
Decatur, GA
Jewelry
"I was inspired by watching my grandmother make beautiful quilts of old clothes of various colors nd textures." 

Images © Obayana Ajanaku

Los Angeles, CA
Fiber
"I was born on a farm in Israel and nature has always greatly influenced my batik artwork. In addition, I am passionate about music, often incorporating it in my art." 

Images © Amos Amit

Lykens, PA
Photography
"I'm a fine art and documentary photographer working primarily in traditional film and darkroom techniques. My work has received awards by the Center for Fine Art Photography in Colorado, and the Royal Photographic Society in England, among others." 

Images © Joel Anderson

Norfolk, VA
Painting
"When I feel a certain connection with an animal, I try to portray what it is that captured my heart. My fairly realistic portraits are set on abstract backgrounds, utilizing color and texture to help tell their story." 

Images © Tracy Anderson

Galeton, PA
Metal
"As a contemporary blacksmith, my goal is to create work that is not only functional but is beautiful high quality that pushes the viewer's beliefs in what steel can do." 

Images © Anthony Arkus

Galeton, PA
2-D Mixed Media
"My artwork embraces memories of childhood through the use of imaginative images and storytelling." 

Images © Lisa Arkus

Howell, MI
Photography
"My work is inspired by 30 years of long distance hiking." 

Images © C. W. Banfield

1st time at AOFTA
Chambersburg, PA
Fiber
"Creating hand-woven tailored comfortable cotton clothing for women, men and children has been a passion of mine for over 37 years." 

Images © Pam Bartl

Greenville, SC
2-D Mixed Media
"My colorful story-inspired paintings celebrate classic faerie tales, children's literature, classic books, and theatre pieces, too! I love reviving memories of story time and family traditions, and engaging viewers with favorite tales." 

Images © Hallie Bertling

Gum Spring, VA
2-D Mixed Media
"Inspired by our historic past, I am excited to bring these special images back to life in living color. My goal is to inspire others with images that reflect how beautiful we really are!" 

Images © Susan Bock

Townsend, VA
Painting
"My greatest happiness comes from witnessing the beauty of nature and capturing a glimpse of that beauty on canvas. My latest works for this show are East Coast scenes I fell in love with and I hope that others can relate to these ‘love stories’ as well. I’m excited to share them with the public and look forward to connecting with people through my art!" 

Images © Carole Boggemann Peirson

Durham, NC
Wood
"My work blends hardwoods, wood veneers, and shell to create marquetry and inlaid mosaics. The resulting depictions are arranged along organic and geometric lines creating unique montages with each piece of wood and shell selected for contrast, complement, tone and color." 

Images © Brian Bortz

Carlisle, PA
Photography
"My work is inspired from the joy of emotion that wells up when I see the beauty in the creation. The journey of making a photograph is an effort to capture, idealize and express that original feeling for the viewer." 

Images © Mark Brown

1st time at AOFTA
Nashville, TN
Digital
"I draw inspiration from images both past and present, light and dark, often times combining the two in hopes of creating a counterbalanced symmetry. My goal is to take the seemingly unimaginable and make it a visual reality by blurring the lines between the real and the surreal, creating a story where final interpretation is open to multiple realizations. There are a number of paths in my work... which one is ultimately chosen is left for you to decide." 

Images © Jason Brueck

Hillsborough, NC
Jewelry
"The natural world has always been my source of inspiration. I have worked in various media over the years including illustration, printmaking, and fused and lampwork glass techniques, but the primary subjects of my work are inevitably plants and animals. My interest in botanical illustration was especially helpful in the development of my current enameling style. I make silkscreens from my drawings to create the outlines of the images and then hand paint the details using water color enamels and vintage china paints." 

Images © Lynn Burcher

Weston, FL
Photography
"I travel the East Coast creating fine art photographs of America's Lighthouses." 

Images © Cam Chapman

Williamsburg, VA
Photography
"Abstract, macro photography inspired from common items, emphasizing light, shape, and patterns often through refraction.For this weekend, I'm offering free shipping on all matted prints within the United States. Click "Shop Leo Charette" to see more." 

Images © Leo Charette

Corte Madera, CA
Photography
"I attempt to capture the dignity of everyday objects and people by capturing the fleeting moment of the convergence of light, texture, color and form." 

