Judy Bales has worked for more than 25 years in fiber sculpture and for 10 years in public art.  In her studio work, she utilizes found, recycled or reclaimed materials to create objects that contain warmth and lyricism.   She is fluent designing for large public art works, creating avant garde costumes or constructing abstract fiber installations.

Bales has designed integrated enhancements for numerous trail and highway bridges in Arizona and Iowa and has competed as a finalist in public art projects throughout the country.  Her commitment to a project begins with extensive research into the physical environment and culture of an area, approaching each situation with fresh vision and without preconceived ideas.  Her experiences with bridge enhancements range from collaboration with engineers from the ground up to the retrofitting of designs into existing structures.  Bales is a skilled educator and involves the public in projects whenever possible.  She has worked within a wide range of budgets, from modest to handsome, and believes that quality of art is not dependent on budget size.