college commissioned her to produce a remarkable collection of over one hundred mixed-media fiber works for installation at their new Hong Kong campus.
Rader's artistic contributions extend beyond her gallery work, as she has left her mark on public spaces and cities around the world. Her artwork graces various locations, including 3 World Trade Center in New York, NY, Asbury Park and Montclair in New Jersey, Apt and Lacoste in France, Savannah and Atlanta in Georgia, Hong Kong in China, and Oslo in Norway.
Her artistic prowess has also garnered recognition in prominent publications, with Cottage Living Magazine praising her work for its ability to blend femininity with modern form. She has been featured in esteemed publications such as The New York Times, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and international magazines like Le Monde and Le Figaro. Holly Suzanne Rader's creative journey seamlessly fuses classical artistry with contemporary innovation, resulting in a unique and engaging body of work.