Heather Clements is quite unique in that she has always known what she wanted to do with her life. She has shown an affinity and talent for art for as long as she can remember, and has never wavered in her desire to be an artist. Her mother can be quoted by saying, "Even as a toddler, she always colored inside the lines!" Growing up, though, Heather has never hesitated to think outside of the box.

 

Heather grew up in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. In 2007, she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. After graduation, Heather knew it was the perfect time to branch out to unfamiliar territories while she was still young and free. She ended up on the road with some friends to Panama City, Florida, a town she had never heard of before.

 

Shortly after moving to the Panhandle, Heather became the owner of the Gallery Above, an amazing art gallery that was the hub for the sub-culture of the area. Serving as a place for innovation, Gallery Above hosted monthly art exhibits, music events for local and nationally touring bands, film nights, swing dances, and so much more. “No one I know is doing more for local art and artists than Heather Clements and her Gallery Above.” – Michael Lister, News Herald.

 

After two years of gallery ownership, Heather became the Exhibitions Manager and Graphic Designer for the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida. At the VAC Heather curated many large and exciting exhibits, but in 2010 she decided to leave and concentrate on what she has always loved most: creating her own art.

 

Heather is now a full-time artist and art instructor. Heather has gained recognition for herself, procuring several solo exhibitions and winning many awards for her art in local and regional exhibits. Always drawing inspiration from the human figure, Heather mixes portraiture with rich metaphors. From octopus arms representing an inner struggle, to leaf tattoos coming to life expressing a symbiotic relationship with the environment, Heather never ceases to try to create unique and meaningful images.