Artist Spotlight: Ginnie Parrish

We sat down with Whimsical artist Ginnie Parrish to learn more about her colorful clay art.

How long have you been creating?

I have been doing art as long as I could hold a crayon or pencil. I have been creating with polymer clay specifically for 24 years.

Having majored in studio art in college, I explored lots of different mediums, but in 1995 I took a polymer clay class from the town of Cary, and coincidentally my mother bought me a book on polymer clay because she thought I would like it. I got hooked and haven’t looked back!

What do you love about Whimsical Women, or a favorite memory from a past show?

I always loved the Whimsical Women show for its uniqueness – I will never forget when my daughter and I first attended the show before participating. It seemed we were in the middle of nowhere when we arrived at Luli’s farm, and cars were parked all over and there were crowds of people enjoying art, food, music, and the great outdoors! We were blown away! We especially loved visiting the llamas!

How can folks find your beautiful, unique pieces?

I currently sell my work at the Cary Gallery of Artists, NC Crafts Gallery in Carrboro, and NOFO in Raleigh. I also do quite a few arts and crafts shows and they are listed on my website, www.bluefrogclay.com.


Ginnie Parrish is one of many amazing women that make up the Whimsical Women family. Click here to read more Artist Spotlights.

Artist Spotlight: Jennifer Harkey

We sat down with Whimsical artist Jennifer Harkey to learn more about her unique and colorful recycled art.

How did you get started making your beautiful indoor and outdoor pieces?

My love of glass started when I took a stained glass class about 10 years ago. I went from being a student to working for the studio on commission pieces and church window restorations. I loved, loved, loved restoration and working with my hands to bring an old piece of art back to life. In our spare time, the owner of our studio and I experimented with the kiln and glass firing techniques. He allowed me to entertain the idea of using the kilns to fire recycled glass. The results were exciting and I began creating small pieces of glass art. My work began to sell very well so I continued to develop my designs.

When my family and I moved to North Carolina about 5 years ago, I was able to purchase my own kiln, build a studio in our garage, and really be able to push creativity limits with glass and my designs. Today, 10 years later, I am thrilled to be working on my passion of creating client commission designs as well as pieces for local artisan markets and shops.

How many Whimsical Women shows have you done and what is your favorite part of our show?

I have been in 3 WW shows. My favorite part of the show is to meet other women like myself who have a passion for creating. I wish we had the time to all sit around and share a pint to talk about our experiences and work. Also, the shoppers come with an expectation and appreciation of good craft/art. I’m thrilled when a shopper really appreciates and notices that we put all of ourselves into our work.

How can a Whimsical Women customer view and buy your beautiful work?

The best way to view a gallery of my work is to go to JenniferHarkeyStudio.com. My website will direct you to local events, like WW, that I am participating in, as well as link you to shop local and on Etsy.

For commission pieces, all you have to do is call or email me (336-705-2152, jenniferharkeystudio@gmail.com).

(c) Jennifer Harkey, 2019

Jennifer Harkey is one of many amazing women that make up the Whimsical Women family. Check back in for more artist spotlights soon!