Polly Gaillard is a seasoned professional with a rich background in the arts and nonprofit sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Polly's academic career includes over a decade of teaching photography and art courses at several universities, including Furman University, Anderson University, Greenville Technical College, the University of Georgia, the University of New Orleans, and Delta State University. Her teaching portfolio is distinguished by her involvement in study-abroad programs in Prague and Italy, enhancing the international exposure of her students.

As a fine art photographer, Polly has actively participated in national portfolio reviews, authored an artist book, and exhibited her work extensively in both solo and group shows across the United States. Her deep engagement with the art community extends to her roles as a juror for various exhibitions and a writer who prolifically covers photography and its practitioners, exploring the creative process and the vulnerability involved in exposing artwork in a competitive field.