Sarah Simmerman, fine artist in arizona

Meet the artist

Sarah Simmerman

Located in Surprise, Arizona, Sarah has emerged as a compelling voice in contemporary fine art. Born in Northern Virginia, Sarah's journey is a tale of geographical transitions and emotional landscapes. With a childhood marked by supportive parents but underscored by the struggles of mental health, anxiety, and depression, Sarah found solace and expression in creative endeavors from an early age. The quiet child who grew up in Northern Virginia, Sarah's happiest moments were intricately linked to making, problem-solving, and finding balance through art.

Sarah Simmerman with her work at the Becoming Exhibit at New City Studio in Phoenix AZ

Transitioning to Savannah, Georgia for higher education, Sarah pursued a BFA in Graphic Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design. This academic phase allowed exploration across various artistic mediums and a deep dive into art history, cultivating a foundation that would later shape her unique artistic voice. Post-college, Sarah navigated the professional world through design and digital marketing roles, quickly ascending the ranks to leadership. Despite a successful career that capitalized on her meticulous and detail-oriented nature, the hands-on creative aspect began to wane, prompting Sarah to rekindle her passion for painting.

Sarah Simmerman, painting live at fundraiser at Ground Floor Artists in Surprise, AZ

Through her multifaceted artworks, Sarah invites viewers into a deeply introspective experience, processing her thoughts, emotions, and struggles with depression and anxiety. Her canvases erupt in a vibrant dance of colors, interwoven with complex emotions. Contrasting the ethereal backgrounds are meticulously crafted linear and geometric elements, achieving a delicate balance between order and chaos—a true reflection of the internal worlds she explores.

Her self-taught trial-and-error approach has evolved into a style that stands uniquely her own. Her works are simultaneously structured and unpredictable, atmospheric yet geometric, minimal yet dynamic.

A painting by Sarah Simmerman on exhibit at the Herberger Theatre in Phoenix, AZ

A board member at Ground Floor Artists, Sarah channels her passion into fostering the arts within her community. Her work has graced several prominent galleries across the Phoenix area, including Found:RE Contemporary, Herberger Theatre, Shemer Art Center, ArtsHQ Gallery; as well as in exhibitions in Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas. Noteworthy exhibitions include a solo show at Gammage in Tempe, AZ in 2023, and a two-person show at Olney Gallery in Phoenix, AZ in 2024.

Beyond the canvas, Sarah’s life is a beautiful combination of hiking, family moments with her husband and two children, and the joyful company of her dog. Meditation and yoga offer her the serenity that balances her creative chaos. Even in her digital marketing and data analytics work, she thrives on the meticulous, detail-oriented tasks, striking a balance between the analytical and the creative sides of her brain.

Momentary Peace, an abstract painting by Sarah Simmerman

For Sarah, art is a transformative force, an entity that can alter moods and inspire daily. Her vision is to surround people with art that resonates deeply, offering them energy and inspiration. Through her work, Sarah underscores the indispensable role of art in society, weaving her own experiences into the broader human narrative.

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