Ava Rhodes has a B.A. degree from Yale University in anthropology. Her special interest is in collecting African statues and ceremonial masks. African ceremonial art is a major influence in her expressionistic paintings. Her art genres are primarily abstract expressionism and figurative/calligraphic/kinetic expressionism. Her paintings are in several private collections in Palm Beach, Florida, California and Massachusetts. 

She primarily paints in oil applied with a palette knife. As well as the use of pourable acrylic drip paint. Her major artistic  influences are Joan Mitchell, Sam Francis, and Hans Hoffman. 

 

She is also the Executive Director and Founder of Passion for Paws, Inc. based in West Palm Beach, Florida that provides subsidized vet care assistance for indigent pet owners and provides a sanctuary for senior pets ( cats, dogs, donkeys). She has a masters degree in non-profit management from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.