Creative work that invites reflection, connection, and curiosity

Hi, I’m Rainbow Willard—a multidisciplinary artist and educator living in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I work primarily in drawing, painting, and printmaking, with a deep love for gouache, colored pencil, and still life. My art explores memory, emotional resilience, and personal storytelling, often using texture and nostalgic objects to reflect on the complexities of the human experience—sometimes with a surreal twist or a little dark humor.

I earned my BFA in Art Education with a minor in Art History from Virginia Commonwealth University, and before that, I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration at Gardner-Webb University. I’ve taught at the college level, in K–12 classrooms, and in private and community settings, always with the belief that encouragement, patience, and a sense of play are essential to creative growth.

My work has been exhibited across the U.S. and Canada, and it’s held in both national and international collections. I’ve also had the honor of serving as a juror for the National Art Education Association’s National Art Honor Society Exhibition.

When I’m not in the studio or the classroom, you’ll usually find me in the garden—growing herbs, flowers, and vegetables that inspire both my artwork and my homemade tea blends. I’m also a mom to a wild-hearted, deeply imaginative little boy who reminds me every day how important it is to stay curious, make messes, and notice the small wonders. Whether I’m painting, printmaking, designing oracle cards, or teaching a class, I try to bring that same spirit of wonder and connection into everything I do