Independent Arts News Reporting Shawn Campbell Named Honored Artist of the 96th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill
Reported on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Pictured Above: Shawn Campbell working on one of her sculptures in studio. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: NEW HOPE, PENNSYLVANIA
Shawn will be honored at the preview reception of the 96th Juried Art Show in September.
New Hope, PA — Every year, as part of its Juried Art Show, the Phillips’ Mill Community Association’s Art Committee recognizes one artist whose work, dedication, and ongoing involvement with the Mill exemplify artistic excellence and camaraderie. This year’s honoree, sculptor Shawn Campbell of Milford, NJ, embodies all these qualities—as well as a deep sense of gratitude. Shawn will be honored at the preview reception of the 96th Juried Art Show in September.
Campbell credits much of her success and happiness as an artist to the support and mentoring she has received from fellow Mill members over the past several years, beginning when she first entered work in the Juried Art Show. “The first time I entered the show,” says Campbell, “I didn’t really know what Phillips’ Mill was. A gallery that represented me suggested I submit my work. I soon figured out the show was really prestigious. I was such a newbie, literally shaking when I walked into the room with my artwork on receiving day—I thought they were going to kick me out.”
Not only was her work accepted into that first show several years ago, but she has since become an award-winning sculptor whose work has been included in more than 35 exhibitions including the Lehigh Art Alliance Juried Exhibition, the Art of the River Towns Juried Art Show, several shows at New Hope Arts, and, of course, the Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill where she won the Patrons’ Award for Sculpture in the 2023.
“I’ve made such great friends, and I so appreciate the camaraderie and the community at Phillips’ Mill. It has really changed my life,” says Campbell about her transformative journey from nervous newcomer to celebrated artist.
Pictured Above: Shawn Campbell with one of her sculptures, “Nest.” Photo Credit: Contributed
Originally a painter, Campbell is now a disciplined, full-time ceramic sculptor, hand-building everything in her home studio –– from figurative works to large platters and what she calls “big-ass salad bowls.” She typically works from 9 am to 3 pm, with her dogs by her side, music blaring or a TV show on in the background. Both her functional and sculptural pieces are included in the current two-woman show, “Art in Harmony: Where Oil Meets Clay” at Stover Mill Gallery in Tinicum with Cindy Roesinger, open weekends through the end of July.
She is also a dedicated member of Phillips’ Mill, serving on the Art Committee for the past four years and serving as chair of the newer Mill Members Art Show & Sale which enters its third season next year under her stewardship. “The Mill is so inclusive. Everyone has a voice and can express their opinion freely,” she says. “That’s really important to me, and it comes through in my work, too.”
Before art, Campbell had a high-powered career running global operations for a talent management corporation, traveling the world and training teams. These days, she channels that energy into creative exploration. She still travels often—though now for pleasure—and finds inspiration everywhere, from tile patterns in local shops and markets to fine art museum collections. A devoted student, she takes at least one workshop every year to refine her skills, noting that Montana-based sculptor Adrian Arleo is a major influence.
“I’ve also always collected art,” she says. “I love seeing how other people think, how they come up with their ideas. It inspires me. It makes me wonder—how can I make something like that?”
As Honored Artist, Campbell’s work will be prominently featured at this year’s Juried Art Show, which runs September 20 – October 26, 2025. It’s a full-circle moment for an artist whose journey from uncertainty to confidence has been shaped by clay—and by the welcoming community she found at Phillips’ Mill.
Founded in 1929, Phillips’ Mill Community Association continues the legacy of its founders –– William Lathrop, Edward Redfield, Daniel Garber, Fern Coppedge and other New Hope School artists –– by providing a welcoming space for artists to gather and exhibit their work. Just as they honored and exhibited the art of their time, Phillips’ Mill takes pride in presenting the art of today, from traditional Bucks County landscapes to the modern and abstract, embracing expression in all forms. For information about the Mill’s programs, events, and membership visit www.phillipsmill.org.
Phillips’ Mill Community Association is located at 2619 River Road, just north of New Hope, 215-862-0582.
