Curriculum Vitae

Professional History & Selected Achievements

Rachel M. Cotton

Mixed-media artist, educator, and storyteller
Americus, Georgia · pathofthespiritweaver.com

Every work begins with a story.

Mixed-media artist, educator, and storyteller. Maintains an Independent Studio Practice (2005–Present) — original mixed-media artwork, murals, symbolic paintings, portraits, and commissions for collectors across the United States.

Education

2005 — MFA, Illustration — Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah, GA
2000 — BFA, Magna Cum Laude, with Honors — Brenau University, Gainesville, GA

Selected Exhibitions

2012 — The HeART of Volunteers — Arts on Main, Gastonia, NC
2012 — Wine, Women & Music — Andre Christine Gallery, Mooresville, NC
2010–2011 — Featured Artist, Literature & Arts Festival — Richland Two Education Foundation, SC
2004 — Portfolio Exhibition — Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA
2000 — Figments, Senior Thesis Exhibition — Brenau University, Gainesville, GA
1998 — Chickens, Etc., Juried Exhibition — Brenau University Galleries
1997 — Invitational Exhibition — Gallery on Cotton, Americus, GA
1995 — Juried Exhibition — Gordon College, Barnesville, GA

Selected Public Art & Community Projects

2016–Present — Private residential art commissions.
2016–2017 — Community restoration of a historic Coca-Cola building mural, Ellaville, Georgia.
2018–Present — Scenic & hand-lettering artist, Sumter Players Community Theatre, Americus, GA.

Galleries & Studios

2025–present — Founder & Artist, Path of the Spiritweaver — Americus, GA
2011–2013 — Artist in Residence & Cotton Studios — Arts on Main (Gallery, Gift Shop & Artist Studios), Gastonia, NC
2010–2011 — Represented Artist — Gallery 11 (juried artists' co-op), City Market Art Center, Savannah, GA
2005–2013 — Fine Art by RM Cotton — Savannah & Gastonia

Selected Commissions

2014 — Brenau University reunion commission (reproduced on official reunion apparel; fine-art prints produced).
2012–Present — Private commissions — symbolic paintings, portraits, murals, and illustrations for collectors nationwide.
2025–Present — Soul Maps — personal symbolic commissions.

Honors & Awards

2007 — First Place — Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival Poster Competition
2005 — Honorable Mention, Cover Art — Alee Shriners Imperial Court
1999 — Sydney O. Smith Scholarship — Brenau University
1999 — Best in Show; 1st Place, Sculpture; 1st Place, Ceramics; 2nd Place, Drawing — Brenau Collaborative Art Show
1998 — 1st Place, Works on Paper — Elixir Literary Magazine
1998 — 2nd Place, Photography & Printmaking; Honorable Mention, Painting/Drawing — Brenau Collaborative Art Show
1997 — 1st Place, Painting — Brenau Collaborative Art Show
1997 — HGH Senior Honor Society Scholarship — Brenau University
1995 — State Honors — Georgia Kiwanis Art Contest

Selected Press & Publications

2011 — Cover illustration, Dreams Landing (audiobook)
2011 — Featured artwork, The Essential Infant Resource for Moms
2011 — Full-page feature artist interview, Georgia Cities Newspaper, Atlanta, GA
2008 — Published illustrations, Belles & Beaus Magazine, Savannah, GA

Teaching & Arts Leadership

2018–Present — Fine Arts Advisor / Visual Arts Educator, Furlow Charter School, Americus, GA — National Art Honor Society Sponsor; student exhibitions; community mural projects; arts leadership beyond the classroom.
2012–2013 — Adult Art Instructor (the "Madhatters") — Gaston School of the Arts, Gastonia, NC
2011–2013 — Workshop Coordinator — Arts on Main, Gastonia, NC
2005 — Teaching Assistant, Acrylic Techniques (Prof. Katherine Sandoz) — SCAD
1998 — Docent & Workshop Instructor, Women Artists in the Vogel Collection — Brenau University Galleries
1997–2000 — Gallery Assistant — Brenau University Galleries, Gainesville, GA

Professional Training

2005 — Apprenticeship with illustrator Violet LeMay
2005 — Intern, Working Class Studio — SCAD

Collections

Brenau University Permanent Collection, Gainesville, GA
Private collections throughout the United States