Sharon Furrate Bailey is a celebrated Baton Rouge-based artist whose vibrant abstract and whimsical works have captivated audiences across Louisiana and beyond. Working from her Woodland Art Studio, Sharon's art reflects a deep connection to her Southern roots and a passion for expressive color.
🎨 Artistic Journey
Sharon's artistic inspiration ignited at the age of eight when her father, Lewis Reid Brown, a commercial architect, introduced her to an art showcase. However, it wasn't until 2007 that she began formal art training, studying under artists like Marita Gentry, Michelle Conques, Julie Buckner, Elise Toups, and Hannah Lane Romero. Since 2013, she has dedicated herself to painting full-time, developing a distinctive style known for its bold use of color and emotional depth.Â
🦞 Signature Works
Among Sharon's most beloved creations is her whimsical crawfish series, which gained widespread attention after being featured in The Baton Rouge Morning Advocate in 2008. This series, now encompassing over 60 pieces, showcases her ability to infuse Southern charm with playful artistry.Â
Her abstract pieces, such as Thinking About Pinot Noir, Wild Ride, and Got My Toes in the Sand, demonstrate her mastery of color and form, evoking both energy and serenity.Â
🌟 Accolades and Exhibitions
Sharon's work has been featured in numerous art events, including Baton Rouge's White Light Nights and Hot Art Cool Nights festivals. She has also had four pieces accepted into the juried Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival in Alexandria, Louisiana. In 2016, her painting Crossing Jordan won the Festival Award and was subsequently added to the First United Methodist Church's permanent collection.
Her art has appeared in films like God’s Not Dead and Caged No More, as well as the television series Queen Sugar, produced by Oprah Winfrey. Publications such as City Social and 225 Magazine have also featured her work.Â
Â
