About

Tessa Parker

Growing up in the lowcountry

I grew up in Savannah, Ga and moved to Wilmington Island when I was 6 years old. I was fortunate to live on an undeveloped piece of land that provided me with a natural sanctuary that led to my long lasting love of our coastal area. Our house was situated on several acres of maritime forest, with a backyard of miles and miles of marsh nestled between Tybee Island and Savannah. Whether we were swinging from the Wisteria vines in giant Live Oaks or finding artifacts while tromping through the marsh mud, it instilled in me the love of nature.

I am the mother of two children, a wife, an artist, and an educator. My family history in art education began with my “Apa”, Jack Kellam- a WWII veteran turned college professor and eventually the head of the art department at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. He was a prolific artist and inspiration to my earliest memories of art-making. From pottery, to murals, to watercolor paintings and statues, his works of art were always visible in my family members homes. Apa consistently painted until the age of 96.

My grandmother was also a great inspiration to me. Grace traveled the world and lived in NY. When visiting her she would always insist I visit art museums in “the city”. She was not surprised when I earned a degree in Art and started teaching in the field. She encouraged my love of travel and helped me to find beauty in foreign landscapes as well as back home.

After graduating with a BA in Art from Georgia College, I returned to Savannah with my husband, Ben. After a few years of teaching at a small school, I decided to purse a Masters degree at SCAD. Both of us have been teaching in the public schools of Savannah, Ga for over 15 years.