Dolan Geiman, Chicago

After graduating from high school, Dolan followed in the footsteps of his mother, a professional watercolor artist, and pursued a BFA in printmaking and sculpture from James Madison University (Harrisonburg, Virginia). Throughout college, Dolan also explored teaching and arts education, organizing after-school arts programs, mural projects, and working as an interpretive naturalist for the USDA Forest Service. After graduation, Dolan remained committed to his art and his creative prowess led him to Charlottesville, Virginia. Selling artwork on Charlottesville’s open-air mall, curating group exhibitions, and traveling to local art fairs, Dolan soon found a rhythm for creating and selling his work. Soon after, he set his sights on the professional opportunities of the Northern city life. In 2002, he packed his vehicle with supplies and artwork and headed Northwest to the windy streets of Chicago.

Just a few years later, Dolan, along with his life and business partner Ali Walsh, have built a sustainable career in the arts working together as artist and manager. Clients nationwide enjoy his 2-D mixed media works—pieces ranging from large-scale acrylic and silk screen paintings to intimate found paper collages. Versatile and multi-disciplinary, Dolan has also worked in fashion (his Rescued Clothing fashion service), special events (the mobile Art Machine), interior design (site-specific art, décor, editions, and faux finishes), and the wholesale industry (nationwide retailers). All the while, the country mouse gone vogue continues to reference his love for the South, the vernacular culture of the region, and his love for outdoor exploration.