Jessica Pierce

Art, for me, is release. It is expression without permission, creation without apology, and authenticity without rules. I believe deeply—unwaveringly—that we are all born artists. Somewhere along the way, many of us are taught to silence that truth. My work, my teaching, and my leadership in the arts exist to help people reclaim it and build what I call creative confidence—the belief that your creativity is valid simply because it is yours. My art is intentionally one of a kind, much like the humans who create and experience it. I work intuitively, allowing emotion, instinct, and curiosity to guide the process. I am inspired by organization yet thrive in chaos, creative detours, and procrastination. I never formally studied art, and I wear that path with pride. I am currently stepping back into art education as an adult to learn foundational techniques—while still choosing to beat to my own drum and honor a process free from rigid technical rules. Community is at the heart of everything I do. I am deeply involved in the arts ecosystem as an artist, educator, leader, and advocate. I am an active member of multiple arts groups and a passionate supporter of fellow artists, instructors, and creatives. I own and run ART with me AZ, Paint & Sip Studio, am the Executive Director of Ground Floor Artists, a 501c3 nonprofit art organization and creative hub in the West Valley, and serve as the Brand and Strategy Officer at EPIC Earth Arts, an online community and arts education platform. I believe art grows stronger when we uplift one another, show up for each other’s work, and celebrate creative risks. Teaching, collaborating, and learning alongside my peers continually shapes and strengthens my own practice. Beyond the studio, I am family-oriented, a devoted partner of over 20 years, a proud fur mama to two incredible pups, and caretaker to two hilarious desert tortoises. I am an animal enthusiast, a middle child through and through, and a genuinely goofy soul who finds joy in connection. Recently, I’ve returned to learning through sewing lessons with my mom and sister—a reminder that creativity is lifelong, ever-evolving, and best when shared. “Art is not about getting it right—it’s about letting yourself be free."