Martha A. Wade is a self-taught artist from Chicago. The daughter of artist Eugene Wade, one of the Chicago artists responsible for the Mural Movement – Martha has always carried a deep passion for art making. Martha watched her father paint from a young age, and began drawing by pausing cartoons on video and copying the images. In her new body of work, Martha creates a fantasy of humans made from stardust, who uplift our spirits by giving us a glimpse of what people can achieve at our highest potential. Her tapestry everyday people suggest that common grounds exist, where everyone is empowered to fulfill their dreams.
In 2010, Martha participated in her first gallery exhibition, and today her paintings have a bold and vibrant style that explores mankind’s potential on earth and throughout the universe. Martha’s work can be found in private collections nationally in the United States as well as internationally in Scotland, Ireland, and Sweden.
Martha is co-owner of Galleryna19 in the Oak Park Arts District. Galleryna19 is a fine art gallery dedicated to showcasing the works of emerging, and mid-career artists to align multiple cultures and provide a venue where artists come together to create and collaborate.
She has over 15 years of experience in Financial Consulting, Producing, Graphic Design and Modeling, and Implementation. Martha learned to create at the foot of her artist father, and has gone on to produce over 100 paintings on wood and canvas with found objects, oil and acrylic. Her business background, along with her creative and graphic design skills will be utilized during budget planning, installation and implementation.
Notable Art Exhibitions & Awards
Oak Park Mini Mural Project – Artist Outdoor Mural, Oak Park IL, 2015
The Native Series – The Creative Space, Chicago IL, 2015
Bare Strokes – Group Exhibition and Live Body Painting, LoCollective, Chicago IL, 2015
The Collaboration of Sexy – Collaborative Exhibition, Galleryna19, Oak Park IL, 2015
K.L.E.O Community Family Life Center’s Sprint Benefit – Live Painting/Auction, 2015
Square Foot Art Basel Miami Redux – Projects Gallery, Miami FL, 2015
Harlem Fine Arts Show – Merchandise Mart, Chicago IL, 2014
K.L.E.O Community Family Center Annual Benefit Gala – Live painting and auction, 2014
The Peace Project – Whole 9 Gallery, Golden Award Recipient, New York NY, 2014
Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series – Art Competition, Gallery Guichard, Chicago IL, 2014
Made of Stardust – Solo Art Exhibition, Galleryna19, Oak Park IL, 2014
Home is Where the Art Is – AllUsWe Collective Show, Galleryna19, Oak Park IL, 2013
5th Annual Twitter Art Exhibit – Art Division, Los Angeles CA, 2013
Diaspora: The Art of Blackness – Group Art Show, NYCH Art Gallery, Chicago IL, 2013
Infusion Project Art Revolution – Live Painting Events, Beauty Bar, Chicago IL, 2012
Artists Group Show – Lacuna Artist Loft and Studios, Chicago IL, 2012
Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series – Gallery Guichard, Chicago IL, 2011
Chicago Artist Outreach – Sponsored Exhibit/Live Painting, Buddy Lounge, Chicago IL 2010
