DescMariana Concha is a Chilean-born artist based in Virginia, where the tranquility and beauty of nature inspire her work. Her paintings reflect her deep love for life and the world around her.

Before fully embracing her artistic path, Mariana dedicated many years to charitable, spiritual, and missionary work. She also spent time in the music industry and later ran her own construction company in Florida for 18 years, remodeling 32 homes and designing and building 15 waterfront properties.

During a challenging time in her life, Mariana turned to painting to heal and reconnect with herself. She studied Rembrandt’s techniques under expert guidance and later apprenticed with renowned artist Leoma Lovegrove. Together, they traveled to France to study the Impressionists and paint in the same landscapes that inspired them. Her work has since been exhibited in galleries throughout Florida.

Today, Mariana continues to explore her love of nature and people through art. She is also a Life Coach and End-of-Life Doula, helping others navigate life’s transitions. For her, painting is a form of meditation—a way to bring peace, beauty, and healing into the world.

“My goal is not recognition but to inspire and support others on their own journeys”

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.

Karen creates her art in her home studio in Lake of the Woods located in Locust Grove, Virginia. She is inspired by the beauty of the world around us and enjoys recreating views of nature using various mediums; often mixing them together to create unique collages.

Karen began her artistic journey by taking classes in Decorative Painting (tole painting in particular) and has attended multiple art classes taught by some of the “Big Brushes” in that genre – Susan Stamilio, Maureen McNaughton and Arlene Newman to name a few. She has also experimented with several other mediums and often likes to mix them up! She loves to learn new techniques.

Karen enjoys capturing the most interesting aspect of a subject and translating it onto canvas, wood or paper using paint, inks and other mediums - and, of course, the colors must be vivid and alive!

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.

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.

Toni was born in East Germany and was adopted, sight unseen, from a German displaced persons camp, by an American family, at the age of 5. She has lived most of her life in Northern Virginia and currently lives with her husband in Lake of the Woods.

Because of her life-long interest in stained glass, she took a class and fell in love with this art form and has honed her skills throughout the years. She specializes in Tiffany style copper foil techniques. Her husband collaborates with her in custom designs as shown in these photos. Most of the stained glass she crafts is commissioned and can be seen in many homes at Lake of the Woods and Northern Virginia.

While living in Northern Virginia, she participated in only juried art shows around the beltway, as well as consigning her creations in McLean, Occoquan and the Outer Banks. She has also participated in the local art shows at the Lake for many years. She has set up a showroom in her home to display her art and plans to periodically have an open house.

In addition to stained glass, she fashions jewelry from antique china, creating earrings, necklaces and brooches.

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.

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 first 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

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

About 11 years ago, Doris relocated from Northern Virginia to Lake of the Woods in Locust Grove, Virginia. She was always interested in arts and crafts and studied at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), taking a variety of art classes and participating in several arts and crafts venues.

Doris has painted with various mediums such as oil, watercolor, pastels and acrylic; however, she experienced more passion when painting with acrylic paint and it has become her preferred form of art.

Since her relocation, Doris found that she absolutely loves living in Lake of the Woods and is inspired by its beauty, nature, and all its differences. Painting has really helped her notice and appreciate all the amazing colors, light, and textures around her and it’s given her a whole new perspective on her surroundings.

She loves working in her home studio. Time often gets away from her when she creates her paintings. Being creative gives her a great deal of joy.