James Lilly

Born in Seattle, I grew up in Bellevue, graduating from Sammamish High School and then Bellevue College. Soon after, I ventured to Southern California and Pomona College where I received a BA in painting while graduating with distinction. While at Pomona I was mentored by the late Karl Benjamin, one of the original op art/hard edge painters from the 1950's. I continued with Benjamin’s cherished guidance while earning my MFA from the Claremont Graduate University. After finishing graduate school, I established a studio in Upland California. Additionally, I was fortunate to have been accepted to numerous college, university, museum, and private gallery shows throughout the West Coast, and nationally. After some deliberation, I relocated back to Seattle where I have continued my career and added regional, national, and now international exhibitions. I currently live in Renton with my wife and three children and teach art in the region.