Tracy Sitting in her studio chair

a creative life

 Throughout my career, I have worked with an array of materials—fabric, buttons, paper, thread, paint, cement, humor, and even political commentary—to create pieces that push against traditional boundaries. These explorations have taken the form of quilts, dolls, furniture, clothing, mixed-media works, and jewelry, each carrying its own unexpected twist.

Paint has recently become my preferred medium, offering endless opportunities to experiment, learn, and refine my practice. I am currently immersed in exploring acrylics and gouache, bringing these techniques to life on both canvas and paper.

At the heart of my practice is a philosophy of freedom and play. I encourage myself—and others—to approach both art and life without worry, judgment, or fear of mistakes. For me, creating is more than a practice—it is a way of life. It offers fresh perspectives, nourishes my spirit, and transforms mistakes into opportunities for discovery as both an artist and a human being.

Tracy holding a sign in her studio

my studio is a laboratory

 My practice thrives on curiosity, play, and an unwavering “no mistakes, no judgment” philosophy. I work intuitively across materials— weaving together fabric and thread with paint and cement, infusing humor into political commentary, letting each piece dictate its own needs.

From intimate dolls to expansive quilts, from reimagined furniture to experimental mixed media, I’m perpetually seeking fresh interpretations of timeless ideas.

I am also interested in learning and practicing the basics of color and design, which becomes a deeper and wider topic every time I pick up a brush.

I believe art holds transformative power—to ignite change, provoke meaningful dialogue, or offer pure joy. Each piece carries the potential to shift perspective, challenge assumptions, or simply make someone’s day a little brighter. .

Gallery visitors enjoying Tracy Stilwell's art exhibition

out and about

You can find my work in galleries and arts organizations in and around New England.

Former Federal Agents Looking for Peaceful Work, is a public art installation on view through October 31st at the World's Smallest Art Gallery, Peace Dale, RI.

  • Newport Art Museum, Newport, RI
    Springboard: Members' Juried Exhibition
    January 22 – May 31

    South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    All Media Open Juried 1
    January 22  – February 14

    South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    Open Juried Paint, Print, Draw
    February 19 – March 14

    Wickford Art Association, Wickford, RI
    Shades of Blue
    February 6 – March 8

    Wickford Art Association, Wickford, RI
    Outside the Lines - Abstract/Avant-Garde
    May 29 – June 28

  • South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    All Media Open Juried Show
    October 23 – November 15

    Wickford Art Association, Wickford, RI
    Every Picture Tells a Story
     October 10 – November 9

    Wickford Art Association, Wickford, RI
    Real or Imagined
     September 25 – October 9

    Spring Bull Gallery, Newport, RI
    Abstraction
     September 20 – October 26

    World's Smallest Art Gallery, Peace Dale, RI
    Former Federal Agents Looking for Peaceful Work (Solo Exhibition)
    August 1 – October 31

    South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    98th Annual Members Exhibit
     June 14 – July 12

    South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    Open Juried All Media Abstraction
     July 17 – August 9

    ACGOW, Westerly, RI
    2025 Regional Invitational
     April 4 – 28

    South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    Open Juried Photography Annual
     March 13 – April 5

    South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    Open Juried Paint, Print, and Draw Annual
     February 13 – March 8

    South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    Open Juried All Media Exhibition
     January 16 – February 8

  • AiR Studio Gallery, Westerly, RI
    Summer Crush
     August 2 – September 28

    South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    97th Members Annual Exhibition
     July 20 – August 10

    South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    From Where I Stand (Open Juried All Media Exhibition)
    June 20 – July 13

    ACGOW, Westerly, RI
    2024 Regional Invitational
     April 4 – April 28

    South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    Open Juried Photography Annual
     March 14 – April 13

    South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    All Media Exhibition
     January 18 – February 10

  • South County Art Association, South Kingstown, RI
    Resilience (Juried)
    November 3 – December 31

    Jamestown Art Center, Jamestown, RI
    Members Show
    November 9 - December 16

    ACGOW, Westerly, RI
    2023 Regional Invitational
     May 5 – 28

    AiR Studio Gallery, Westerly, RI
    Summer Crush Show
     Summer

    South County Art Association, Kingston, RI
    Go Figure (Open Juried All Media Show)
    June - July 15

    South County Art Association, Kingston, RI
    All Media Show
     January - February

    AiR Studio Gallery, Westerly, RI
    AIR Holiday Show
    November 3 - December 31

exhibitions

daily journals

I’ve had art journals hanging around the studio for a long time. Since acrylic paints became my primary medium, the current crop of journals has transformed into the perfect resting place for leftover paint from my palette. Ironically, these spontaneous pages

often feel more alive and interesting than the deliberate projects. Some contain class notes, color studies, random papers glued in, and notes and numbers that don’t make sense anymore. They sit patiently like hungry children waiting to be fed!

view more art journals