ABOUT: SARAH J. BLANKENSHIP
I've loved art for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I remember toting my dad's old briefcase full of art supplies around with me on vacation to draw different sights. My mom would take art classes with me and organize creative projects from drawing to ceramics.
Artwork from college, where I found the passion to restore beautiful old buildings suffering from neglect
Mesmorized by the movie Toy Story, I went to the Savannah College of Art & Design (1998-2002) to earn a degree in Computer Art so I could create similar animations. It turned out that cartoon work wasn't my forte; but a new passion emerged during my time living in Savannah, Georgia. Historic buildings were everywhere, and I fell in love with the craftsmanship and detailing, they were truly works of art! A degree in Historic Preservation and a minor in Computer Art was the result of the newfound love.
For 13 years, I worked for the Texas Historical Commission's Main Street Program. Through computer renderings and technical advice, I assisted building and business owners on how to respectfully adapt their historic buildings for current uses. A Main Street city resident myself, I have helped implement successful Main Street practices as a board member of Georgetown's Main Street Program and Historic Architectural Review Commission. A favorite, well known project of mine was the design and painting of a downtown mural on the Georgetown square. This work was done while volunteering with Georgetown's Main Street Program.
Mural on Georgetown square, part of Georgetown's Main Street Program. Unfortunately, in 2018, this mural was removed due to underlying damage of the stucco wall.
In 2006-2007, I took a hiatus from the Texas Main Street Program to work with my passions for painting with a company called In Your Space. The company specialized in custom wall finishes, artwork, murals, and furniture finishes.
A ceiling mural with In Your Space
Mural during employment with In Your Space
Faux brick, aged cabinets w/IYS
This hiatus was fulfilling, but lasted only a year due to my pregnancy with my first child (the fumes and heights of a painting job were not conducive to pregnancy). I went back to work at the Texas Main Street Program until 2018. During that time, our family grew to include two children, and I have fully enjoyed exploring art mediums and artists with them.
Mommy Art Camp-Jackson Pollock day with my daughter
Mommy Art Camp-Stained glass day with my kids
Ceramic painting at Bastrop Main Street's First Friday Art Walk (just like I did with my mom)
By 2016, I was really missing hands-on art and painting for myself. As my kids grew older, I was able to take on a project here and there. I credit my husband, Anthony Blankenship, for giving me the push to face my fears of owning my own business and not give up on my passions. His videos in 2017 spoke to me on what I wanted for my future. This is video #1 in that series: Everything Connects - Easy Ways To Build The Life You Want. He is the epitome of a supportive husband and father. He has now written a book on building a healthy and happy home. Please check it out and buy a copy: First Generation Father: How to Build a Healthy and Happy Home When you Come From a Broken One
Today, I am a full-time muralist and sign painter. I enjoy taking on a variety of new art projects— from murals, children's rooms, sign painting, commercial interiors, residential interiors, to canvas commissions. Please contact me if you have a project in mind and let's make it happen! sarahjblankenship@gmail.com
