Lila Graves was born in Alexander City, Alabama. Growing up with the furniture business her father owned, she was influenced by the craftsmanship. This can be seen in the weighty, three dimensional wooden carvings she has created in the past.

Since miraculously recovering from terminal cancer eight years ago her work has taken a spiritual direction. Her paintings often feature angels and crowned figures symbolizing her strong faith. Her bright, cheerful images are painted with a child-like brush stroke and reflect a sort of innocence most of us have lost.

When a friend suggested she exhibit at the Kentuck Festival, Lila applied and immediately felt at home among the other artists there. Though trained in studio art, her style changed after her struggle with cancer. Since then her work has been successful in bridging the gap between trained and self taught art.