Resident Artists

Scott Atiyeh

Born and raised in the Lehigh Valley, Atiyeh received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in ceramics and glass from Tyler School of Art at Temple University – Philadelphia, PA. He then went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the San Francisco Art Institute. He also studied at the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts in Hangzhou, China. Since then, eastern philosophies have had a major influence on his work.

When Scott joined the Banana Factory, he was asked if he was interested in teaching. Although he was hesitant at first, he embraced the opportunity to make a difference in young people’s lives and to show students how to cultivate their creative side. He went on to earn a teaching certificate at Kutztown University and now teaches high school art in the Salisbury Township School District.

He has also served as an instructor for numerous clay and sculpture classes, as well as the Banana Factory’s BananaWORKS summer employment program for youth.

Artist Statement

“People often see my work as dark and are sometimes taken aback by the images I create. My sculptures are not necessarily happy or pretty, but I don’t really see them as dark. I see them as real. This reality that I try to capture can often seem overwhelming. I also see each piece I create as a vessel that contains an energy or life-force. I want everything I make to look like it’s alive, like it has a spirit and is a living, breathing entity.”

-Scott Atiyeh