LAKE OF THE WOODS
ARTS

Janice is originally from Austin, Texas. She left Austin to follow her pilot husband to several other locations and now enjoys the seasons of Virginia weather and lake life in the Lake of the Woods. She loves all forms of art and has dabbled in many of them: quilting, fabric art, acrylic pours, alcohol ink, oil and acrylic painting. Her medium of choice is acrylic paints.

She is self-taught, but has many artist friends who have encouraged her and helped her perfect her work. She especially loves to paint nature and animal close ups.

Her studio is in her home at Lake of the Woods where she can always look in the back yard and see many beautiful birds stopping by, including the great blue herons hunting for fish and the occasional small critter. There are many swans, ducks and geese stopping by her beach, as well as squirrels, chipmunks and other native animals. Watching these native birds and animals has driven her desire to capture them on canvas.

Pete Brown is an oil and acrylic painter. His need to paint is driven by a desire to share something beautiful. His vision of a subject is usually an enhanced version of what he observes. He paints on the edge of reality, utilizing lost and found edges and broken colors, inviting the viewer to complete the picture in a shared experience. His pursuit of capturing not only what he sees but what he imagines drives him to recreate nature’s beauty on canvas. The son of a waterman, Pete is often drawn to scenes of workboats and water.

After retirement, Pete pursued his art more seriously, studying with noted teacher Andy Braitman for four years. He found his “painting voice” and has been able to teach and inspire others to find their voice.

Awards: Ellen Gaskin Cook Memorial- Nature at its Best – First Place “Baywatch”, Fredericksburg Art Show and Sale – Third Place “Reed Master”, Nature at its Best – Honorable Mention “Back Porch Arrangement”.

Eve has spent most of her life doing various arts and crafts. She discovered kiln-formed/fused glass in 2000. Since then, she has taken dozens of classes in the DC/VA/MD area and worked with many world-renowned artists to build and broaden her knowledge. She has experimented with stained glass, blowing and lampworking glass, but soon returned to fusing glass in a kiln. Her true passion is experimenting with different techniques and combining them, often building several layers of glass and firing her pieces multiple times to get the desired depth, color and texture each piece demands.

Eve accepts and enjoys custom orders and likes to work with her clients on the overall design of their piece(s). Her clients enjoy learning about the process and techniques while getting a better understanding and appreciation for how their new art piece will be created.

Her work has been exhibited in juried and local shows and art galleries in various locations in Virginia. Eve has been a long-time and active member of the National Capital Art Glass Guild (NCAGG) and a member of the Lake of the Woods (LOW) Arts group in Locust Grove, VA.

BJ Elvgren is a quilt artist and acrylic painter in a folk art tradition. She is self taught and began making art mid life. Her Tulane BA is in philosophy. In the past she painted on the quilting fabrics in her quilt art, and recently she paints on canvas using fabric patterns and fabric collage. Her inspiration is drawn from her love of flowers, England landscapes and Border Collies. Her work is colorful and whimsical and conveys a sense of shalom. She seeks to celebrate God’s creation as an expression of her faith walk.

Her quilt art has won awards, been featured in magazines and is in individ ual and corporate collections. She has quilts in the American Quilter’s Society Museum, Paducah, KY, Chester Cathedral, England, WQED, Pittsburgh, PA. The more recent (2022 2023) floral paintings have been in juried shows in Liberty Town and Fredericksbu rg Center for the Creative Arts,Fredericksburg VA; 311Gallery, Raleigh, NC and Cape Fear Studios, Fayetteville NC.

Elaine and Joe became fascinated with pottery in 1977 when, along with their young children, they visited Acoma Pueblo and marveled at distinctive hand coiled pots. Years later Joe was inspired sitting at a potter’s wheel at Manassas Clay. Elaine followed soon afterwards. Along the way they participated in workshops featuring renowned potters Kevin Crowe, Ron Meyers, Sandi Pierantozzi and Neil Patterson.

The design of their home at Lake of the Woods, VA was influenced by a potter’s studio overlooking mudflats near San Francisco. Sitting at their wheels, Elaine and Joe look out their cove toward the main body of the lake.

Working with clay is a never-ending process to learn about clays, glazes, techniques, and design. Though most items in their bodies of work begin on the wheel, some originate as a slab of clay. Alteration follows or particular glaze applications are designed. Working with wet clay is sensual, addictive, and frustrating! But achievement when limits are pushed offers the best reward.

