Meet Grace Cheney (They/Them) | Mixed Media Artist & Future Art Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Grace Cheney (They/Them) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grace, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Authentic connections and community are my primary inspirations. As an instinctual desire for interactions fuels much of the human experience, what does it mean to be in community? What does it look like to be in community with yourself?

Once we are able to acknowledge our need for connection, we can begin to celebrate relationships. Artistic expression is an outlet of visual storytelling in which I can share stories of community. These stories are never strictly mine, as I encourage viewers to connect with them. Sharing artwork intertwines my experiences with others, inviting growth.

Stories, relationships, communities, and truths will exist differently for everyone, and you are not limited to celebrating life when it is positive. Vulnerability is a significant part of the human experience, and leaning into it has influenced my life and work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Pursuing a career in Art Therapy has greatly influenced my personal work, as well as how I engage with art. I prioritize the process, and am always interested in what I can learn from the expression of others. I have established a sense of balance that allows me to create relationships across medias and lean into layering; a process that I find best represents the stories I am working to share.

Patience and peace have allowed me to grow into my professional pursuits as an artist. I had to make peace with the culture of comparing artwork, and allow myself to create what is most conducive to healing, regardless of it is considered “bad art”.

I want to remind folks that artists grow and change, and our work does too! We are allowed to create, and our work is worthy of respect. Lean into the unknown, both in life and art; you will likely learn more than you anticipated.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As far as Colorado visiting goes, I encourage you to get outside! You don’t have to be a seasoned backpacker, there are options that speak to a host of interests and abilities.

I challenge you to find the small businesses, the creatives, and the spots that make you feel at home. I intentionally seek out galleries and restaurants that I have never been to, I find that variety adds to my experience.

Be authentic to yourself, and be proud of trying new things!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout and love to my partner, family, and friends for supporting me, my work and my academic career. I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2021, and their support empowered me to pursue a Master’s degree, and continue advocating for expressive therapies!

Additional love and thanks to all who have been part of my work; I am honored to share your stories.

Instagram: @grace_cheney