Camille Hempel

Camille is an intuitive artist with a deep history in craft and design. Her "build it and they will come"/self-starting ambition launched her jewelry brand and helped realize her goal to build a storefront to connect with community for her last 7 years in Brooklyn, NY. Excelling in personal engagement with a sensitivity to diverse audiences, she generates positive energy in her current role at The Walker Art Center. Her goal is to be halftime in her rural Wisconsin off-grid nature place (constructed 2009) and immerse herself to become a part of influencing culture there.

Awarded top prize: $5k for Ugliest Couch in America Contest 2003, 

as awarded on National television show: Regis + Kelly. 

Selected to be in top ten from over 1000 sofas, then in top three. 

Ultimate award for 15 year passion photo documenting street couches (film + digital) and painting portraits of friends' couches. 

New York Times print interview including after-win portrait and the artists' street photos. 

Television spot with Jeannie Moos on CNN aired on repeat for 6 mos. 

As the contest momentum built over 4 months, Camille used some prize money to host a party to celebrate with community which included a pedestal to showcase the couch, and her roommates' band performing. 

2017 -2023: bringing 12 step AA meetings to those incarcerated and in facilities for treatment of mental illness. 

2023-24: spending time weekly with hospice patients.