Elaine and Joe held successful home shows and share their work with the community at LOW Arts Shows and Kriskindlmarkts. Their pots can be purchased in their studio by appointment and at Manassas Clay.

Whether serving as the family photographer, seeking out opportunities to create images during her travels, or experimenting with different types of cameras and photographic techniques, Jen has been an active and enthusiastic photographer throughout her life.

She has spent many hours, particularly since 2010, taking classes and workshops and participating in photo clubs to expand her knowledge and to spend time with – and learn from - other photographers. While living in Maryland, she participated in several clubs and their photography exhibits. In 2015, she had two gallery exhibitions of her images captured during her travels in Cuba. Her photography was also featured in the 2017 and 2020 calendars of the Alliance for the Chesapeake.

She joined the Muddy Creek Artists Guild in Maryland in 2012, served terms as webmaster and president, and was constantly inspired by fellow artists working in a wide variety of art media.

Jen moved to Lake of the Woods (LOW) in 2019 and became involved with the LOW Photo Club and with the LOW Visual Arts Council. In 2020, she became the first president of the new LOW Arts group, a thriving club with an ever-expanding membership and many opportunities for LOW artists to exhibit and learn together.

My paintings can be described as traditional, but I use my unique perspective to draw the viewer into the world as I see it, incorporating humor or beauty whenever possible. An intrepid traveler, I want to view everyday subjects with fresh eyes. Painting on the national plein air circuit has enticed me to travel further and wider.

Teaching art provides me another regular, joyful outlet. I’m devoted to sharing what I know with students. I’ve proudly served as a member of the faculty at the re-known Art League School in Alexandria, Virginia; Frederick Community College in Maryland, the Lorton Workhouse and in many art centers across the USA and around the world. I continue each year to conduct workshops nationally and internationally.

Catherine Hillis has won hundreds of awards and has earned Signature Memberships with: the Laguna Plein Air Painters, the San Diego Watercolor Society, Southern Watercolor Society, Georgia Watercolor Society, Virginia Watercolor Society, the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, the South Carolina Watercolor Society, Missouri Watercolor Society, the Western Colorado Watercolor Society and the Washington Society of Landscape Painters.

Allita Irby grew up in Oklahoma. She started her studies in Sociology, Art History and Drawing at Cameron State University (OK). At Bowie State University (MD), Allita earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with heavy concentration in Anthropology. There she furthered her knowledge of indigenous folkways and arts.

Allita’s art work centers on recording and documenting of nature. She works in photography, mixed media and found objects such as feathers and dried botanicals.

Since 2005, Allita’s 2D and 3D visual art work has been juried into multiple shows in the Washington Metropolitan Area. She has been a judge in Prince George’s County art exhibitions. Allita has curated and coordinated exhibitions in collaboration with the Maryland National Capitol Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) and for Artomatic, Inc. in Washington, DC. Allita has also been invited to hold art workshops in Maryland and Virginia. In 2009, Allita was appointed to the Art in Public Places Panel in Prince George’s County MD.

Recently, Allita participated in community art shows and an exhibition at Morgan State U. in Maryland. Professional memberships include: Hyattsville Community Artists’ Alliance MD; Lake of the Woods Arts Club VA; Black Artists of DC.

As an artist, Bill's goal is to reflect the beauty of creation and the spiritual power of nature in art. Through the interplay of color, line and form his paintings invite the viewer to connect with the art on an emotional and personal level.

Bill studied art at the University of Minnesota. After college, Bill put down his brushes and tubes of paint as his life took a turn and he followed a path into the ministry. Now, after many years, Bill has picked up his artist’s tools again and rededicated himself to his art. He says, “As a result, I have discovered the bliss of becoming lost in the creative process; the joy of finding something I love and calling it my work; and I have been surprised by the thrill I experience when you, the viewer, appreciate the art I create.” Bill exhibits and sells painting at the Fredericksburg Center for Creative Arts, the Fredericksburg Fine Arts Show & Sale, the Fareways Art Show, the Lake of the Woods Art Show, Art at the Mill in Millwood, Virginia, the Orange Center for the Arts, and online at Mann.Made.Art on Instagram.

