Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Smith.
Ashley, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Ashley and Kyle Smith are owners of The Clever Tiger art studio and gallery. Ashley is a painter and sculpture artist with previous experience in non-profit management, operation leadership, and grocery procurement. Ashley has a BBA and MBA from St. Edward’s University and is now working on a PhD in Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University. Kyle Smith is woodworker and New Orleans native with prior experience in sales and merchandising.
Ashley found that pursuing art more heavily was therapeutic for her joint and soft tissue problems stemming from a rare condition, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The couple has combined artistic talents and started a functional art studio offering art classes, group and solo exhibitions, team building, party hosting, and events supporting the local community. The Clever Tiger stands out against other galleries and studios by allowing artists to display their work with no hanging fee and keeping 85% of sales with the artists.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Ashley is a painter, primarily acrylic, and a sculpture artist. She combines creativity with leadership by drawing inspiration from leadership quotes which are always displayed with the finished piece. As a high school drop-out and now PhD student, Ashley sends the message that anyone can achieve desired goals as long as they are willing to put in the work, fail sometimes, and most importantly; learn and grow from those failures. What people should know about her artwork is that it is a little bit odd and never sticks to 1 style or prescribed methodology.
Kyle focuses on building custom furniture for the gallery and other artists and also creates custom frames. His inspiration comes from the space or piece that he is working on. What we hope people take away from his art is a reminder that creativity comes in many forms.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
At the Clever Tiger, we support art that focuses on bringing awareness to today’s big issues. All events have an impact on us and our team of artists. Local events have the greatest impact and as an organization, we take on every opportunity to aid and volunteer support within our community.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Ashley and Kyle’s work are on display at The Clever Tiger, 32 N Main St, Elgin TX, 78621. Rather than supporting our artwork, we would like the artists on display to receive support by; buying their work, taking classes with us, and by attending our events.
Contact Info:
- Address: 32 N Main St, Elgin TX, 78621
- Website: www.theclevertiger.com
- Phone: 512-667-8515
- Email: clevertigerdesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theclevertiger
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theclevertigrrr
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/theclevertiger
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-clever-tiger/
Image Credit:
Kyle and Ashley Smith
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