Hello! I’m Lex Sparks, and I’m thrilled to be stepping into the role of gallery assistant here at Carnelian Art Gallery. As an artist, crafter, and graphic design enthusiast, I’m reveling in the opportunity to connect with the Madison art community on a deeper level.

I fell in love with Madison at a young age, visiting in the summers and finding myself in awe of a city teeming with art, music, and culture. I made the move to Madison for college in 2012, and graduated from UW-Madison in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in TV, radio, and film production.

A project for a Documentary class led me to meet Evan Bradbury, artist and owner of Carnelian Art Gallery, in 2013. Evan graciously allowed me to film his creative process for my project, and has been a great friend and mentor ever since.

After graduating from UW, I pursued a career in the dental field and have been working as a registered dental hygienist for the past two years. While cleaning teeth may not always be considered artsy or creative, one thing rings true for my work in the dental field and my own art: a love for the tactile and meticulous.

My love for art is greatly influenced by my Norwegian heritage, and a mission to keep ancestral arts alive. Art takes many forms for me, including painting, knitting, weaving, quilting, and clothes making. My current obsession is abstract watercolor, and I’ve completed over 150 small pieces this past summer!

I’m honored to continue my creative journey with Carnelian, and find new ways to support art, of all forms, in Madison! I’m looking forward to meeting you in the gallery this fall!