Hear from the Artist: Rachel L. Cecelski

For over three decades, The Phillips Collection has honored the artistic talents of its staff through the annual James McLaughlin Memorial Staff Show. This beloved tradition showcases the creative work of museum employees across departments. As part of the exhibition, the “Hear from the Artist” series invites participating artists to lead 15-minute tours of their work, offering visitors personal insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives into their creative process.

About Rachel L. Cecelski

Rachel L. Cecelski has immersed herself in art since childhood. She has earned a BFA in Illustration with a minor in Art History in 2012 from Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. Since graduation, Rachel made her own freelance business teaching art for all ages and continues to show in various exhibitions. Rachel works using various mediums, with texture as a constant in her pieces. Whether using oil, acrylic, watercolor, or mixed medium—blending hand-drawn, digital elements, wire, gold leaf, mica flakes, jewels, and cut paper/fabric—Rachel’s artistic style is defined by its tactile depth and the unique vision that texture brings to each of her pieces. When she isn’t creating art, she immerses herself in the local music scene.

IMAGE: Rachel L. Cecelski, Maelstorm, 2024, Acrylic paints, gold leaf, Japanese Kozo paper, sewn gold wire, and gold mica flakes