In the realm of art, where creativity knows no bounds, there emerges a visionary whose medium of expression transcends conventional boundaries. Founder and Owner of Quilted Artistry by Renée, Renée Fleuranges-Valdes has woven her artistic tapestry using fabric as her medium, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. With a passion for quilting that extends far beyond the stitching needle, Fleuranges-Valdes not only crafts stunning quilts but also travels the globe, sharing her artistry and empowering others to embark on their creative journey.
Fleuranges-Valdes is not just an artist; she is a storyteller who uses fabric as her language. Each quilt she creates is a narrative, a fusion of colors, textures, and patterns that convey emotions and experiences. Her work celebrates cultural diversity, with each piece reflecting the rich tapestry of life she encounters in her global travels. Through her quilts, Fleuranges-Valdes bridges the gaps between different cultures, creating a universal language that speaks to the shared human experience.
“When people look at my art, the hope is that the viewer will relate to the story being told. However, I do so much more than create art,” said Fleuranges-Valdes. “I write for an international quilting magazine, I teach art quilting around the world, and I give lectures on many different aspects of quilting as well as how it has helped me find myself. Being an artist allows me to share the best parts of me.”
What sets Fleuranges-Valdes apart is not only her artistic prowess but also her entrepreneurial spirit. She has turned her passion into a thriving business, traveling from one corner of the world to another, showcasing and selling her quilts. Recently, she collaborated with Cultural Curator and Executive Creative Director Okeeba Jubalo to showcase her art hosted at the Cooksaw Creek Country Club.
“Working with Renée has been a pleasure. Her corporate background has made our working relationship thrive. Too often, our creatives are long on creating and short on business. Her level of detail and precision is very helpful,” said Jubalo. “Charleston needs a new champion and leader for the fiber arts, and our team is honored to help position Renée to be who she is, just on a larger and more visible scale.”
Fleuranges-Valdes transforms her art into a global phenomenon, proving creativity knows no borders. Her quilts are not just objects but ambassadors of cultural exchange, fostering connections between people from diverse backgrounds.
Fleuranges-Valdes has a clear vision for her blossoming business, Quilted Artistry by Renée. Beyond creating exquisite quilts, Fleuranges-Valdes is committed to nurturing the next generation of artists. She has become a teacher on the road, conducting workshops and sharing her skills with enthusiasts eager to embark on their creative journey. Her classes are not just about quilting techniques; they are a celebration of self-expression and individuality.
Through her guidance, Fleuranges-Valdes empowers her students to discover their unique artistic voice, fostering a community of passionate individuals united by a love for fabric and creativity. She holds true to her brand tagline of “coloring your life” one student at a time.
“I hope to build a partnership with a youth-based art initiative to use fiber art to teach not only math but the value of self-worth and self-expression. I am looking forward to the continued growth of my business in Charleston,” said Fleuranges-Valdes. “I am hoping to partner with interior designers, curating homes with a vision for their clients; with galleries, such as the Okeeba Jubalo Fine Art Gallery, to showcase my one-of-a-kind creations; with museums to use my art to bring a spotlight on how far we have come, and how much we have to give as people of color. With its diverse cultures and rich history, Charleston is the perfect marketplace for my business.”
In a world often dominated by fast-paced digital trends, Fleuranges-Valdes is a testament to the enduring allure of handmade artistry. Her quilts are a refreshing reminder of the tactile and tangible beauty that can be created with simple materials and a profound imagination. In an age where mass production often overshadows the individual touch, Fleuranges-Valdes' work is a tribute to the value of craftsmanship and the human touch in art.
“2024 is going to provide a major jump for Renée and our partnership opportunities,” said Jubalo. “As an executive creative director and cultural curator, I have nearly thirty years of experience. At this end of the process, Renée is ready.”
As we witness the global impact of Renée Fleuranges-Valdes, we are reminded that art is a powerful force that transcends boundaries, connecting people across continents. Her quilts decorate spaces and weave a narrative of unity, resilience, and the shared human experience. Fleuranges-Valdes, the artist-entrepreneur, has not just created a brand; she has cultivated a movement that celebrates the beauty of diversity, the joy of creation, and the everlasting power of art to stitch the world together.
