Tara Riley Art

My journey as an artist began over 40 years ago, sparked by a love for storytelling through organic form, texture, and color. From theatrical costume design to fashion accessories, I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of beauty and utility—where art can be worn, touched, and lived in.

It was during my time at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, while studying fiber and fine arts, that I had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Immersed in the world of historic prints and intricate textiles, I fell deeply in love with surface design. That experience planted the seed for what would become a lifelong exploration of fabric, symbolism, and the soulfulness of mark-making. I carried that inspiration into the family business, where I designed fashion accessories—continuing a legacy of creativity and entrepreneurship that runs in my family.

After stepping away from my studio to raise wonderfully creative children, painting became my spiritual anchor—a quiet space to process, reflect, and connect with something deeper. Now, with the freedom of an empty nest, I’ve returned to art full-time, blending my early love of fiber and wearable art with the more contemplative practice of painting.

My current work explores the ephemeral nature of life—how light filters through trees at dusk, the delicate curve of a petal, the way wind moves across a silk scarf. Whether on canvas or silk, I use symbols and organic forms to speak to our shared vulnerability and resilience. Silk painting especially feels like a dance—dye blooming across fabric, emotion flowing with every brushstroke. When someone wraps themselves in one of my scarves, I hope they feel both seen and inspired.

I also find great joy in teaching—whether in workshops at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center, residencies like the YMCA of the Rockies, or small group gatherings in my home studio. Sharing this process, watching others unlock their creativity, feels like a beautiful continuation of the path I first began in the beauty industry as a teenager.

My work has been featured in exhibitions at the Smithsonian Museum, the Elmhurst Art Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Mayslake Peabody Estate, to name a few. My largest piece, a painted street piano, now lives in a museum in Indiana. My scarves and paintings can be found in private collections across the U.S., Europe, and Mexico.

Ultimately, my art is about connection—between body and spirit, memory and place, beauty and meaning. Thank you for being here.

Education:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago

• Master of Arts in Art Education, North Park University, Chicago Illinois