I paint mostly abstract figures, but the last few years have inspired new work including structures and portraits. The surface of the painting is critical and I enjoy spending time with the texture and colors. Embracing the unexpected, layers are built up, wiped down, and painted over. My appreciation for things aging and well-worn shows through in the hints of cracking paint and textured surfaces that evolve as I work.
BIO
Pam Hamilton is a visual artist who grew up in Springfield, Illinois, riding her bike and playing kick-the-can when everything was groovy. The coloring book was her first canvas. Somewhere in the middle of college at Southern Illinois University, she put down her crayons and brushes to study graphic design. After graduating with a degree in both Fine Art and Visual Communications, she has enjoyed a successful design career. Now she’s back to brushes and canvas.
Pam’s work has been the subject of solo exhibitions throughout the Midwest. She has participated in numerous group exhibitions in both Chicago and the Southeast. Her work can be found in private collections, internationally. Pam has received numerous awards and grants for her work. Presently, she creates art out of her home studio. She has curated exhibitions, taught classes, and mentored up-and-coming artists.
It’s not a glamorous life – toting around paintings in the back of a minivan – but Pam says “I’m the luckiest girl in the world!” Her life is back to groovy.
AWARDS AND GRANTS
1st Place, Painting — Printer's Row Art Festival 2022
1st Place, Painting — Evanston Art and Big Fork 2015 2018, 2019
3rd Place, Painting — Port Clinton Art Festival 2017, 2022
Outstanding Achievement — Glencoe Art Fair 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019
Outstanding Achievement — Gold Coast Art Fair, Chicago 2015
Painting Award — Grand Haven Art Festival, Michigan 2015, 2016
Lois Goodson Memorial Purchase Award — Quincy, IL 2014
Schuering Purchase Award — Quincy, IL 2012
Puffin Foundation Grant — Art Changing the View Project 2011
3rd Place Award — Mayslake Peabody Estate Art Exhibit 2009
Award of Merit — Oak Park, IL 2009
EXHIBITIONS
The Pharmacy Gallery "Home Again" Solo Exhibit — January 2022
Bijou Gallery, Featured Artist — October 2018
Phoenix Gallery on Gay Street, Art From the Hills Group Show — April 2018
Hotel Indigo Nashville — February 2018
Knoxville Mayor's Office — November 2017 - April 2018
Fountain City Art Center — January 2017
Studio Oh Chicago — October 2014
Red Poppy Art Gallery, Lafayette, Indiana — August 2013 - May 2014
Strawn Art Gallery, Jacksonville, IL — November 2012
Mana Contemporary — CrystalB Designs Fashion Show, September 2013
Lacuna Artist Lofts Gallery, Chicago — March 2012
MDW Fair, Mana Contemporary, Chicago — November 2012
BAC Gallery, Chicago — 2-person show, “Urban Nature” July 2011
BAC Gallery, Chicago — “Vision Becomes Reality” March 2011
Bridge Gallery, Chicago — November 2010 - January 2011
Aloft Hotel, Bolingbrook, IL — June-August 2010
Private Estate, Springfield, IL — August 2010
Framing Mode Art Gallery, Chicago — “Stories of Old” 2010
BAC Gallery, Chicago — “Artists Respond to the Gulf Oil Spill” 2010
Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL — 2009
Photo by Zach Adams, 1221 Photography