Holly Fisher, Artist Blacksmith

Holly Fisher is at once a practicing artist, small business person, artistic director, teacher, mentor, and activist. She was born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa. She received her BFA in Sculpture from Truman State University in 1992. In 1995, she completed her graduate studies at The University of Montana, Missoula, receiving her MFA in Sculpture.

Holly has lived and worked as an artist in Kalamazoo, Michigan since 1995. She founded “Smartshop” in 2002, creating a metalworking school and art gallery on Kalamazoo’s Northside. In 2004, Holly Fisher was awarded a $100,000 grant from Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as part of the "Cool Cities Initiative". This grant was used to renovate Smartshop's new facilities. The school received its Non-Profit status from the Federal government in 2004, and is now referred to as The Smartshop Metal Arts Center, of which Ms. Fisher is the Artistic Director. The Smartshop Art Gallery, a for-profit venture is also run by Holly, representing her work, that of her students, and anywhere from 20-30 regional artists in different mediums.
As a teacher and mentor, Holly recognizes the importance of fostering each individual’s artistic nature and providing her students with the knowledge and skills to strive for more informed works of art. As an artist, Holly places emphasis on creating works of art that add to the common good and promote positive cultural change. As an Activist, Holly works with and donates to many non-profit organizations to help further their goals.