Anna in her studio

About the artist

Anna Velez grew up in Muncie, Indiana, learning to sew from her mother. She received a BFA in drawing at the University of Iowa in 1972.

Anna is professionally trained as a paperhanger, but her twin sister introduced Japanese decorative papers to her in 1985 and Anna has been creating paper quilts since 1994. She exhibits her work thoughout Indiana, Illinois, New Mexico and Massachusetts.

Anna says, "I do what I do for the pure love of color, texture and patterns in the medium of paper. Working all these years as a paperhanger has given me exposure to countless patterns and color mixtures. I use Asian papers to try the new and never been done before combinations."

Interesting Links

Learn more about Japanese papers.

Framing tips to protect her delicate creations.

Friends of Dard Hunter is an organization of hand paper makers, paper artists, conservators, scientists and paper aficionados. It is a great chance to meet and rub elbows with national and international people and opportunities.

Indianapolis Art Center is where I teach my techniques. It has lots of varied classes year-round.

Dana Scheurer is a long-time friend and great watercolorist of fantastic poster-like images.

PAPER QUILTS by Anna Velez • Indianapolis, Indiana • anna@annavelez.com