Sarah C. Swarz (Blanchette) is a Detroit-based creative professional, photo-based fiber artist, and community builder whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling, design, and social impact. She holds a BA in Journalism and Studio Art Photography from Oakland University, an MFA in Photography from Cranbrook Academy of Art, and is currently pursuing her MBA in Marketing at Oakland University.

Through a practice that spans higher education, marketing, curation, and fine art, Sarah explores how visual storytelling can drive connection, understanding, and empowerment. She currently serves as the Marketing and Events Coordinator for Oakland University’s Career and Life Design Center, where she leads department-wide branding, strategic communications, and the production of high-impact events and digital content that promote student success. She is also the producer and creative director of the Journey Mappers Podcast, a campus storytelling series that highlights the lived experiences of students, alumni, and employer partners.

As a working artist, Sarah’s creative practice is rooted in photo-based fiber art. Her work explores identity, memory, and digital duality—often reconstructing personal archives through tactile, hand-sewn pieces that examine the evolving nature of selfhood and lineage. Blending silk, velvet, oilcloth, and family photography, she creates intimate visual meditations on transformation and preservation.

Sarah is the Co-Founder of Critical Stuff Collective, a professional development and visibility platform for working artists. She has exhibited nationally in museums, galleries, zines, and online artist-run spaces. She is a Juried Artist Member of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA), and a member of Embrace Creatives, the Surface Design Association (SDA), and Detroit Artists Market (DAM).

Her career—and her art—is guided by the belief that creativity is a powerful tool for empowerment and change, especially for women and underrepresented communities. Through every medium she touches, Sarah’s work invites people to engage, reflect, and reimagine.

For creative or professional inquiries, contact: sarah@sbfinephoto.com