"The substance of my work is rooted in the belief and recognition of the spiritual world we live in. As a student of nature, I have an uncompromising affinity for all of God’s creations, particularly the southern landscape for all its mysteries and charms.” ~ Clayton Santiago Born in rural Arizona on historic Route 66, Clayton spent much of his childhood living in and traveling throughout the southeast. From the tobacco fields of Virginia to the mountains of North Georgia, the artist was greatly influenced by the people, landscape and heritage of this part of the world, and this influence is evident in his creations. Clayton’s work is a manifestation of his belief and love for the southern landscape. Through a process of layering epoxies, gold leaf, paint and tar, he brings to life elements of his rural heritage with sophisticated modernity. Built over wood, his paintings are almost sculptural in effect. His rich, earthen colors weave together vintage motifs with abstracted natural imagery. Through these organic compositions Clayton celebrates the spirit of his faith and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Santiago’s works have been seen in Elle Decor Magazine, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and the St. Regis Hotel. He has had pieces on display at Gwinnett Church and other North Point Ministries Inc. properties, The Haen Gallery in Asheville, North Carolina, Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville, Georgia, the Emily Amy Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia and many more. Education2006 Atlanta College of ArtAP Studio Art Certification Program- College Board2005 North Georgia College and State University School of Graduate StudiesMaster of Art Education (In progress)2003-2004 North Georgia College and State UniversityPost Baccalaureate Program1994-1999 North Georgia College and State UniversityBachelors- Art Marketing ExhibitionsBuckhead Art and Company, Group Exhibition, Atlanta, GA 2015-2001737th Annual Art Gala, The Quinian Visual Arts Center, Gainesville, GA 2015The Haen Gallery, Group Exhibition, Asheville, NC 2010-2013Emily Amy Gallery, Group Exhibition, Atlanta, GA 2009The Haen Gallery, Group Exhibition, Asheville, NC 2008Eweber Gallery, Group Exhibition- “Homecomings”, Atlanta, GA 2007433 Bishop, Group Exhibition- “Celebrate”, Atlanta, GA 2007NPCC Gallery, Group Exhibition, “Rendered”, Alpharetta, GA 2007Trinity School, “Spotlight on the Arts”, Atlanta, GA 2007Quinlan Gallery, Group Exhibition, Gainesville, GA 2007Quinlan Arts Center, “Salon”, Gainesville, GA 2007Eweber Gallery, One Man Show- “Elevating the Surface”, Atlanta, GA 2006Trinity School, “Spotlight on the Arts”, Atlanta, GA 2006Quinlan Gallery, Group Exhibition, Gainesville, GA 2006Eweber Gallery, Open Gallery Show, Atlanta, GA 2005Eweber Gallery, Four Man Show, Atlanta, GA 2005Iridium Gallery, Group Exhibition, Roswell, GA 2004 Private CollectionsNorth Point Ministries, Sugar Hill, GAMount Paran Church, Atlanta, GA