BIO

Martie Holmer has been making art since she could hold a pencil. Her first bound books were made when she was four, and numerous early drawings of her family, friends and surroundings show her early interest in plants, animals, and the natural world – all in bright color. At five she began sewing on a sewing machine, making sculptural dolls. Later, this skill manifest in a doll clothes business for little girls in the neighborhood.

With no doubts about her calling, Martie continued to make art throughout her youth, and eventually attended the University of Kansas, where she studied painting and graphic design. Upon graduation she moved to Boston, to continue her studies at the Boston Museum School, Massachusetts College of Art, and Haystack. Her first studio was a windowless room in the basement of an apartment building; but it provided the kick off for what would be a varied career in painting, sculpture and fiber.

In 1985 Martie Holmer joined the faculty at Rhode Island School of Design, and has been well-known for her interesting and involving projects with students in Foundation Studies. Martie has also illustrated a number of books and magazines, and made many maps for publication, with her business, “Martie Holmer: Maps and Places”

Her fine art work has been shown all over New England, in galleries and museums, and in New York. Martie’s work is in many collections in the US and Europe, and she is the recipient of many honors and awards, including artist grants from the State of Massachusetts, RISD Faculty Grants, and residencies at the MacDowell Colony and Millay Colony.

Martie Holmer moved to New York City in 1996, and maintains a studio in Queens. In addition to the visual world, her passions include a love of music. She composes and plays the piano, and  is presently at work on pieces that incorporate both worlds.