Meet the Artists | Art On The River

ARTIST PROFILES

Every artist has a story, and every work of art offers a glimpse into the world through a different set of eyes.

For the October 2026 Art on the River exhibition, we are honored to welcome an exceptional collection of artists from across the United States, each bringing a unique voice, style, and creative journey to the gallery. From nationally collected professionals to emerging talents making their gallery debut, this year's exhibition celebrates the diversity, passion, and craftsmanship that make original art so meaningful.

As you explore these artist profiles, you'll discover the experiences, inspirations, and perspectives that shape their work. We invite you to take your time, learn about the people behind the paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, mixed media, and miniature works, and connect more deeply with the art you'll experience during the exhibition.

Whether you're a longtime collector or discovering these artists for the first time, we hope their stories enrich your visit and inspire you to find a piece that speaks to you. We look forward to welcoming you to Art on the River this October in historic Elba, Alabama, where creativity, community, and conversation come together through the power of art.

Featured Artists

Rebecca Carr is an accomplished artist based in Enterprise, Alabama, whose work exemplifies the spirit of Grounded Contemporary. After a successful career in aircraft maintenance, she transitioned to full-time artistry in 2021, dedicating herself to the pursuit of realism through portraiture and wildlife. Working across acrylics, inks, pastels, and graphite, Rebecca has developed a distinctive approach that incorporates a micron airbrush, allowing her to create extraordinary photorealistic works marked by remarkable depth, precision, and emotional expression.

Her commitment to artistic excellence has earned recognition in numerous juried exhibitions. In 2025, her painting Unwelcome Company received Best in Show, and in 2023, Delta Cascades also earned Best in Show at the SAC Gallery Waterfront Show. Her painting Just a Peck on the Cheek was awarded First Place in Acrylics at the Montgomery Art Guild's 57th Annual Regions Bank Show and was later accepted into the prestigious ArtFields Festival in Lake City, South Carolina. Her work is also displayed throughout Enterprise, including The Barrel Room, The Artistry Collective, Glow Korner, and the Pea River Historical Society.

Rebecca was invited to return as a Featured Artist for Art on the River because her work represents more than exceptional technical skill. She embodies the values that define our Grounded Contemporary philosophy: pursuing mastery while remaining rooted in authenticity, generosity, and meaningful human connection. Her paintings invite viewers to slow down, look more closely, and experience the emotion, beauty, and quiet stories found within both people and the natural world.

After serving as a Featured Artist during Art on the River's inaugural exhibition, Rebecca was invited back because of the lasting impression she made through both her artistry and her presence within the creative community. She represents the kind of artist who strengthens the culture surrounding the arts by demonstrating that excellence and humility can grow together. We are honored to welcome Rebecca back as a Featured Artist for the October 2026 exhibition.

Mina Botros is an acclaimed contemporary painter whose work has captivated collectors and galleries in both the United States and Europe. His instantly recognizable paintings are defined by luminous blue palettes, bold contours, and emotionally resonant figurative forms that blend the expressive traditions of modernism with a deeply personal and contemplative artistic voice. Over more than eight years of dedicated practice, Mina has developed a distinctive visual language centered on serene female figures, often portrayed in quiet reflection with eyes gently closed, enveloped in flowing drapery or intimate spaces. Working primarily in layered acrylic, he combines rich cobalt blues, warm terracotta tones, and intentional texture to create compositions that invite viewers into moments of stillness, introspection, and emotional connection. His paintings reveal new layers of light, feeling, and meaning the longer they are experienced, making each work both visually striking and deeply enduring.

Mina's work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries throughout Europe and has found homes in prominent private collections across the United States. While his paintings are celebrated for their technical mastery and unmistakable style, they are equally valued for their ability to communicate quiet humanity through contemporary figurative art. His commitment to producing a carefully curated body of work has established his paintings as both culturally significant and highly sought after.

Mina was invited as a Featured Artist for Art on the River because his work beautifully reflects the vision of Grounded Contemporary. His paintings demonstrate extraordinary artistic excellence while remaining deeply connected to the human experience. Rather than pursuing novelty for its own sake, Mina creates work that encourages reflection, presence, and meaningful connection, qualities that lie at the heart of the creative culture Art on the River seeks to cultivate. As a Featured Artist, Mina represents the belief that technical mastery and humanity are not competing values but complementary ones. His generosity of spirit, artistic voice, and commitment to creating work of lasting significance embody the kind of creative leadership we hope to celebrate through Art on the River. We are honored to welcome Mina Botros as a Featured Artist for the October 2026 exhibition.