Bill finds his inspiration in the blues of lake and sky, the deep green of forests and the beauty of reflected light on water and leaves. Now residing at Lake of the Woods, near Fredericksburg, Virginia, his subjects are the flora and fauna of Virginia and the mountains, lakes, rivers, marshlands and ocean of the Eastern United States.

Karen is a self-taught photographer located in central Virginia. With no formal training, she credits the internet, other photographers, and epic failures for her growth as a photographer. Before discovering a love of photography, she channeled her creativity through flowers and cooking. Although photography has recently taken center stage in her creativity, she still enjoys them all.

A self-proclaimed “work in progress,” she feels that she learns each time she picks up the camera. Karen participates in online photography group challenging her to try different techniques and pushing her to learn and grow. She believes that you never stop learning.

Everyone sees things differently and Karen enjoys sharing her perspective. Sometimes that perspective is artistic or abstract. Sometimes it’s just a closer look at the ordinary. Often, it’s just about sharing the beauty she sees. While macro (close-up) and abstract photography are her favorites, you will find a myriad of flowers, sunrises, and nature in her collection.

Karen is an active member of Lake of the Woods Arts, has been accepted into local and national juried art and photography shows, has received awards for her work, and most recently has enjoyed the success of selling her art.

Elena is originally from Worcester, MA and now resides in Locust Grove Virginia with her husband and two cats. After performing on stage in musicals for over thirty years, Elena has turned her attention to the art world. She finds inspiration from some artists such as Romero Britto, Peter Max, and Tom Everhart. She is attracted to all things colorful and hopes to spread joy to the world with her version of Pop Art. Elena started with painting decorative rocks and hiding them all over the place for people to find during the height of the Covid pandemic. She then began taking requests from neighbors and then selling them on Etsy.

Elena then began painting on canvases and dabbling a bit on glass. Her first solo art exhibit, “Nostalgia and Nature” was hosted last year at Vision Health Center, O.D. in Locust Grove. Since then, she has been accepted into juried exhibits and shows at Liberty Town Arts, Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, Art Works in Richmond, VA, and the Capital Arts and Crafts Show.

Elena enjoys selling locally, at various arts and crafts shows as well as through her own website PopArtByElena.com and continues to maintain an Etsy shop as well.

Christy learned to sew as a young girl and for many years enjoyed making clothing for herself and her children, home décor and quilts. She developed a love for the colors, designs, and textures of beautiful fabrics. As an empty-nester Christy branched into artistic quilting and wall hangings, largely inspired by Gee’s Bend quilts.

A major progression in Christy’s fabric art developed after attending Penland School of Craft in NC for a week-long class entitled “Maximalist Embroidery.” Learning new techniques and freeform artistic expression opened Christy’s eyes to the incredible world of fiber art! Initially focusing on “memory” wall hangings for relatives utilizing pieces of heirloom embroidered linens, old clothing, and other remnants and bits, Christy’s work has evolved to include more abstract and impressionistic fiber art.

Facebook groups and YouTube instruction offer endless opportunities to learn from other artists. The local arts group provides members encouragement to submit their work for display and sale in gallery shows. In the last two years, Christy has had work accepted into juried shows at Fredericksburg Center for Creative Arts, LibertyTown Arts Workshop, and Crossroads Art Center in Richmond. She also participates in community shows sponsored by LOWArts.

Denise Reese, a local artist based in Fredericksburg, has turned her love for art into a passion for creating stunning, one-of-kind pieces. The artist behind Liquid Art by Dee is a loving wife of over 50 years, mother of two, grandmother of five and great grandmother of seven. After retiring from 25 years in Veterinary Medicine, Denise took on her next great adventure - honing her passion for Fluid Art. Initially specializing in canvas painting, she has since extended her skillset to include a wide range of Home Decor, as well as personal, customizable items such as jewelry, magnets, cups, etc. Denise's evolution into Fluid Art comes from her love of the beauty of nature, vibrant colors, and a freedom of movement and expression, eventually helping her develop her own organic style of painting - Liquid Art.

Wally has been serious about his medium of photography since the birth of his son in 1976, taking baby photos with arranged settings and lighting. He is a self-taught photographer from Massachusetts now living in Central Virginia and is now in his fourth photography club (two different clubs as a multi year president) and he has earned his way to the advanced standing in club competitions with many first-place finishes. His goal is to show my photography at more events and gallery sites.

