Meet The Artist!

Quia Z Atkinson is a contemporary mixed media artist and founder of QZ Design Gallery, living and creating in Tallahassee, Florida. A graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science and a minor in military science, Atkinson never imagined her academic path would guide her toward the world of fine art. Yet her journey, shaped by discipline, exploration, and global exposure, ultimately revealed her creative calling.

Her luxurious and vibrant artworks echo the rhythm of her upbringing. Works that seem to move, expand, and shimmer with life. Growing up in a military family and living in culturally rich places such as Oslo, Norway and Rabat, Morocco left a profound and lasting imprint on her artistic vision. These experiences weave through her creations, bringing forward a sense of global texture, motion, and emotional depth.

Atkinson’s work is distinguished by her signature fusion of fine materials: glass, acrylic, crystals, and resin. Each piece offers a three-dimensional, sparkling presence filled with layered brilliance and immersive depth. Drawn to the natural beauty of crystals and geodes, she incorporates that same elegance into both her art and home décor creations. Her work reveals new details from every angle, catching light in ways that continually engage the senses.

RECOGNITION
Her vibrant portfolio has earned widespread recognition. Atkinson has been named one of Tallahassee’s “25 Women You Need to Know” and has been featured on the covers of Tallahassee Woman Magazine and Tallahassee Magazine. Her exhibitions include solo shows at the Tallahassee International Airport Artport Gallery with COCA, Jefferson Arts Gallery, & Ralph Hurst Fine Art Gallery. Her artwork and décor have been highlighted by Travel Pulse Magazine (NJ), Bay Magazine (Tampa), Tallahassee Democrat, Emerald Coast Magazine, the Greater Works TV Network, and Visit Tallahassee among many others. She was selected as the cover artist Lemoyne Gallery’s annual Art & Soul gala and also for Big Bend Cares’ Artopia, the largest charity art auction in the capital.

COMMUNITY
Quia deeply values the community that has uplifted and supported her artistic journey. In gratitude, she gives back each year by donating artwork to numerous organizations and lending her time and expertise to local initiatives. She serves on the board of LeMoyne Gallery and has been a KCCI Catalyst, dedicating a year to enhancing community spaces with vibrant, meaningful art. Quia has also been invited three times to judge Sandestin’s prestigious ArtsQuest—an event that attracts more than 5,000 attendees and over 100 artisans—as well as serving as a judge for ARTOPIA.

Reflecting on her creative practice:
Atkinson shares: “I am continually learning and experimenting with new techniques, always challenging myself along this journey. Every artwork begins as a spark in my mind, and once the resin and paint begin to flow, I simply follow where they lead. The ability to create is a gift from God, and bringing my ideas into reality is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”