Elisa Drumm Van Auken grew up in Akron, Ohio with her parents, Don and Lisa Drum of Don Drumm Studio and Gallery, and her two younger sisters. Starting at age 12 she worked in the gallery and helped her mother with a line of soft sculptured dolls. During her childhood she spent summers at Penland School of Crafts studying with many well known artists while her parents taught.
Ms. Van Auken received her B.F.A. in textile design from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating she worked for Gilbert Frank in New York City as a colorist and surface designer for their Men’s Wear division. It was during her tenure there when she discovered that color and texture were her strong points.
In 1986 Ms. Van Auken moved to the Boston area with her husband Jeff. She created and sold a line of hand-printed clothing under the name of E. Drumm Designs. This collection caught the eye of many galleries and museum stores across the country.
In 1999 with the gift of several pewter heads designed by her father, Don Drumm, she created her first collection of wood angels. This collection has grown, greatly influenced by early American folk art and the Southwest. Each wood sculpture piece is cut from pine plank, sanded, carved, painted, and adorned. The collection currently consists of 50 limited edition pieces. She continues to collaborate with her father on many pieces.