Gallery Artists

Dorothy Vaughn is a glass mosaic artist and instructor whose work is deeply rooted in both craftsmanship and community. A native of Elba, Alabama, she returned home in 2002 and has since become a valued creative presence, sharing her love of stained glass and mosaics with students, collectors, and the local community.

With more than 15 years of experience, Vaughn approaches glasswork as both an art form and a practice of patience. Her process—cutting, grinding, and carefully placing each piece—requires precision and vision, transforming scattered fragments into cohesive, luminous designs that celebrate the beauty of color and light.

Her work can be found throughout the community, including a large mosaic tiger installed at Elba High School, a piece she created and donated as a lasting gift. She has also completed custom mosaic commissions and exhibited her work locally, bringing both beauty and meaning into public spaces.

Beyond her own artwork, Vaughn is passionate about teaching. Through weekly stained-glass classes, she guides students as they discover the satisfaction of transforming broken pieces into beautiful works of art, inspiring others to embrace both the creativity and craftsmanship of the medium.

Rosette Doyle is a mixed media artist and fine art photographer whose work is deeply inspired by nature, storytelling, and everyday beauty. Working primarily with watercolor, acrylic paint, and markers, she creates expressive folk-style paintings filled with warmth, color, and imagination. Her artistic style reflects a love for organic forms, heartfelt simplicity, and the emotional connection between people and the natural world.

In addition to painting, Rosette is an accomplished fine art photographer whose work has been featured in several art festivals. Her photography has been displayed in a local art gallery and collected by area businesses, bringing her distinctive artistic perspective into both public and professional spaces.

Although she has been painting for many years, Rosette recently began creating ACEO (Art Cards, Editions, and Originals) works in March of this year, embracing the unique challenge and intimacy of small-format art.

Before pursuing her artistic path more fully, Rosette enjoyed a long career as a nurse. She now works as a newborn photographer in a hospital, a role she finds deeply rewarding. Capturing the earliest moments of life continues to inspire her creativity and reinforces the compassion and joy that are reflected throughout her artwork.

Mary Rhodes is a painter based in Sherwood, Arkansas, whose work blends impressionism, abstract expression, portraiture, and whimsical storytelling. Inspired by emotion, movement, and everyday beauty, her paintings often capture expressive figures, beloved pets, and colorful imagined moments with warmth and personality.

Using layered textures, vibrant color palettes, and intuitive brushwork, Mary creates art that feels both playful and deeply personal. Her work moves fluidly between portrait-inspired compositions and abstract forms, allowing each piece to tell its own story while inviting viewers to connect through feeling and imagination.

Animals and pets play a significant role in Mary’s art, often appearing as joyful companions and emotional focal points. Whether she is painting a whimsical portrait, an abstract study of color and mood, or an impressionistic scene full of movement, her work expresses a deep passion for creativity, connection, and self-expression. Mary also creates Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) for her artist community and Artist Cards, Editions, and Collectibles (ACEOs), using eBay, or direct sales, to offer affordable pieces to a wider global audience. Based in Sherwood, AR, Mary continues to develop a distinctive style that celebrates individuality, emotion, and the beauty found in both people and animals. Mary has a piece of her larger artworks in Scotland, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, three in Mexico, and one, or more, in ten different states in the US.

Lucia Solis is a Connecticut-based illustrator and fine artist who creates artwork inspired by animals, nature, and the emotional connections we share with them. Working in both traditional and digital media, she focuses on capturing detail, personality, and expression in every piece she creates. Her work comes from the heart and is inspired by a love for storytelling, wildlife, and the unique bond between people and animals.

Lucia studied Fine Art and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. Through her artwork, she hopes to bring joy, comfort, and a sense of connection to others. Whether creating pet portraits, wildlife illustrations, or collectible ACEO cards, her goal is to create meaningful artwork that celebrates the beauty and emotion found in the world around us.

