Valarie James

Valarie James has been a professional working artist and sculptor for over 20 years, classically trained in Figure Sculpture, Portraiture and Bas-relief in Pietrasanta, Italy, the Scottsdale Artists School, the Art League School in Alexandria, Va., and the Academy of Art in San Francisco. She is a former art therapist and currently teaches sculpture through Pima Community College's Learning Center in Green Valley, AZ and at her studio in Amado, AZ.

Her contemplative sculpture explores the divine feminine and the role of human beings in relationship to the earth. Her work speaks to the spirit that resides within all of us.

Since 2004, the artist has designed and created two large scale public memorials that mark the passing of those who have died in the desert crossing the U.S./Mexico border. In 2005, James and her colleagues created "The Mothers; Las Madres/No Mas Lagrimas; No More Tears" Memorial figure sculptures installed on the Main (East) Campus of Pima Community College. (www.LasMadresProject.org). In 2007, James along with sculptor Antonia Gallegos mounted "The Migrant Shrine; El Santuario Migratorio" at Tucson�s Southside Presbyterian Church. Both public art installations were created from found fiber, plaster, concrete and steel.