Get to Know... Trace Mayer

After getting his physics degree at Georgetown University, Trace Mayer spent 25 years dealing art and antiques. He began recycling the remnants of antique picture frames from his shop and started creating Museum Bees.

One of a Kind: Tell us more about your work.

Trace: I create short stories. They happen to look like small botanical wall hangings, but they all have stories. Each is created with antique elements and cast gilt objects. The process is not only the collaboration with a 140 year old artisan and how I've molded their work, but also the buyer and the way they respond to and use these pieces to create their space/ home.

One of a Kind: When and why did you decide to become an artist?

Trace: When I was introduced to finger-painting at age 4 at Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church in Louisville KY. Regarding my career, I think we all are still trying to figure out what we are going to be when we grow up no matter how old we are, but I've always tried to focus my life around creating and problem solving. It just happens to manifest in different ways.

Museum Bees are unique works of art that bridge the beauty of 19th Century craftsmanship with the Modern. 

One of a Kind Show: What are you bringing to the Spring One of a Kind Show?

Trace: A couple thousand of my most recent creations. 

One of a Kind Show: What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago?

Trace: Walk.

One of a Kind Show: What is the best advice you've ever gotten?

Trace: Be kind.

See Trace Mayer's work up close and meet him in person in April!