Rachel Watson is a contemporary artist and arts administrator based in North Carolina. Her creative practice spans installation, alternative photography, printmaking, woodworking, jewelry, book arts, and textiles, often exploring material, place, and the ways people connect through making. She received her Master of Fine Art from the University of Georgia in 2020.

After graduate school, Rachel digitized the 7,000-piece collection at the Newcomb Art Museum in New Orleans, an experience that deepened her interest in preservation, access, and the role institutions play in supporting artists and cultural history. She previously served as the 2D Coordinator at the John C. Campbell Folk School, where she worked closely with instructors and supported a wide range of traditional and contemporary arts programming.

Rachel is the Founder and Executive Director of Elf School of the Arts, a nonprofit artist residency dedicated to providing time, space, and resources for artists to develop their work. She is also the owner and promoter of Elf Hall, a concert venue that hosts live music and performance, and serves as the Executive Director of the Cherokee County Arts Council. Across her artistic and administrative work, Rachel is committed to building inclusive, vibrant creative communities and creating sustainable opportunities for artists.