The Dark Muse

Out Now!

Maeve Klepper has been cultivating an abnormal and creative environment for herself her entire life. She grew up in a calm suburb of New Jersey, and then spent 3 years living at the Jersey Shore. This move provided new creative opportunities for her. When she found herself back in the suburbs inspired by contrasting her environment. She is influenced by her surroundings as she lives with antiques, oddities, and taxidermies. The idea of creating art which may cause discomfort or annoyance fascinates her, as she is not afraid to be different.

Maeve is now pursuing her BFA at William Paterson University. She has taken part in many art exhibitions, including the juried Here/Now student exhibition, winning “Best in Sculpture,” “Best in Painting," and “Best in Show.” Outside of school, Maeve uses creativity in her work life. She was a barista for three years, and took classes in New York City to perfect her latte art, which always puts a smile on customers’ faces. She also designed the website for a local Asbury Park gallery. Maeve desires every aspect of her life to be artistic, and to continues to expand her artistic interest. Her art explores horror, Surrealism, and emotion. Her body of work is meant to be open ended and relatable, while also providing comfort only an outcast would understand. Maeve is working on becoming a tattoo artist, so she can share her art with those willing to wear it forever. She continues to show her permanent love for art by making her skin one of her own masterpieces.

Current Project

Saving the Grotesque. Inspired by Cesar A. Cruz’s famous saying “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” Can Grotesque art coexist in the Contemporary art world without seeking subcultural refuge?

Past Works

Exhibitions

  • 2024 BFA Senior Thesis Show, William Paterson University, NJ

  • 2024 Provost’s Office, William Paterson University, NJ

  • 2024  Here/Now, Juried exhibition, University Gallery, William Paterson University, NJ

  • 2023   Here/Now, Juried exhibition, University Gallery, William Paterson University, NJ

  • 2019   Art Start, Power Art Gallery, William Paterson University, NJ

  • 2019   Teen Arts Festival Exhibition, Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ

  • 2018   Teen Arts Festival Exhibition, Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ

  • 2017-present Maeve Klepper, Beetlehouse, NYC

Awards & Recognitions

  • 2024 Best in Painting, Here/Now, William Paterson University, NJ

  • 2023 Art Trustee Scholar, William Paterson University, NJ

  • 2023 Best in Show Here/Now, William Paterson University, NJ

  • 2023 Best in Sculpture Here/Now, William Paterson University, NJ

  • 2019 Art Trustee Scholar, Art Start, William Paterson University, NJ

  • 2019 special recognition Teen Arts, Bergen Community College, NJ

  • 2018 special recognition Teen Arts, Bergen Community College, NJ