World Famous Pickleball-Inspired Art: Rebecca Grant, an artist based in St. George, Utah, isn’t just creating art—she’s reimagining it. Inspired by childhood memories and modern trends, her work has evolved from side projects to full-fledged exhibitions. What began as crafting for her own home turned into a larger passion.
“I create because it brings me joy. It never really started with the idea or intention that other people would like my things.” – (Grant)
Her journey into the art world was accidental. Collaborating with a designer, Grant’s work caught the attention of a local ceramic artist, who encouraged her to submit her creations to galleries. That advice led her to the St. George Art Museum, and eventually, to ART Provides, where she began showing her innovative work.
Pickleball-Inspired Art: Clever Wordplay Meets Creativity
Grant’s art collection took a unique turn when her love for pickleball—sparked by her husband’s competitive spirit—merged with her passion for creating. Her first themed paddle was called “Prickle Ball,” inspired by a cactus. “Since I’m not athletic, this was my way of joining the pickleball fun,” Grant shared. Each paddle in her collection rhymes with “pickle,” like “Nickle Ball” and “Brickle Ball.”
Inspired by her grandmother, a former elementary teacher, Grant’s clever themes often have a playful, childlike wonder. One of her pieces, “Piggle-Ball,” features a likeness to Ms. Piggy, a design she knew would make her grandmother smile. Her artwork displayed at ART Provides even invites the public to suggest other rhyming themes via a pickle jar.
From Funkopops to Party Props: A Diverse Artistic Journey
Grant’s creative journey started much earlier, customizing Funkopop figurines by swapping heads and bodies to create unique characters. She eventually branched out to larger, more intricate projects. While her husband loves keeping things neat, Grant’s art is a constant, sprawling presence in their home. After moving to Utah, she claimed the boat garage as her dedicated art space, turning it into a creative haven.
Over the years, her art has expanded beyond traditional wall pieces. Inspired by works like Sung Hee Cho’s colorful canvases and plastic toys, Grant created her 3D designs, including plastic skulls plastered onto canvas. She’s also designed four artworks inspired by the movie “Encanto,” with distinct color schemes representing key moments.
“I think that really comes through in my art now. It’s not just about painting, it’s part sculpture, too. I’m always figuring out how to create 3D effects and experimenting with different materials to bring that dimension to life.” – (Grant)
Larger-Than-Life Art: Halloween Props and Custom Commissions
Grant’s artistic talents don’t end at canvas work. She also specializes in party props and woodworking, crafting oversized decorations for events. This Halloween, she’s designing a villain-themed party, featuring elements from Taylor Swift’s aesthetic, Beetlejuice, and Wicked. One of her standout creations is a giant Styrofoam friendship bracelet. Her prop-making skills extend to baby showers and photo shoots, where she’s built everything from giant Scrabble tiles to life-sized bears made of foam.
“My favorite movie is Singing in the Rain, when she jumps out of the cake,” Grant said. Inspired by that scene, she’s working on a cake large enough to jump out of, complete with customizable features for grand openings, weddings, and more. She accepts commissions and rents out props, offering clients a personal touch with her artistic flair.
News in Brief: World Famous Pickleball-Inspired Art
Rebecca Grant, a St. George artist, has made a name for herself with her unique pickleball-inspired art. What started as a personal project evolved into a collection shown at local galleries, including ART Provides. Her work, which includes creative wordplay on pickleball paddles, stems from her childhood love of art and woodworking. Beyond wall art, Grant creates life-sized party props, such as oversized Scrabble letters and a cake prop inspired by Singing in the Rain.
ALSO READ: Dink Victorious Pickleball Tournament: Participating Will Help Raising Funds For Cancer Research
