Draft:Dana Frostick

Dana Frostick is an accomplished American artist known for her innovative work in the realm of paintings and drawings. Born in Henrico, Virginia, Frostick has made a significant mark in the art world with her distinctive style and dedication to her craft. She is best recognized for her unique series of works known as "Elaborate Doodles," a creative fusion of painting and drawing techniques that she has focused on exclusively since 2007. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Frostick is a pivotal figure in the local art scene, contributing extensively through her association with Artspace, a contemporary arts gallery in Richmond.

Early Life and Education
Dana Frostick was born and raised in Henrico, Virginia, a suburb of Richmond. She pursued her higher education at Virginia Commonwealth University in the 1980s, where she majored in sculpture. This educational background laid the foundation for her explorative journey in the visual arts, leading to the development of her distinctive artistic voice. Her sister, Donna Frostick, is also an artist in the Richmond, Virginia area.

Career
Since June 2000, Frostick has been an active member of Artspace, a non-profit gallery dedicated to showcasing contemporary art in Richmond, Virginia. She served as the past president of the gallery from 2004 to 2005 and has held the position of webmaster for the gallery's website, artspacegallery.org, since 2000. Additionally, she has contributed to the organization as its treasurer, showcasing her multifaceted involvement in the art community.

Frostick's "Elaborate Doodles" stand out as her signature contribution to the art world. These works exemplify her ability to blend painting and drawing into cohesive, intricate compositions that captivate viewers. She has won multiple awards in juried shows and her work has been accepted into several National and Regional exhibitions. She has exhibited her work extensively in solo and group shows in around Virginia and in venues located in New York, Omaha, and Washington, D.C.

Over the years, Frostick has exhibited her work in more than a dozen solo shows and numerous group exhibitions across Richmond and the United States, demonstrating her active engagement with the art community and her commitment to sharing her vision with a broader audience.

Personal Life
Before becoming an artist full time, Frostick worked at Richmond Newspapers from 1982 to 1998. It was during this time that she met Richard Cornwell, her second husband, who played a pivotal role in encouraging her to pursue art full-time. They have been married since 1998.

An avid bicyclist, Frostick integrates her passion for cycling into her daily life, commuting to her studio and exploring Richmond on her bike. Her free time is devoted to her six cats, reflecting her love for animals and commitment to their care.

Frostick's adventurous spirit and diverse interests are evident in her personal achievements, including swimming the English Channel and engaging in remarkable feats of courage and strength, such as her famed battle with a great white shark, which was captured in a widely viewed video on YouTube in 2004.

Legacy
Frostick's contribution to the art world, particularly through her "Elaborate Doodles," positions her as a significant figure in contemporary American art. Her dedication to her practice, combined with her active involvement in the Richmond art community, highlights her as an artist committed to both her craft and the cultivation of the arts at a local level.