Val Russell – The Flying Hatter
flyinghatter.com
ArtRoom Collective Studio #15, basement studio

​

We sat down with Val Russell of The Flying Hatter to learn about her creative journey.

​

What kind of art do you create?

Fiber Art, I am a milliner, and hat maker

 

Can you share your journey as an artist? What inspired you to pursue this path?

My grandmother was an unrealized artist, and she was my first teacher. I sewed with her my whole childhood. All my teacher’s have inspired me in different ways. I am lucky enough to have a BFA from The University of Colorado Boulder and a MFA from The San Francisco Art Institute. 

​

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the South, Memphis, TN

​

What inspires you?
Fashion Week, and cities!

​

How long have you been producing art?
Childhood to present

​

What do you enjoy doing outside of creating art?

Aerial Acrobatics & Food 

​

Can you share any upcoming projects or exhibitions we should look out for?

So far this year, we are vending at Roundtop, Texas and The New Orleans Jazz Festival !!!!

 

When is your favorite time of day to create and why?

The golden hour when the lighting is the best! By that time, the studio has cleared out and it’s just ME!!!

​

Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?

Be an Artist!

​

Favorite piece you've created (and if you have a photo of it, attach in this email)?

So many…every season I have so many favorite hats.

​

What's something not many people know about you?

I live beyond my means…

​

What are you selling in your studio right now?

Funky Millinery, inspired by New Orleans, plus hat bands

​

Anything else you'd like to add.....

2026, year of the Fire Horse. I will own you!!!

​​