Annie Hyde

I grew up in a family where modeling clay, paper mache materials, paints, and my highly inventive five brothers were a constant, inspiring presence. I inserted myself into scout meetings as soon as the craft materials came out, and borrowed their pocket knives so I could carve little animals from soap or sticks. We all loved making things and collaborated on projects routinely; by the time I was grown I was a multi-media tinkerer, occasional inventor, and my greatest desire was to use what I knew to make art.

Creatures of all sorts have always intrigued me, especially the smaller ones, and they are the little souls that are front and center in my art. Our home in Farmville has an expansive backyard leading into the trees and gullies that surround us; we feed the birds and leave treats out for the other species that wander through. I love the quick expressiveness of fountain pens to capture their antics, and a bit of watercolor or splash of colored ink to bring the sketches alive.

I very much love sculpting them in three dimensional form as well, often using gourds for armatures, handmade felt of every sort, fabrics, and clay. And making puppets! Critters coming alive. No matter what medium, it’s the alive part I seek to impart rather than fully structured realism, so you’ll see an occasional bit of mirth—or perhaps a smirk— worked into a little critter’s face.

I dearly love teaching these skills to others; there is no greater satisfaction than witnessing a student’s aha!! moment, their eyes lighting up as they tap into inner resources they didn’t know they had. I enjoy moving with my student’s passions, inviting their curiosity into every nook and cranny of artistic expression they wish to explore.

Annie has exhibited her artwork in many shows and galleries, including Expo East Doll and Teddy Bear Show in Washington D.C., New York Toy Fair, and others along the east coast, Florida, New Mexico, and San Francisco. She has taught classes and workshops throughout the years, and continues to enjoy teaching multi-media sculpting, drawing skills, dip pens and ink, art journaling, puppetry, the felting arts, and music as well. Now allegedly retired in Farmville, she calls Red Door 104 her second home.