We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Ferris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what are you most proud of in terms of your business?
As a professional artist, I am most proud of opening my art center, Ferris Wheel Arts. It was a big risk financially, and I’ve had to pivot my business model several times, but it has brought me such joy, especially in seeing the joy it has brought to other artists. Creating art can be a lonely endeavor, and so it is great to have a place to come together with other artists. I’ve tried to make the art center a warm, inviting place, accessible to all creatives, and anyone wanting a creative outlet on occasion when the mood strikes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art is my first love, and true passion, but I did have another career first. I originally worked in IT after graduating from GA Tech – Go Jackets!!! When my boys turned 5 & 3 respectively, I wanted to have more time at home, so I left the corporate world to be a part-time professional artist. A few years later, when my youngest started school, art became my full time job while the boys were at school, and on lots of late nights after they were in bed.

Color energizes me, and so I paint in bold “happy” colors. I paint both representationaly, i.e. something you can recognize, and “pure” abstracts, i.e. nothing recognizable, and many of my paintings incorporate both, for example: a delicate flower, or a bird on a background of shapes and patterns. I have been fortunate to show my work at prestigious shows, galleries, and high-end design shops, such as WebbMarsteller near ADAC.

In addition to creating my artwork, over time, I found another passion in teaching painting to others. I taught at The Art School in Sandy Springs, and now teach classes at my art center, Ferris Wheel Arts, in Alpharetta on Hwy 9 about a mile southwest of City Hall. I thoroughly enjoy teaching, and the process has facilitated my ability to paint quickly. (No time to overthink things while teaching.)

Having my own business is lots of work, and there is just me to do “all the things”: bookkeeping, marketing, etc., but it is very rewarding, and the flexibility in my schedule is great for my family life. My husband, Brad, and my two boys, Austin (19) and Carter (16), pitch in to help with lots of projects around my studio, from building gallery walls to canvas storage units and more, and our rescue dog, Kelsey, loves to hang out there as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I live in Alpharetta, Day 1 would be a trip to Avalon for lunch (District III or Antico Pizza) and shopping, and then more shopping and dinner in downtown Alpharetta at Butcher and Brew. Their Paleo bowl is the best. Day 2: Ponce City Market for lunch and shopping, and then a walk on the Beltline. Day 3: The Aquarium, lunch somewhere nearby, and then a walk around Centennial Olympic Park. Day 4: A visit to the College Football Hall of Fame, and then lunch and playing at Top Golf. Day 5: Spa Day at The St. Regis, and then dinner at Lapeer Seafood Market in downtown Alpharetta. Their decor feels like a mini-vacation somewhere tropical. Day 6: Gallery tour at Miami Circle: Anne Irwin, Pryor and more, with lunch at Eclipse Di Luna. Day 7: Art day at Ferris Wheel Arts, with takeout from Sushi Sumo for lunch, and then dinner at Rumi’s in Sandy Springs.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey would not be the same without the many artists, friends, family, business associates, students, and instructors I’ve met over the years. There are too many to name them all here, but I would like to give a special shoutout to the following artists: Lorra Kurtz, Gary Bodner, Rae Broyles and Janet Armstrong; and to some of my business associates: Mary and Deborah at WebbMarsteller, JC Caldwell, Jessica Graham from Box of Balloons; and all of my studio team members (past and present – you know who you are 🙂 thanks to all of you for your love, support, referrals, suggestions, critiques, etc. etc. 🥰

Website: www.JenniferFerrisArt.com
Instagram: @JenniferFerrisArt
Facebook: @JenniferFerrisArt
Yelp: Ferris Wheel Arts
Other: www.FerrisWheelArts.com @FerrisWheelArtCenter on Facebook Jennifer Ferris on Pinterest

Image Credits
Daniela Andreica