Images © Zeny Cieslikowski

1st time at AOFTA
Baltimore, MD
Painting
"Artwork reflects a highly personal amalgam of imagination and memory fueled by a relentless obsession with domestic, vintage objects from artist's personal collection. In addition to painting objects from life, there is also a strong interest in painting interior scenes in old houses." 

Images © Charlene Clark

Mocksville, NC
Fiber
"As I grew aup in Zimbabwe I was influenced by bold design and color." 

Images © Heather Cohen

Local artist!
Lanexa, VA
Photography
"Hi, local (Lanexa) wildlife photographer Ken Conger here. I only take photos of animals in the wild. I was able to get two 2020 wildlife trips in prior to virus impact. The second trip to the arctic was one of the best in my life. Unbelievable, the opportunity to photograph polar bear mothers and cubs exiting dens. Check out the website if inclined. Stay safe and virus free!" 

Images © Ken Conger

Midlothian, VA
Painting
"I'm looking forward to seeing my Williamsburg friends and patrons. My work is traditional watercolor often painted en plein air on travel painting trips. I often paint Virginia and coastal scenes, teaching workshops and working from photos." 

Images © Eleanor Cox

New Milford, CT
Painting
"My primary goal is to produce artwork containing the quality that appears to emit light or shine with reflected light. Go for the glow it's all about light. I look forward to seeing you Oct 3 & 4." 

Images © Carolyn Currie

Local artist!
Hampton, VA
2-D Mixed Media
"Nature and animals are the foundation of my paintings, they offer exploration in color, texture, and pattern. My paintings entice the viewer to take a closer look and discover the hidden images and small paintings within the main image." 

Images © Kristen Dahms

Upper Arlington, OH
Jewelry
"Lab Partners Jewelry exists at the intersection of art, science, and technology; blending the latest innovative technologies with time-honored artistic techniques to craft fun, wearable art." 

Images © J. D. Davison
J. D. Shipengrover

Baltimore, MD
Photography
"Fine art black and white photography, created with traditional film and paper. All photographs are individually hand developed in a wet darkroom by the artist." 

Images © Laura Denardo

Irvington , VA
Painting
"I reimagine landscape by capturing multiple elements of a familiar image and transfer it with paint and brush to a two dimensional plane." 

Images © Laura Edwards

Alexandria, VA
Photography
"Having grown up as an “Outdoor Kid”, playing in the fields and hills around my home, I developed a love of Nature which still inspires me; particularly in exploring the close-up views.With in-person art fairs being canceled this year, I’ve taken a new path this spring by creating a series called “MindScapes”, taking the viewer’s mind and senses on a Nature Journey from inside my studio.I go beyond taking a photograph and printing it. I sublimate my images onto aluminum panel components and combine these into Photographic Wall Sculptures. I’m excited to share these with you —virtually— on October 3rd & 4th!" 

Images © Chris FeddersonKathy Lawler

Radford, VA
Painting
"Painting from nature landscape. Inspiration from Virginia Mountain and River Plus artistic creative art styles of Watercolor." 

Images © Z. L. Feng

Bedford, PA
Ceramics
"Our artwork combines our hand drawn illustrations and poetry to create unique, ceramic clay wall art." 

Images © Victor Field
Megan Huston

1st time at AOFTA
Raleigh, NC
3-D Mixed Media
"I have the best job in the world--I recycle cool, vintage materials and then bolt and solder them together to create one-of-a-kind robots." 

Images © Amy Flynn

Garden City, NY
Painting
"I use fine oils on stretched portrait-grade canvas or linen using multiple thin layers of paint to enhance luminosity. Early layers are used to establish tonal quality. Subsequent layers are used to refine details. After curing, my paintings are coated with a special fine art conservation layer." 

Images © Lillian Forziat

1st time at AOFTA
Jefferson, NH
Painting
"Armed with oil paint & palette knife I create paintings that interpret the world around me. Art that generates visceral connections with memory in a vivid expression of color & texture." 

Images © Julia Gilmore

Perkinston, MS
Drawing and Pastels
"My style of art is realism to say the least. I find great joy in all the little details and love to wow the viewer. Next to my love for realism is my passion for black and white. I am blown away by how you can create an image just by changing values. To me black and white is calming and in this in your face world I think we all appreciate a little calmness. The third element of my style is nature of course. My hope is that the time is spend exploring the great outdoors and composing the images will be felt by the viewer. To know that my work touches them the way it touched me is I think the greatest achievement." 

