Claire Conley was born and raised in Milford, New Hampshire. Growing up, she spent much of her time outside in the surrounding forests and mountains, and began learning how to draw and paint her environment from a young age. She earned her BFA with a concentration in painting from Alfred University in 2016, and after spending some time away from art, she is now painting out of her home studio in Philadelphia. 

Her current subject interests include individual and family portraiture, layering meaning through the cultural significance that is embedded in images of families (both biological and chosen), and portraying people in environments that have close personal meaning to them.

Beyond traditional oil paintings, Claire is also interested in expanding her work within the world of public art, from murals for businesses and individual commissions, to public political posters and messages. She gathers inspiration from her previous experience living in Baltimore (briefly), DC and Philly, all which have a long history of public art.  Fueled by the energy and rapidly changing infrastructure that is causing major shifts in these cities, murals can have massive storytelling power and connect both native residents and newcomers through a shared knowledge of the history of place. Claire hopes to contribute to the beautifying and storytelling of Philly, and wherever else this work may take her.