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About Formato Fine Arts...

About the Owner, Lily Formato

In addition to her studio practice, Lily Formato has built a career as a gallerist and cultural organizer. She opened Formato Fine Arts in downtown Wytheville in 2018, creating a platform for artists working across Appalachia and beyond. Lily has hosted and participated in art show booths in multiple cities, expanding her reach outside the region, and has shipped her work nationally and internationally, including to Germany. She holds a BFA in Painting and Ceramics from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Wytheville Community College. Alongside her visual art career, Lily studied improv comedy in Chicago and is a graduate of The Second City Grad Revue program, a background that continues to influence her approach to storytelling, observation, and performance within her visual work.

Lily's Skills

  • ARTIST AND MAKER

    I am a multidisciplinary artist with roots in Wytheville and formal training from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My practice blends painting, ceramics, and community-based projects that honor Appalachian stories and contemporary craft. I create work that balances tradition with experimentation and celebrates the landscapes and people who shaped me.

  • FOUNDER OF FORMATO FINE ARTS

    I opened Formato Fine Arts in 2018 to bring life back to the historic 100 W Main Street building and to give Southwest Virginia a dedicated place for art, collaboration, and creative growth. The gallery showcases regional and national artists, hosts community events, and serves as a home base for emerging voices in Appalachia.

  • CURATOR AND CREATIVE PRODUCER

    I curate exhibitions that uplift diverse perspectives and highlight the richness of Appalachian culture and contemporary art. My work includes organizing art shows, musical productions, community murals, workshops, and performances that bring people together. Each project is designed with intention, storytelling, and accessibility at its core.

  • Teacher, Performer, and Community Builder

    I teach art classes for all ages, from beginner to advanced, both in person and online. My background in improv and performance shapes how I guide students through creativity, confidence, and play. At the gallery and beyond, my focus is building welcoming spaces where people can learn, connect, laugh, and discover their own artistic voice.