Susan B. Lanier is a native of Western North Carolina. She was born in Sylva and grew up in Waynesville. Now she lives in the East La Porte community of Cullowhee, NC. Susan has a Master’s Degree in Art Education from Western Carolina University and taught art in public schools in Haywood County for a number of years. Today, she works for Southwestern Community College as Gear Up Coordinator for Cherokee High School and Middle School.

Art is prominent in her life and work. Susan works in a variety of media including watercolor, acrylics, inks, pottery, pen, pencil, sculpture, and fiber arts. In recent years, she has narrowed her scope to painting and pottery. From an early age, Susan was acutely aware of the beauty of the mountains. Color, shape, pattern, design and form were engraved in her very being. Her most recent paintings reveal her interest in Native American Art. Working in Cherokee has given her insight into the culture and history of the Cherokee people. Other influences were derived by her extensive travel throughout Mexico, Italy, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Australia and the Southwestern United States. One of her joys of traveling is that she always seeks out the local artists, cultural exhibits and museums available to the region.

Susan B. Lanier is a member of the Jackson County Visual Arts Association and Jackson County Arts Council. She has exhibited her work in Member’s Exhibits. On occasion, Susan teaches classes in quilt making for Jackson County Parks and Recreation. Susan was the Director of Arts and Crafts for two years at Camp Merrie-Woode in Sapphire Valley. This spring, she designed their art program.