Finding Joy!... A Retrospective, is a solo retrospective exhibition that chronicles Renée Fleuranges-Valdes’s journey as a fiber artist—from her early roots in traditional quilting to her current body of contemporary art quilts. The exhibition offers an intimate look at the evolution of her technique, artistic voice, and visual storytelling, while tracing the deeper personal growth that has unfolded alongside her creative practice.

Through richly layered textiles, bold color, and intentional mark-making, Renée explores themes of identity, memory, resilience, and truth. What begins as a study of craft gradually opens into a broader exploration of self—revealing how fiber has become her language for reflection, discovery, and meaning-making. Each piece contributes to a larger narrative of transformation, honoring both the discipline of quilting traditions and the freedom of artistic experimentation.

At its core, Finding Joy! is not only about artistic progress, but about choosing creativity as a path toward authenticity. The exhibition invites viewers to witness how joy can be reclaimed, shaped, and stitched together over time—one story, one truth, and one work at a time.

Renée Fleuranges-Valdes

Quilted Artistry by Renée

Renée Fleuranges-Valdes is a fiber artist and author whose work transforms textiles into powerful visual narratives exploring identity, culture, and the universal need to be seen and valued. Known for her richly detailed and expressive compositions, she creates pieces that invite viewers to move beyond observation and into connection. While much of her work centers women—depicting them as strong, complex, and fully present—her broader portfolio also includes male figures, symbolic imagery, and cultural elements that expand the conversation around shared human experience. Across subjects, her work consistently returns to themes of visibility, recognition, and personal power. A defining moment in her artistic journey came early in her career when a gallerist refused to exhibit her work at the price she had assigned to it, insisting it was significantly undervalued. After repricing the piece at three times its original amount, it sold within minutes of the exhibition opening—fundamentally shifting Renée’s understanding of her work’s value and her responsibility to honor it.

Through both her art and her writing, Renée explores the connection between being seen and understanding one’s worth. Her work reflects a vision of a world where people—especially women—are fully acknowledged for their contributions, presence, and power. Her pieces have been exhibited in galleries and exhibitions worldwide, where storytelling, cultural resonance, and emotional depth are central to the collector experience. Renée’s art can be found in both public and private collections. Born and raised in Westchester County, NY, Renée relocated to North Charleston, SC with her husband six years ago. She retired from IBM in 2019 after 38 years in the software industry, holding various global roles advancing IBMs software business.