Steff’s First Visual Activist Piece (1998)

Smelser began her professional art journey in 1994 in Baltimore, Maryland. There she created and sold her first circular art creations at a few local coffee shops. Steff Smelser’s watercolor radishes sold fast, like HOTCAKES the store owner would say. 

Her prices then were fair. The watercolor radishes were round, vibrant, and just upbeat. 

Soon Stephanie was selected to build her first visual activist piece that was featured in the Baltimore Zoo recycled railroad. 

Stephanie collaborated with a local artist and together the dynamic duo built a 200lb Komodo Dragon that was created from scrap metal using an arc welder.  This Komodo dragon piece raised thousands of dollars for the Baltimore Zoo.  Riders paid to view all the recycled animals as they rode the 1st ever-recycled railroad! This was also Smelser’s first public visual activist piece.