When Sherri Allen attempted to apply as a new artist at First Saturday Arts Market in 2023, I wouldn’t let her—I just said yes.
Sherri Allen’s painting style could be called primitive, outsider, or folk art. I recall from when she first reached out that her website bio stated she had literally just started painting a few years before, and her paintings resonated with me immediately.
Sherri Allen, right, with a customer holding her purchased artwork at First Saturday Arts Market. (Submitted photo)
She also had a consistent style, from portraits of women and flowers to other still lifes, and most importantly, there was a story in them. I wasn’t just looking at art; the art was telling me something. After each market, Sherri posts photos of happy customers on social media. I’m thrilled others see what I do, and now you get to meet her here.
What’s your background and what sparked your passion for creating art?
For most of my life, I was a workaholic. I measured my success by achievement and security. My parents divorced when I was very young, we were very poor, and my mother struggled with addiction. From an early age, my goal was simple: I wanted to be different. I wanted stability. I wanted respectability.
So I worked hard—in school, in my career, in everything. I probably would have stayed in that mindset if not for the COVID lockdown.
Don’t Talk to Me Until I’ve Had My Coffee by Sherri Allen (submitted photo)
While that season was difficult for many, it became a time of healing for me. I came to terms with my family story, forgave my mother, and began reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I didn’t just read it—I committed to the practices: morning pages, reflection, listening to creative nudges.
One of those nudges came from my husband. One day he showed me a folder he had kept of playful drawings I had made with our grandsons. I was shocked he had saved them. I was even more shocked to realize—maybe I could actually draw.
I started taking drawing classes on YouTube, then started painting, and I haven’t stopped since.
Now I draw or paint every single day. I love my art. I believe my first responsibility as an artist is to love and nurture my work so it can grow. I never speak negatively about it—I treat it like raising a child.
I love my family deeply. When I’m not working my full-time corporate job or making art, I’m most likely with them.
Black Pepper by Sherri Allen (submitted photo)
I’ve been married for over 30 years—which still feels impossible to say—and we love to travel, spend time with our dog, and play with our grandchildren.
What are you currently working on?
Because I work full-time, I create in the margins—a daily drawing here, a portrait on the weekend. I work quickly and tend to produce many small pieces. I like to call them “wonderful one-offs.”
I don’t often work in formal collections. I paint what I feel drawn to in the moment. Faces and flowers are recurring themes—I’m endlessly fascinated by both.
In addition to my personal work, I’m currently teaching a monthly workshop as part of Awakening Creativity by Carrie Schmitt. Supporting other women as they reconnect with their creativity has become an important part of my practice.
What one lesson from The Artist’s Way would you tell your pre-artist self?
One lesson that has stayed with me is this: I am a creative being. We all are.
Creativity isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s something we can choose to nurture or ignore. When we tend to it—when we show up consistently—it transforms us.
Woman in Pink Suit by Sherri Allen (submitted photo)
What one thing would surprise people about you?
A colleague once told me, “You must have had an easy life.”
It wasn’t the time or place to explain that my mother struggled with addiction, that my childhood was far from easy, and that I feel lucky to be alive—lucky to have built the life I have.
Most people would probably be surprised by that part of my story.
What are your future plans or goals?
I paint because it brings me joy. It feels like prayer—a way of connecting with my Creator, and it changes me for the better.
Right now, the words guiding my life and work are Attention, Devotion, and Faith.
Attention—to small miracles and everyday beauty.Devotion—to the practice of showing up consistently.Faith—that the creative spirit is leading me somewhere meaningful, even if I can’t yet see where.
My goal is simple: to keep painting and remain open to opportunity. I trust that if I continue to show up with attention, devotion, and faith, doors will open—and my job is to be brave enough to walk through them.
Meet Sherri at First Saturday Arts Market and see more on her website at sherriallenart.com or on Instagram at instagram.com/sherriallenrocks_art/
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit ArtValet.com for more.