Vaughn Stubbs
( 1946 – 2016)
Trailblazing visionary, muralist, quilt maker, and jewelry designer. Vaughn’s jewelry is treasured by individuals and institutions everywhere, including the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia and the Design Museum Den Bosch, the Netherlands and others.
Education:
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA, Certificate, 1972
William A. Cresson Traveling Scholarship to Europe & North Africa, 1972
Significant or special training:
Shortly after graduation from Reading Senior High School in 1966, Vaughn was drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam. After his discharge from the Army, he enrolled in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia. In 1972, Stubbs won the prestigious Cresson Traveling Scholarship and traveled throughout Europe and Northern Africa surveying art and architecture.
School or university affiliation (when Convention Center acquired artwork):
Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, PA, Youth & Senior Citizen Instructor, 1990 – 1998
Philadelphia Museum of Art, PA, Instructor for the Blind, 1974 – 2016
Senior Adult Activity Center, Norristown, PA, Art Instructor, 1986 – 2000
Rowan University, Summer Art Classes for Seniors, 2009 – 2016
St. Rita’s Senior Center, Philadelphia, PA, Art Instructor, 1989 – 1991
Philadelphia Art Alliance, PA, Art Instructor, 1989 – 1990
Early Life and Education
Vaughn Stubbs was born in 1948 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a family that valued creativity and resilience. From an early age, he exhibited a natural talent for art, often exploring different mediums and techniques. Stubbs’ formative years were marked by curiosity and a passion for transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary works.
Stubbs pursued formal training in the arts, attending local institutions where he honed his skills in painting, sculpture, and design. His education not only provided technical expertise but also introduced him to the rich traditions of art history and contemporary cultural movements, which would later influence his distinctive style.
Career in Art and Jewelry Design
Stubbs’ artistic career spanned multiple disciplines, including painting, sculpting, quilting, and jewelry making. His work was characterized by a bold, imaginative approach to materials. He often repurposed items like plastic beads, feathers, and children’s toys, imbuing them with new life and significance.
In the realm of jewelry design, Stubbs was particularly celebrated for his brooches and statement pieces, which fused erudite themes such as Greek mythology, European art history, and pop art aesthetics. His designs captured the spirit of the 1980s, balancing extravagance with intellectual depth. Each piece was a testament to his belief that jewelry could serve as both a fashion statement and a form of storytelling.
Stubbs’ creations gained recognition for their originality and craftsmanship, earning him a devoted following among collectors, art enthusiasts, and fashion-forward individuals. His work was frequently featured in exhibitions and galleries, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in wearable art.
Teaching and Community Contributions
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Vaughn Stubbs was deeply committed to education and community engagement. He taught art to blind students at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where he developed innovative methods to help visually impaired individuals experience and create art. His teaching extended beyond technique, emphasizing the transformative power of creativity.
Stubbs also mentored aspiring artists, fostering a sense of inclusion and empowerment in the local art scene. His dedication to nurturing talent and making art accessible to all highlighted his belief in the importance of community and education as tools for social change.
Honors and Recognition
Although Stubbs may not have received widespread mainstream accolades during his lifetime, his contributions to the art and design world were deeply appreciated within his community and among his peers.
- 1980s: Recognition for his innovative jewelry designs, showcased in exhibitions celebrating contemporary art and design.
- 2000: Honored by the Philadelphia Museum of Art for his contributions to art education, particularly his work with blind students.
- Posthumous Legacy: Stubbs’ work continues to be celebrated in retrospectives and remembered as a defining influence in Philadelphia’s art history.
Impact and Legacy
Vaughn Stubbs passed away in 2016, but his memory and impact remain deeply rooted in the art world and the city of Philadelphia.
Artistic Impact:
- Stubbs redefined jewelry design by transforming everyday materials into objects of beauty and intellectual intrigue.
- His pieces, which merged fine art with wearable fashion, challenged traditional boundaries and demonstrated the potential of jewelry as a medium for storytelling.
- His exploration of mythology, history, and pop culture ensured his work resonated across generations and cultural contexts.
Community Legacy:
- His work as an educator at the Philadelphia Museum of Art exemplified his commitment to making art inclusive and accessible.
- Through mentorship and advocacy, Stubbs inspired countless artists, leaving behind a thriving artistic community enriched by his vision and dedication.
Enduring Influence:
Stubbs’ creations are now regarded as timeless symbols of innovation and cultural commentary. His ability to fuse diverse artistic influences with accessible materials has inspired contemporary designers and continues to captivate audiences.
Vaughn Stubbs is remembered as a visionary whose work bridged the gap between art and life, fashion and philosophy. His legacy as a designer, educator, and advocate ensures that his contributions will remain celebrated for generations to come.