By Jennifer Colosimo
Parrish Hoag’s lifelong passion for creating–from homemade dance routines to piano and painting–has always pulled at her. During college, painting became her solace, a way to decompress and combat anxiety, so after moving back to Gainesville with her husband to raise their family, she officially traded her desk job for a studio to pursue that passion. This move marked the launch of a successful new career, creating abstract artwork for designers and collectors. Her talent has not gone unnoticed; she will be honored as this year’s Featured Artist for the Vision 2030 Block pARTy.
What continues to drive you in your profession now?
Parrish Hoag: I believe there’s an innate desire to create in all of us—a gift from The Creator—and I find true joy in creating and sharing my art with others. Most of my art is inspired by blooming botanicals and landscape views seen across North Georgia and while traveling.
How do you inspire creativity in others?
PH: I work out of my studio in our home, so my kids are in and out of the studio throughout the day “helping” me or making their own works of art. It’s fun for them to later see my art on display in a gallery or in someone’s home. As I seek to model with my own kids, I hope I encourage others to look up and around—to take in the goodness and beauty around us and find ways to share light back with the world.
What are you most proud of with your art?
PH: In 2022, I began a partnership with The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson, South Carolina. I created a large collection of paintings to hang throughout the new hotel and continue to add new work as artwork is sold. With each painting sold, 40 percent of sales is donated to the ClemsonLIFE™ program at Clemson University. In collaboration with ClemsonLife™, students and alumni with intellectual disabilities are offered gainful employment at The Shepherd Hotel to grow their hospitality career. I’m honored to have my art in such a beautiful hotel that’s positively impacting the lives of others through authentic hospitality.
Where are your favorite places to spend time in Gainesville?
PH: My family loves hanging around the Gainesville Square. Meadowlark is my go-to coffee shop and I love Sweet Magnolias (order the Summer Salad) and Centro (try the Chicken Tinga Bowl) for lunch.
