Artist Bio

Grace Barden is an artist and metalsmith, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born and raised in the heart of the Midwest, she creates work that explores themes of feminism, grief, and matrilineage, often drawing from deeply personal experiences. As a second-generation metal artist, Barden’s practice is profoundly influenced by her mother, whose creativity informs her passion for craft. Her work has been exhibited across the Midwest, showing at the 407 Gallery of Green Bay, the Rahr West Art Museum of Manitowoc, the Ella Sharp Museum of Jackson, Michigan, and the INOVA Gallery at Kenilworth Square East in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Currently, she holds an internship with Jost Jewelry Manufacturing, where she is pursuing a bench jewelry certification through the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America. She is in the final semester of her Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio arts, studying jewelry and metalsmithing, from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After graduation, Barden plans to intern for the Heidi Lowe Gallery in preparation for graduate school, while keeping a consistent studio practice going.