Courtney Saunders, a graphic designer and digital artist, has returned to Tallahassee after accepting a position with Grova Creative in early 2025. Her digital painting "Watch Us" earned Third Place in COCA's 2026 Creative Tallahassee exhibition, currently on view at City Hall Gallery through June 8. Saunders, who attended the School of Arts and Sciences in Tallahassee during middle school, credits the city's creative community and her supportive teachers for nurturing her artistic voice. She holds a BFA in graphic design from Andrews University and works across multiple mediums including acrylic, watercolor, collage, and digital illustration.
This story matters because it highlights the importance of local arts communities and early creative education in sustaining emerging artists. Saunders' return to Tallahassee demonstrates how formative childhood experiences can shape an artist's trajectory and how regional exhibitions like Creative Tallahassee provide vital platforms for local talent. Her multidisciplinary approach and commitment to experimentation also reflect broader trends in contemporary art practice, where artists increasingly blur boundaries between digital and traditional media.