September at Arts on Douglas August 14 2026
ONCE UPON A WHIMSY
Stories in Clay by Stacia Hollmann
On Exhibit: September 5 - October 17, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 5, 4-7 PM
About the Exhibition
Stacia Hollmann is a versatile artist known for her work in both two- and three-dimensional media. Following her successful exhibition of encaustic photographs at Arts on Douglas this past spring, Hollmann returns to the gallery with a new collection of hand-built ceramic sculptures.
While pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics, Hollmann developed a unique approach to sculpture by creating mixed-media ceramic creatures that merge traditional craftsmanship with imaginative narratives, forming the foundation for this enchanting new collection.
Inspired by classic children’s book illustrations, antique toys, fairy tales, and the enduring tradition of folk art, Hollmann’s whimsical creations celebrate innocence, nostalgia, and a quiet magic often overlooked in everyday life. A crowned swan, a curious fox, a melancholy fish, and a dancing mouse become characters with distinct personalities, quietly inviting viewers to let their imaginations unfold. Soft color palettes, aged surfaces, delicate floral details, and expressive forms give each piece the appearance of a treasured heirloom waiting to be discovered.
Expanding on these themes, Hollmann presents a series of storybook-inspired portrait busts, where familiar characters wear the faces of their animal counterparts as masks. A small collection of encaustic photographs depicting vintage books will also accompany the display, inviting viewers to imagine the sculptures emerging from the pages of long-forgotten stories within the quiet atmosphere of an old library.
Rather than illustrating a specific tale, Hollmann’s sculptures offer fragments of narratives that she hopes will spark a memory, invite a smile, and evoke a sense of wonder. She concludes, "This work encourages viewers to complete each sculpture’s story through their own memories and imagination, creating moments that feel both deeply personal and universally familiar.”
About the Artist:
Stacia Hollmann is an award-winning artist based in DeLand, Florida, known for her mixed-media encaustic photographs and ceramic animal forms. She is currently enrolled in a Master of Fine Arts program in Ceramics at Fort Hays State University. She presents her work in galleries and art festivals, earning awards in multiple juried shows, including the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Show, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, and the DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts, where she was selected as the Featured Artist in 2024. Her work was recently on display at 812 Royal Gallery in New Orleans and the Textile Art Gallery in New York City.