Images © Bobby Goldsmith

Perkinston, MS
Drawing and Pastels
"Through my pastel drawings, I try to bring the viewer into a vintage world where nature comes to play. Each still life begins with an idea, old object, flora or fauna. From that I begin building my composition, playing with different perspectives. Shadows and reflections are a very important part of each piece. Drawings are completed using soft pastelpencils, sticks and panpastel on sanded paper." 

Images © Deana Goldsmith

Madison, VA
Wood
"We create contemporary wood furniture of original design using traditional hand wood joinery techniques. While designing and building furniture in the shop we regret that you will not be seeing our latest pieces in person. We are delighted to have this virtual Occasion For The Arts to show case our latest work." 

Images © Alec Gordon
Richard Gordon

Madison, VA
Jewelry
"I've been using this time of no live shows to explore new techniques such as electro etching and new ways of mixing metals. I look forward to sharing my new jewelry designs at this virtual Occasion.." 

Images © Ninika Gordon

1st time at AOFTA
Dry Fork, VA
Graphics and Printmaking
"My whimsical etchings and collographs are inspired by nature and fondness of animals. Looking forward to the art show this fall." 

Images © Linda Gourley

1st time at AOFTA
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Photography
"I love bringing the ocean's natural art to people who have never been scuba diving, or who live far from the ocean - not everyone has the good fortune to live on the coast or can travel to the islands every month!" 

Images © Chris Gug

Abingdon, VA
2-D Mixed Media
"Using my 50 years of weaving experience, I create abstract to realistic landscapes and imagery using colors, and natural compositions from hand painted, hand woven aluminum sheets." 

Images © John Gunther

Virginia Beach, VA
Digital
"I am a digital artist. I create Archival Signed/ Numbered Limited Edition Prints and Canvas Paintings hand drawn on the Apple iPad Pro.." 

Images © David Gwaltney

Denver, CO
Painting
"My philosophy is that, the viewer and I are co-creators of my work. I start the piece and the viewer finishes it with their own imagination," 

Images © Tate Hamilton

Virginia Beach, VA
Jewelry
"I fell in love with rocks as a child, and am continuously inspired by the beauty of unusual stones, clean lines, color shapes, texture, contrast and asymmetry drawing from my previous career as a graphic designer. Every stone used in my designs is hand selected or hand cut, and I mine the natural turquoise in Nevada with the claim owners. I strive to create memorable statement pieces using harmonious combinations of stones and shapes creating a language of it's own - from classy sophistication to feisty or fierce – the attitude of each piece goes beyond adornment by reflecting the wearers feelings in timeless designs." 

Images © Lynn Harrisberger

Wellsboro, PA
Jewelry
"My work is artistic expression wrapped up in craftsmanship. I love creating surface texture and organic details to create pieces that are distinctive and feminine. I’m excited to be a part of the virtual An Occasion for the Arts show, and look forward to showing my latest designs!" 

Images © Bonnie Hedden

Charlottesville, VA
Wood
"Patterns inspire me. My work includes graphic designs executed in wood veneers - so patterns within patterns. Jewelry cabinets and boxes respond well to this style of decoration. I also make complex patterned serving trays, and chess and backgammon boards." 

Images © David Heller

Atlanta, GA
Painting
"My subjects remain recognizable, but I blend perspective and distance to add energy and motion." 

Images © Galina Herndon

New Smyrna Beach, FL
3-D Mixed Media
"My work utilizes an intuitive approach employing natural objects around me to create a work of art." 

Images © Deborah Hildinger

Dublin, OH
Painting
"I painted paintings in oil and acrylic on canvas in real life, I want people to feel that the life force behind it is so strong they can walk into the canvas to feel the beauty, soul and power of nature." 

Images © Leo Hong Mao

Seaford, VA
Photography
"Photography is my attempt to share a feeling I can’t put into words. Whether it’s capturing wildlife in nature, or trying to express the beauty of things I see, it’s not just another photograph but my view through the lens." 

Images © Rick Hopson

Raleigh, NC
Jewelry
"I love to create wearable art from impossibly tiny glass beads and semi-precious stones. The combinations are endless!" 

