Serena Bates studied traditional figure painting and anatomy at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts and the Rhode Island School of Design. Exploring many mediums including charcoal, pastel, oil and acrylic paint, when discovering clay she had finally found her soul mate and companion, saying, "When you find a material that you can work with tirelessly and not count the time, when your excitement still sings when you leave the studio for the day, you have found home." The artist describes herself as a story teller with an affinity for portraits and animals. "Life's stories plant seeds in my mind, take shape in my soul, and are born through my sculptures." She works in clay, bronze and stone. Serena is a member of many national arts organizations an won numerous awards