Celia Pelfrey (She/They) is a mixed media artist creating art about modern dairy cows. Pelfrey’s personal history with cattle, growing up within the city of Cleveland, was limited. They knew little of the animal and only saw the depictions of the animals’ faces and bodies on supermarket products. Over two summers spent in Central New York state, living near a small herd, she learned more about the animal than the media portrayed it. This was the start of her fascination with learning everything unique and beautiful about cows. Cow’s habits, history, interactions, behaviors and benefits to use other than their body. Pelfrey uses this newfound information within her work to educate viewers that grew up within a city’s walls to contemplate how they can rewrite what their history with cattle is.
Education
Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, OH – BFA
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing, August 2019 – 2023
Shaker Heights High School, Cleveland OH – High school diploma
2015 - 2019
Experience
Center for Arts Inspired Learning - Cleveland OH
ArtWorks Paid Internship February – May 2017
Center for Arts Inspired Learning - Cleveland OH
ArtWorks Paid Internship June – July 2017
The Sculpture Center - Cleveland OH
Gallery Assistant - March – December 2022
Exhibitions – Awards
Art Exposed – Student Exhibition 2016
Shaker Heights Public Library, Portfolio Work, Paintings, Prints, Digital Work, Drawings, Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Clinic eXpressions - 2019
Great Lakes Science Center, Osseous Obtrusion, 24” x 36”, Ink, Watercolor on paper, Cleveland, OH
Watch Our Language – Student Exhibition 2022
Cleveland Public Library, Moo, I Love You, 18” x 42”, Yarn, Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Institute of Art Student Independent Exhibition #76 – 2022
Reinberger Gallery, Holstein, 5’ x 6, Yarn, wood glue, linoleum print, ink, watercolor on canvas, Cleveland, OH
Awards
2019 - Recipient of White Ribbon at Cleveland Clinic eXpressions
2022 – Winner of Board 3rd Prize at Cleveland Institute of Art Student Independent Exhibition #76
2023 – Granted John Jackson Memorial Scholarship from Cleveland Institute of Art
