Andrea Chrem Crafty Andy

I’m a fiber artist based in Hickory, NC. Originally from Peru, I moved to the U.S. for college, where I studied Industrial Design and Jewelry at the Rhode Island School of Design. After spending most of my adult life living and working in New York City, I moved to Hickory in 2024 to be closer to the nature that inspires my work.

I’ve been creating and teaching art for over 20 years. I primarily use recycled or recyclable materials as the base of my work, incorporating embroidery, painting, screen printing, and basketry.

Being awarded the 2026 Summer Artist Residency (AIR) at TOSS in Morganton was an incredible milestone that pushed my practice further than ever before. Working closely with a local clothing and textile recycling company (Materials Return) truly helped me grow as an artist, allowing me to rediscover and deepen my passion for repurposing and reusing materials in my work.

Most days, you will find me searching for materials, yelling at my sewing machine, or trying to make the perfect tassel. I also love gardening and swimming, and I dream of someday having a secret garden filled with wildflowers and bees.