Ligonier, PA
Andrew Thornton is a professional fine artist, trained at the School of Visual Arts, who left behind the hustle and bustle of New York City for rural Pennsylvania. He is a mixed media artist who works in painting, collage, metalsmithing, sculpture, polymer clay, resin, and jewelry. His work explores identity through magical realism and fantasy. His work can be seen in private collections around the world and he teaches across the country and online. He has taught at the Pittsburgh Polymer Clay Guild, ArtFest in Port Townsend, WA, Bead&Button in Milwaukee, WI, and FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York City, as well as several independent retreats. He has been a regular contributor to industry magazines like, Jewelry Stringing Magazine (an Interweave Press publication) and BeadStyle Magazine (a Kalmbach publication). His designs can be found in Margot Potter’s book, “Bead Chic”, Jean Campbell’s book, “Steampunk-Style Jewelry: A Maker’s Collection of Victorian, Fantasy, and Mechanical Designs”, Barb Switzer’s book, “Four Seasons of Beading”, Tammy Powley’s book, “The Complete Photo Guide to Jewelry Making” (first printing), Kristal Wick’s book, “Foxy Epoxy”, Michelle Mach’s book, “Unexpected Findings”, and Kalmbach’s “Easy Beading Volume 9”. Andrew was also the technical editor of, “Enchanted Adornments: Creating Mixed-Media Jewelry with Metal Clay, Wire, Resin & More.” In addition to print media, Andrew has also appeared several times on the TV show, “Beads, Baubles and Jewels” (a KS Productions program) and has appeared on episodes of, “Make It Artsy” (also a KS Productions program).
Currently, Andrew is the Co-Owner and Creative Director of Allegory Gallery in Johnstown, PA. Allegory Gallery was one of SCORE’s 2018 American Small Business Championship winners. When he’s not creating art, making jewelry, or writing, Andrew is making work at Star Cottage Studio. Star Cottage Studio is a former 100 year old schoolhouse and is now part working studio for Andrew, shipping and fulfillment department for Allegory Gallery, and filming studio for their video content for YouTube and Facebook. He and his husband, William, live in their happy home with five cats, artwork covering every wall, and lots and lots of books and beads!