• Sally Gilliam is an artist and educator based in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

  • Artist Statement

    My work is inspired by the fleeting moments of light and nature that I encounter through travel and mindful presence. I am drawn to the brief yet profound glimpses of beauty that linger in memory long after they’ve passed. Merging elements of romanticism with a postmodern viewpoint, my paintings reflect how modern life often disconnects us from the present. Using color, texture, and brushwork, I aim to capture the energy of these transitory moments, creating spaces that invite reflection, restoration, and connection.

    Created intuitively, my paintings are shaped by memories of places I’ve explored—near and far—and the emotions those experiences evoke. Through layers of color and texture, I seek to convey the fleeting nature of light and the sense of stillness we find when we pause to truly observe. With mark making that leaves things unfinished, I embrace the impermanence of life. Ultimately, my work encourages slowing down and appreciating the beauty in what we remember and the spaces in between.

  • CV

    Exhibitions

    GALLERY 75, THE ART LEAGUE GALLERY. The Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA. 2024-2025.

    THE ART LEAGUE GALLERY, June Landscape Juried Exhibit. The Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA. June 2024.

    CAPITOL HILL ART LEAGUE, “Layers” Juried Open Exhibit, 2nd Place. Washington, D.C., May 2024.

    THE ART LEAGUE GALLERY, April Juried Open Exhibit. The Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA. April 2024.

    THE ART LEAGUE GALLERY, March Juried Open Exhibit. The Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA. March 2024.

    THE ART LEAGUE GALLERY, April Juried Open Exhibit. The Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA. April 2023.

    ART IN BLOOM, Juried Exhibit at The Martha Spak Gallery, Washington, DC, 2022.

    SHE DC, Juried Art Exhibition featuring 100 women artists in DC, sponsored by ShopMadeinDC, La Cosecha, Washington, DC, 2022, 2023, 2024.

    THE ART LEAGUE GALLERY STUDENT TEACHER SHOW, The Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA, 2019.

    FCPS ARTIST TEACHER JURIED EXHIBITION, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VA. Exhibiting Artist, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021.

    RIPPLE: ART AFFECTING OCEANS, Art Auction and Benefit for the Surfrider Foundation. Washington, DC, Exhibiting Artist, 2010, 2011, 2012.

    Press

    Featured Artist on the blog, “A Creative DC,” http://www.acreativedc.com, March 2016.

    Featured Artist in The Washington Post online, “The Scene” coverage of the Ripple: Art Affecting Oceans exhibit, June 2011.