Mae VanFleet is a multimedia artist, born in Chapel Hill, NC. She currently lives between Raleigh and Carrboro while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Studio Art with a minor in Art History at Meredith College. Growing up in a creative environment, she developed a deep appreciation for the arts at an early age, experimenting with various media as a means of self-expression. Her early artistic influences include both contemporary and classical artists, as well as the natural world.

Mae works across multiple media, in both 2D and 3D. Media she uses include: acrylic ink painting, drawing with markers, colored pencils, ink pens, ceramics, and stone carving. She is driven by the unique properties of each material, embracing their challenges as opportunities for growth and discovery. Whether depicting mythical narratives or drawing inspiration from the natural world, she aims to foster a dialogue between her work and its audience. She believes that art should be both personal and universal, offering viewers the freedom to interpret and connect with each piece in their own way. 

Mae’s work has been published in The Colton Review and Oak Leaves. Her work has also been exhibited in Meredith College’s 40th, 41st, and 42nd Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition. In said exhibitions, she was awarded: the Outstanding Studio Art Student Award (2025), the Student Choice Award (2025), the Cleta Johnson Award (2024, 2025), and the Rebecca Clover Memorial Award (2023).

My artistic practice is shaped by a diverse range of themes, but I am most drawn to nature and mythology for their deep-rooted connection to human history and storytelling. I explore how mythology has long been used to interpret the natural world, and how nature itself can feel mythical—imbued with its own sense of mystery and wonder. I explore nature and mythology through direct, literal representations and more abstract, symbolic depictions. I find inspiration within natural structures and the narratives that have shaped human culture for centuries. Mythology, in particular, fascinates me because it serves as a bridge between the known and the unknown, offering imaginative explanations for life's mysteries.

Each material offers unique possibilities for exploration, but more importantly, a challenge. Stone carving, for example, requires patience and precision, demanding that I work in harmony with the natural grain of the rock, while acrylic ink painting allows for fluid, spontaneous expression. I learn something new each time I create, and I love that process of discovery. By embracing the intrinsic qualities of each medium, I aim to highlight their raw beauty while pushing the boundaries of my artistic practice.

My approach is process-driven: I allow the work to evolve organically rather than stick to a predetermined concept. I intuitively use textures, movements, forms, and colors to represent what can be found in nature. The topic of my work is influenced by myths I find compelling. I leave much of the interpretation open-ended, creating space for the viewer to form their own connections and reflections. Ultimately, I aim to foster a dialogue by inviting introspection and shared understanding.

mae.vanfleet@gmail.com|| @maevanfleetart || @mae-vanfleet

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Studio Art (Major) (summa cum laude), Art History (Minor), Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, Anticipated: May 2025

(studied with Holly Fischer, Dr. Beth Mulvaney, Lisa Pearce, and Emily Howard)

Study Abroad: Art in Italy, Meredith College, Sansepolcro, Italy, Summer 2023

(studied with Holly Fischer and Emily Howard)

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina, August 2021 – May 2022

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Holiday Art Sale Vendor, Frankie G. Weems Gallery, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, November 7th – 9th,  2023 – 2024

• Assistant Vendor, Comic-Con International, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California,  July 25th – 28th, 2022

  • Assisted:

    • John VanFleet, Artist and Illustrator (Main)

    • Guin Thompson, Illustrator (Secondary)

    • Durwin Talon, Comic artist and Illustrator (Secondary)

AWARDS AND HONORS

• Colton Review, First Place, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2025

• Colton Review, Second Place (Tie), Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2025

• Outstanding Studio Art Student Award, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2025

• Student Choice Award, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2025

• Dean's Transfer Award, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina,  Fall 2022 – Spring 2025

• Dean's List, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, Fall 2022 – Spring 2025

• Cleta Johnson Award, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2024, 2025

• Rebecca Clover Memorial Award, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2023

• Chancellors List, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, Fall 2021 – Spring 2022

• Dean’s List, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, Fall 2021 – Spring 2022

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

• John T and Rebecca B Henley Scholarship Fall, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2022 – Spring 2025

• Ann and Bill Kirkland Scholarship, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, Fall 2022 – Spring 2025

• Sansepolcro Current Student Scholarship, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, Summer 2023

• Emergency HEERF III Grant, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina,  Fall 2022 – Spring 2023

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

• 42nd Annual Student Juried Art Exhibition,  Juried by Julie Anne Greenberg,  Johnson Hall Rotunda Gallery, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2025

• Echoes of Self: Senior Exhibition, Frankie G. Weems Gallery, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2025

• 41st Annual Student Juried Art Exhibition,  Juried by Patrizia Ferreria,  Johnson Hall Rotunda Gallery, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2024

• 40th Annual Student Juried Art Exhibition, Juried by Jean Gray Mohs,  Johnson Hall Rotunda Gallery, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2023

LECTURES & WORKSHOPS

• Between Heaven and Hell: Deciphering Hieronymus Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights, Celebrating Student Achievement Day (CSA), Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2025

• Neo-Surrealism in Sculpture, Celebrating Student Achievement Day (CSA), Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2025

• Bookbinding Workshop, Teaching & Methods: Art 6-12, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2024

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Selected Artist, Page 36, 48, and 104, The Colton Review, Volume 21, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2025

• Artist Spotlight, Page 89, The Oak Leaves, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2024 

• Honorable Mention, Page 7, The Colton Review, Volume 20, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, 2024 

MEMBERSHIPS

• Member of Phi Kappa Phi (PKP), Academic Honors Society, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, Spring 2025

• Member of Kappa Pi, Honorary Art Fraternity, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, Fall 2023 – Spring 2025

  • Secretary of Kappa Pi, Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

• Member of Kappa Nu Sigma (KNS), Academic Honors Society, Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

Member of Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA), Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, Fall 2021 – Spring 2022