I am a watercolor painter and illustrator originally from Charleston, West Virginia. I grew up immersed in the outdoor recreation community which significantly influences my work. My paintings primarily focus on the stunning natural beauty of the Earth, but I also love to capture the special nuances of human culture in West Virginia and the outdoor rec community.
I love wild places and am particularly drawn to the magic of mountains. I get to feel small and experience the chaos and calm of what is around me. I am particularly drawn to how human culture is cultivated based on the unspoken communication with the land, especially if that relationship is symbiotic. I am passionate about the protection of wild places and the preservation of complex ecosystems.
— Carly
CV
Exhibitions
Illustrating Appalachia — Summer 2023
Juliet Art Museum — Charleston, WV
Group Show
The Things We Make — Spring 2023
Dakota Art Gallery — Bellingham, WA
Group Show
From The Hills — Winter 2021/22
Taylor Books Gallery — Charleston, WV
Solo Show
Hills and Hollers — Nov 2020 - Apr 2021
The Emerson Center for Arts and Culture — Bozeman, MT
Solo Show
New River Gorge Creative in Residence — Spring 2020
The Grove — Fayetteville, WV
Group Show
Artist Residencies and Fellowships
New River Gorge Creative Residency
2020 — Fayetteville, WV
Summer Scholars and Artists Fellowship Grant
2017 — American University, Washington, DC
Rome Art Program
2017 — Rome, Italy
Education
MFA candidate
Emily Carr University of Art and Design, 2025
BA, Graphic Design
American University, 2018
Professional Experience
Carly Thaw Illustration
Self Employed
2019 — Present
Dakota Art Store, Bellingham, WA
Supplies Specialist, Gallery Assistant
Sept. 2022 — Sept. 2023
Middle Creek Montessori School, Bozeman, MT
Physical Education Assistant, Substitute Teacher
Sept. 2020 — June 2022
Baily and Glasser, LLP, Washington, DC
Graphic Designer
June 2018 — June 2019
84 Agency, Remote
Graphic Designer
2015 — 2017
West Virginia Secretary of State, Charleston, WV
Communications Associate
May — Aug. 2014 and 2015
Art Studio of Barrie Kaufman, Charleston, WV
Studio Assistant
May — Aug. 2015
Teaching
Make.Shift Art Space, Bellingham, WA
Creating Life with Line Workshop, 2023
Juliet Art Museum, Charleston, WV
Creating Life with Line Workshop, 2022
Mountaineer Montessori School, Charleston, WV
Narrative Art Workshop, 2018
Clients
Alec Neu
Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Center for Climate Integrity
Daniel Sohn
Friends of Blackwater Falls
Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance
Kathleen M. Jacobs
Kin Ship Goods
Water Stone Outdoors
West Virginia Chamber of Commerce
West Virginia Tourism
40+ independent clients