Dawna Magliacano is a storyteller at heart—an artist who uses contemporary techniques to capture the timeless feel of relics and artifacts. Her work reflects a deep interest in the human experience, often with a touch of humor to highlight the shared fragilities of life. Guided by the adage “tragedy + time + comedy,” Dawna’s art invites viewers to connect emotionally and personally with each piece. 

“I have always had a fascination with artifacts, relics and antiques,” Dawna says. “They are clues to our evolution, markers of history, and stir up memories—whether personal or from a broader perspective.” Her sculptures, which often resemble ancient objects, aim to evoke that same emotional resonance as holding a beloved heirloom. “I try to make my pieces stir those emotions…a moment to relive something special.”

Dawna’s path to becoming a full-time artist was anything but conventional. Over the past fourteen years, she pursued independent study, attending workshops and refining her skills in mixed media, portraiture and painting before discovering her true artistic voice in ceramics. A recent certification from the Center for the Study of Figurative Sculpture marks her commitment to mastering her craft. 

“I think it’s the tactile aspect of clay,” she explains. “I love holding wet clay and then forming it into a 3-D version of my sketches. When it is complete, it has such a weighty feeling of permanence.” Clay, for her, is both medium and message—capable of rich textures and finishes that enhance her narrative style.

She hopes viewers will find a personal connection to her work. “I love when people take the beginnings of a story I make and build on it to make it their own.” 

To Dawna, art is much more than expression: “Art, to me, is a way to connect humanity… All the things that might otherwise divide us fall away, and we get to stand on common ground while celebrating the arts.”