Images © Megan Horan

1st time at AOFTA
Emmasu, PA
Sculpture
"My love for nature was instilled at a young age. When I traveled to the Peruvian rain forest. I was inspired to recreate my experience and share with others the wonders of the natural world." 

Images © Tom Horn

Wachapreague, VA
Painting
"I paint because I love this world, and believe in it and the people in it - and because I have faith, and hope, and optimism." 

Images © Carrie Jacobson

Montross, VA
Wood
"I am inspired by my fore fathers who created the first Windsor chair, which have lasted many generations." 

Images © William JenkinsLucy Jenkins

Bellefontaine, OH
Fiber
"Making one HANDBAG & FACE MASK at a time: keeping art simple. Functional & durable for everyday. When it comes to beauty, quality is everything." 

Images © Jessica Joy

Alexandria, VA
Jewelry
"I make sculptural jewelry from polymer clay. My unique and light polymer creation and I will be waiting for you during An Occasion for the Arts, the Virtual :)" 

Images © Wiwat Kamolpornwijit

Mchenry, IL
Painting
"While I am inspired by the things I see everyday on the drive to the studio or the drive to the next city for a show. Images of seemingly mundane landscapes speaks to me in their quiet intensity. Whether it is a vibrant sunset or a snow covered field, the language of these places build in my memory. I am compelled to paint the things that I see and share that story." 

Images © Tanya Kirouac

Mchenry, IL
2-D Mixed Media
"While I am inspired by the things I see everyday on the drive to the studio or the drive to the next city for a show. Images of seemingly mundane landscapes speaks to me in their quiet intensity. Whether it is a vibrant sunset or a snow covered field, the language of these places build in my memory. I am compelled to paint the things that I see and share that story." 

Images © Tanya Kirouac

Geneva, IL
Glass
"Kiln formed glass with a focus on the functional. Made from hand pulled murrini, a traditional glass technique, reinterpreted in a modern context." 

Images © Robin Kittleson

1st time at AOFTA
State College, PA
Jewelry
"I have always been very inspired by the work of ancient jewelry artists - the fine detail that was achieved nearly 5000 years ago is just amazing, some of which is very difficult to duplicate even today. Each of my pieces is entirely handmade, primarily in sterling silver, and, due to the nature of the techniques I use, each one is truly unique." 

Images © Carol Korte

Local artist!
Toano, VA
Ceramics
"My inspiration arises from interaction with the clay itself: the curve of one bowl makes me wonder what would happen to the next one if I pushed a little more here or pulled a little more there. After 45 years in the studio, I have more of these questions than ever." 

Images © Elizabeth Krome

San Mateo, CA
Jewelry
"My design sensibility comes from years of training and practicing as an architect. I use shell-forming and anticlastic raising techniques. Thin, flat sheets of silver, gold, or mokume gane are slowly shaped into 3-D objects using hammers, stakes, and an anvil. The hammer marks left from forming provide beautiful textures which are contrasted with polished highlights. Being a LEED accredited architect, I use recycled metals whenever possible." 

Images © Theresa Kwong

Local artist!
Williamsburg, VA
Fiber
"Someone once aptly described my work as “riffing on fabric.” Sometimes that means there are words on it. Sometimes it means I’ve incorporated a wide variety of techniques, fabrics and embellishments. Rarely does my work fit neatly into a category." 

Images © Ann Lee

Midlothian, VA
Wood
"I create fine art boxes for jewelry, humidors and collectibles. Through the use of precious woods from around the world, hand rubbed finishes, and garment suede interiors - tomorrow's heirlooms are created." 

Images © Ronald Lentz

Centreville , VA
Jewelry
"We make handcrafted jewelry with flameworked and fused glass, enamel, silver, copper, and semi-precious stones. We value the gorgeous color palate of opaque, transparent and reactive glass available today, as well as its decorative and sculptural possibilities. The avenues of self-expression possible melting glass at the torch, or in a kiln, and combining it with the malleable properties of metal, are seemingly endless. We also have some fun with bottle glass, and appreciate its eco-friendly aspects and simple beauty." 

