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Artist Carole Schrading

Carole Schrading is a Birmingham-based visual artist who specializes in encaustic painting, an ancient Greek artform that uses beeswax, damar resin (a tree sap) and colored pigments. She has been creating art since childhood, studying and experimenting with pastels, oils, acrylics, and mixed media. Over the last 8 years, however, she has focused almost exclusively on encaustics and is self-taught. 

She is drawn to this medium because of its versatility. There are so many techniques to manipulate the wax and create one-of-a-kind works of art, each piece built with thin wax layers that add color and luminosity. To her, nothing else looks like an encaustic painting. 

Most of Schrading’s work celebrates the beauty of our world; she draws inspiration from plants, animals, and landscapes and is also intrigued by organic shapes, forms and textures found in nature.

She has participated in numerous art shows in and around Birmingham where she has received awards and recognition for her work. After 20 years in the classroom as an English teacher, Schrading feels grateful for this time in life that allows her to focus on her passions: painting, animal welfare/rescue, hiking, biking and pickleball. She resides in Vestavia with her husband and two dogs. 

The show will be on exhibit at Aldridge Gardens from March 11th through early May.

An artist reception will be held on Thursday, April 4th, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the evening. Click here to learn more and RSVP. 

While visiting our gallery, be sure to see our special collection of Frank Fleming bronze sculptures, donated by Hoover resident Ken Jackson.

Please call us (205.739.6558) before visiting the gallery to make sure we are not hosting a luncheon or event during the time you plan to visit. The gallery is normally open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

A selection of work from the exhibit is shown in the photos below.


AmFirst is Aldridge Gardens' Arts and Sculpture Corporate Sponsor