Valerie Smasal-Hammons

Valerie Smasal has been an artist all her life. She began collage art when she was 14 on her living room floor using her mom’s magazines. She graduated from Texas State University with a major in theatre with emphasis on directing. She directed several shows and worked in the art department of independent films in Austin, before moving to New Orleans to work for a professional theatre company in arts administration. It was there that her love for visual art blossomed. She chaired art fundraisers, volunteered at several arts organizations, such as the Ogden Museum and New Orleans Museum of Art, where she surrounded herself with artists and participated in art shows. Upon moving to Galveston, she continued advancing her creativity and was active in the theatre community, directing plays and serving on the board of the Strand theatre, where her fundraising and event planning continued. 

Valerie moved to the Hill Country with her husband, Marcus, and immediately joined the Llano Art Gallery.  She enjoys sharing her love of collage art, especially with children. Her three stepchildren grew up doing art projects with her, and now are active in theatre and art. Her nephews look forward to Auntie Val’s visits because they always include art night. There is nothing like seeing their thought process and watching their ideas come to life on paper.