Images © Roberta Manly William Manly

Norfolk, VA
Ceramics
"My forms are simple and quiet so that I can use surfaces as a canvas for both stylized nods to nature and happy doodles. I love to make table lamps and to go through my paper collection to find the just the right colorway and texture for each lampshade. Sometimes, I will find a paper that I love and that paper will inform the piece. I am in awe of the beauty and diversity of flowers and inspired by an array of images from botanical illustrations to garden photographs to Georgia O’Keeffe macro paintings and Henri Rousseau fantasticals.Beauty gives our souls a little refreshment so we can get on with the more mundane tasks of life." 

Images © Barbara Mann

Reston, VA
Jewelry
"The cuttlefish bone is my canvas and inspiration. I use its textures and patterns to guide my creative process and capture then in hand-carved molds to craft one-of-a-kind pieces of art jewelry. With the closing of most art shows, the COVID-19 pandemic presented me with the opportunity of not having to create on a timeline. I have used this time to explore new techniques, such as the ancient Japanese technique of Kumihimo, which have breathed new life and pops of color into my pieces. I look forward to sharing the results with you." 

Images © Lisa Markowitz

Rockville, MD
Jewelry
"I create handcrafted art jewelry that combines my love of color and texture. The process starts with fused glass that I create using over 80 colors. My signature style of combining high polish and textured metal and colorful glass and gemstones creates unique and lasting designs." 

Images © Robin Markowitz

1st time at AOFTA
Acworth, GA
Fiber
"I want my marbled garments to capture the beauty and movement of nature - the intricate butterfly as it moves from one colorful flower to another, the grandeur of a rocky waterfall in the middle of a forest or the calm peace of a beach sunset - these are the snapshots of our world that inspire my art." 

Images © Susan Marling

St. Petersburg, FL
Painting
"My oil and acrylic paintings are primarily landscapes from my travels but I also enjoy working abstractly. I’m look forward to showing my newest work at the upcoming virtual festival!" 

Images © John Maurer

Raleigh, NC
Jewelry
"My botanical jewelry collections are big, bold statement pieces featuring sterling silver, enamel, and gem stones" 

Images © Mary May

1st time at AOFTA
Englewood, FL
Jewelry
"Gem Carver & GoldSmith, I carve organic form gemstones with an emphasis on ocean related themes. I then hand fabricate settings from recycled silver & gold. I take the wearer back on a journey to their joyful times on tropical vacations." 

Images © Don Mccoy

2-D Mixed Media
"Elginia’s elongated stylized images are painted with striking colors that stir the emotion and feelings of onlookers. Most of her paintings consist of oils on canvas.Her purpose is to create images that will touch the lives and the hearts of people of all ages, cultures and races. “I feel we are the image of our creator in many ways. Humans have a need to create. Through art one can intrigue the mind, dazzle the senses, stir emotions and share a part of ones self with others."
" 

Images © Elginia McCrary

Otter Tail County, MN
Wood
"My pieces are free-hand carved from single blocks of green/fresh wood. I gather my logs locally from fallen trees. My process requires no glue-ups, joinery, or lathe-work. I work alone. I find inspiration in nature and its efficiency in design. Natural design is everything it needs to be and nothing more." 

Images © Jay Mcdougall

Onancock, VA
Painting
"I paint realistic scenes in oil - landscapes, seascapes and still life. I’m inspired by light and how it creates a moment in time and a mood that, for me, is best captured in oils." 

Images © Laura Mcgowan

Charlottesville, VA
Jewelry
"I used handpicked, ethically sourced gemstones with significant cuts and turn them into pieces of fine jewelry using recycled precious metals for sustainability. Many designs feature the Time Traveler pattern with each piece hand chased by me with a cosmic star chart pattern." 

Images © Jason Mcleod

Williamsburg, VA
Painting
"I work to develop paintings that express the beauty, love, and innocence that exist in all of God's creatures." 

Images © Catherine Minga

Pomaria, SC
Sculpture
"I combine carved stone, wood and metalwork to create mixed media sculpture. My inspiration may be lurking in the kitchen drawer or watching me from a nearby tree!" 

Images © Eric Moore

Local artist!
Williamsburg, VA
Digital
"Hi, I'm Bob Oller, a local Artist, working in acrylics and vector painting media, here in Williamsburg, VA. I'm passionate about creating art that inspires your imagination and memories... Images that bring joy to your home. Come by my studio and enjoy the garden and my works...visit my site hope you'll come by." 