Wally has shot a wide variety of image types, his favorites are flowers, cityscapes, abstracts, travel, cars, and architectural subjects. Having started in the days of film photography and worked in his own darkroom he strives for a true representation of what he sees, adding his experience in selecting interesting points of view and composition. Now in the digital age of photography he is stretching his vision and with the aid of computers is widening his vision and ability to create photographs that convey a new style and creativity with mood and color.

Peggy Shull, a Locust Grove resident, recently retired from her second career as successful real estate professional, after retiring first as an Army educator for 32 years. Now she is happily focusing on doing art.

Although she loved to draw at an early age, her creative interest blossomed while attending an American High School in Japan where her art teacher taught her to use the palette knife in oil painting. Under his tutelage, she received numerous accolades and recognition.

From then on, she painted for friends and family, continuing art classes in college.

As an Army “brat” and later an Army wife, traveling the world, Peggy was introduced to many art cultures and forums which shaped her affinity for lively colors in her compositions and love of photography.

The gorgeous sunrises at Lake of the Woods have provided a wealth of subject matter for her paintings as well as photography.

Recently migrating to acrylics, employing the technique of “Pouring” using various methods and formulas, she has let colors transform and combine into something to be embellished and recognizable (or not). Her works inspire thought and imagination.

Nate is originally from Orange, VA, and was raised in Lake of the Woods. During the summers he spent his time on the Potamic River and every other weekend offshore on a fishing boat. Nate watched his mother collect and repurpose nautical items to include driftwood, reclaimed metal, and shells. This sparked an interest in turning once forgotten items into spectacular art pieces. Today, Nate mostly works with the same materials (driftwood, reclaimed metals, and live edge materials). He has exhibited his work with LOW Arts for the last 10 years.

To keep things everchanging, Lisa works in watercolor, acrylics, mixed media, jewelry, graphic design and photography. Her career as a graphic designer, logo developer, custom illustrator and manager has been foundational in developing the fine art she is now creating in retirement. Majoring in fine and commercial art and graphic design from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and MATC, Madison, WI she grew up in an artful home with a mother who was an art educator, where design and craftmanship were always encouraged.

Lisa is board member of Lake of the Woods Arts, Locust Grove, VA . and has exhibited at Artful Dimensions and Liberty Town Art Center in Fredericksburg, VA. She received second place at the Fareway’s exhibit in LOW and won an honorable mention at Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts. She exhibited a 60-page watercolor journal at the Princeton Art Council, which has been entered into the permanent collection in their art library. Lisa has taught watercolor techniques online, through Vitality Society. She is a plein air painter and contributor to the art auctions of Chatham Manor, Fredericksburg, VA

Sigrid was raised in Brattleboro, Vermont and currently lives in Virginia. She graduated from Roger Williams University as well as Columbia Hospital School of Nursing. Upon retirement she realized she needed to unleash her creativity and thus her love of painting was hatched.

She has immersed herself in the creative process utilizing acrylics, oils, alcohol inks, encaustic wax and recently cold wax with oil. She is drawn towards color, movement, luminous light effects, form and reflections and follows her creative heart on her journey. She also paints pets on commissions.

Sigrid has showcased her art in numerous NJ locations. She was selected at Perkins Art Center’s NJ National Juried Exhibition. In Fredericksburg, VA she has shown her art in several juried exhibitions including VA Fine Arts, Artful Dimensions, Liberty Town Arts, Fredericksburg Center for Creative Arts (Honorable Mention) as well as Crossroads Arts Center in Richmond, VA. She showcases her art through multiple Lake of the Woods Arts exhibits.

She is a Board member for Lake of the Woods Art Club, and a member of Crossroads Art Center, LibertyTown Arts and the Arts Center in Orange, VA.

Karen Weingartner has been exploring art for over 30 years. She enjoys working in a wide variety of artistic styles and mediums including acrylics, watercolor, alcohol inks and textiles. She uses texture, composition and vivid color to express human emotion and experience. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and shows in Arizona, Virginia and Kansas. She believes in the transformational power of art and wants to share it with others. She has been teaching a variety of free art classes for veterans, Native American Elders, refugees, survivors of suicide, at risk youth and others for the past eight years.

Mosaics Free Arts Program – Founder

Mona Lisas Art Program – Co-founder

Arizona Artists Guild - Board Member/Juried Member

Lake of the Woods Arts – Member

Liberty Arts Bloomcore – 2nd place

Fredericksburg Fine Art Show – Honorable Mention