Ellen McGowan captures a special glimpse at a moment of time in everyday life with her figurative sculptures. Painstakingly detailed, her subjects' expressions reveal their inner thoughts and true spirit of the moment.

Ellen is a prolific sculptor working mainly with clay, resin and bronze. Inspired by exhibits at the Chicago Art Institute, Ellen began studying art as a child. She earned her BFA and MFA from the University of Memphis, with additional studies at the Memphis College of Art. She went on to study with Italian Figure Sculptor Bruno Lucchesi, who has remained a great influence on her art. As an artist, Ellen says, I would love “to be satisfied with every piece I do- Which will never happen!”

Ellen has been a long time member of the Memphis Association of Craft Artists, working on projects with past TACA director, Alice Merritt, and judged for the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists Fair in Nashville, TN twice. One of her favorite things about being in MACA is “knowing the wonderful, talented and supportive people.”

Ellen currently works on a commission basis, and a great amount of her work can be seen on her website.