Images © Bobby Oller

1st time at AOFTA
Rochester Hills, MI
Photography
"Stories Told in Things Left Behind: A Disappearing American Landscape.Digital photographs focused on the absence of people in rural communities. The stories revealed in the artifacts left behind are my inspiration, in a landscape that is often quiet and calm. Each viewer brings her own experience when viewing these images. The subtle manipulation of color, composition and content will strike an emotional chord with everyone who views the work.
Looking forward to meeting you and sharing the stories behind my images during the first ever Occasion for the Arts Virtual Festival October 3-4!" 

Images © James Parker

Gainesville, FL
Graphics and Printmaking
"Wilderness feeds my soul and connects me with everything. The meditative processes of relief print and the creation of my pieces honors that experience and, in turn, feeds the souls of others and perhaps, the Universe." 

Images © Leslie Peebles

1st time at AOFTA
Portland, OR
Painting
"Nonrepresentational abstract on lucite created using a verre e’glomise’ process. Multiple layers of oil bar, pure pigment, translucent acrylic washes, and gold leaf are applied on the reverse side. I acknowledge the universal language of color. All colors are powerful. They are capable of eliciting different responses and emotions. My primary focus is the interaction of light and illumination of color, which shows in each piece of my abstract work." 

Images © Lyn Sedlak-Ford

Jonesborough, TN
Photography
"I seek out simplistic composition and soft, intimate light for my images in order to communicate a story and provoke an emotional response for the viewer. I capture these very brief moments in time using only one exposure. With 40 years experience, I do not need to use any HDR editing in my work." 

Images © Ken Smith

Norfolk, VA
Glass
"Always inquisitive and seeking, Joshua uses glassblowing as an avenue for inquiry. His love of the material and passion for exploration is channeled into his work through form, color and texture." 

Images © Joshua Solomon

Middlebrook, VA
Wood
"Through curiously playful exploration, stretching the limits of technical possibilities, I’ve created new exhilarating realms in sculptural woodturning, expanding the imagination while giving a lovely voice to the inherent natural beauty of fallen trees. Combined with focused studies in the positive potential of humanity, the beauty of nature and the brilliant cosmos, I sculpt elegant winged structures with engaging elements of function and inspirational wonder." 

Images © Mike Sorge

Williamsburg, VA
Painting
"I work in watercolor and oil, largely from life (though I do accept commissions, which I make from photos!). The push/pull tension in nature--light and dark, matter and void, vibrancy and dullness--moves me to create, and I draw on the natural world around me for inspiration in all of those things." 

Images © Clare Spooner

New Milford, CT
Painting
"My paintings are ethereal marsh landscapes of coastal marsh from my travels along the Atlantic seaboard. Look forward to seeing you Oct. 3 and 4." 

Images © Dennis Stuart

Louisa, VA
Digital
"My images are based on photographs and then digitally manipulated using a combination of various filters, both purchased and self-created, along with individual element work to give a vision of the essence of a scene rather than an exact recording of the scene." 

Images © Alison Thomas

Baltimore, MD
Painting
"WI love lush color and juicy paint regardless of the subject. Color, light, drama, action- Paint!" 

Images © Karen Trimble

Indian Harbour Beach, FL
Jewelry
"We hand fabricate jewelry using sea urchins and shells- capturing the movement of mythical sea creatures, whether they are swimming, plunging, or floating in the water. Traditional blacksmithing techniques and hand tools are the foundation of our metals practice." 

Images © Barbara Umbel
Rick Umbel

1st time at AOFTA
Grand Rapids , MI
Wood
"Mid century modern inspired one of a kind designs made of domestic hardwoods with no stains or dyes. A clear UV protective lacquer is used to protect and maintain the natural colors of the woods." 

Images © Steve Uren

Staunton, VA
Painting
"I am a happy resident of the magnificent Shenandoah Valley, which constantly inspires me to paint it’s rugged natural and very rural beauty. I work in oils primarily and my subject matter includes landscapes as well as city and seascapes, with a decidedly Americana inclination." 

Images © Mary Ann Vessey
Don Vessey

Local artist!
Newport News, VA
Glass
"I love the effect that light has on interior spaces and how that changes throughout the day and through the seasons." 

Images © Kathy Wooldridge