Patricia Gladbach is a Missouri-based artist, small business owner, and lifelong creative whose love for art began with a Strawberry Shortcake coloring book. Originally from St. Louis, she has called the Missouri Ozarks home for the past 11 years, drawing inspiration from its rural beauty and simple joys.

A gallery-exhibited artist and owner of Sunflower and Blueberry Boutique, Patricia creates vibrant illustration-style artwork filled with bright colors, heartfelt details, and floral elements. Her work is known for its cheerful, whimsical charm and its ability to bring warmth and happiness to others.

Whether painting, illustrating, or creating custom pieces, Patricia's goal is simple: to make art that feels like sunshine, tells a story, and adds a little more beauty to the world.

Lindsey Calina is an acrylic gouache medium artist who loves creating small works of art.

Based in Portland, Oregon, she takes inspiration from nature and drawing appreciation of themes ranging from cottage living to vintage and antique ephemera with a hint of impressionism.

Each piece is created as a visual keepsake- a reminder of slower days, treasured stories and magic that exist in nature and the enchantment of still life.

Outside of her playfully quaint creative world, she enjoys collecting antique books and vintage toys. She also dabbles on photography while balancing being a mom and as a medical professional.

Bryana Joy is a poet, watercolor illustrator, and paper miniaturist based in Southeastern Pennsylvania. A traditional artist with a deep appreciation for one-of-a-kind (OOAK) creations, she specializes in intricate miniature 3D watercolor dioramas that are painted, cut, assembled, and built entirely by hand. Each tiny scene reflects her love of craftsmanship, storytelling, and the magic found in carefully observed details.

In addition to her miniature works, Bryana writes and illustrates her own stories, poetry, and microfiction, pairing richly detailed watercolor paintings with whimsical and surreal narratives. Her art invites viewers into imaginative worlds where delicate beauty, curiosity, and wonder come together, celebrating both the artistry of the handmade and the enduring power of storytelling.

Angela Sciaroni is an emerging artist based in the St. Louis area whose work focuses on assemblage, found objects, and mixed media. By transforming discarded materials into meaningful works of art, she explores themes of renewal, storytelling, and creative reuse, inviting viewers to see beauty and possibility in what others might overlook. Her work has been exhibited at Soulard Art Gallery, Artisans in the Loop, and the Missouri History Museum. She received the People's Choice Award at Soulard Art Gallery's Art of Assemblage exhibition and has organized and participated in successful fundraising art auctions supporting community causes.

Sciaroni is currently developing a found-art project featuring ACEOs, continuing her passion for creating unique works that reveal beauty and possibility in overlooked materials while encouraging a deeper appreciation for sustainability and creative transformation.

Abigail "Abby" Gendron is a Southern New Hampshire–based mixed media artist working in acrylic, ink, and colored pencil. Drawing inspiration from nature, memory, and nostalgia, her work explores the quiet ways the past lingers in the present, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the stories woven into everyday moments. Through layered textures and thoughtful compositions, she creates artwork that celebrates both the beauty of the natural world and the emotional resonance of cherished memories. Balancing whimsy with a fascination for history and forgotten stories, Abby's art finds wonder in both the charming and the overlooked. She hopes her work offers moments of curiosity, comfort, and optimism, encouraging viewers to reconnect with the beauty that surrounds them while imagining a brighter tomorrow. This exhibition marks her first gallery showing, an exciting milestone in her artistic journey.

Kitty Smothers has been painting professionally for more than 27 years, with roots in portraiture, commissioned art, and the landscapes of the rural South. She earned a B.A. in Studio Art from Troy University and later a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology. Early in her career, she apprenticed under internationally recognized artist Nall Hollis. Her work includes portraiture, live wedding painting, and landscapes inspired by the familiar beauty of home—fields, creeks, wildflowers, old roads, and the changing Southern light. In 2026, this body of work was featured in her solo exhibition, Wild and Holy Things, at Troy University’s International Arts Center. Through both her commissioned and personal work, Kitty seeks to create paintings that feel timeless, familiar, and deeply connected to place.

Maricela Gonzalez is a self-taught artist based in Puerto Rico who works primarily in acrylic on canvas, creating vibrant paintings inspired by birds, nature, and the colorful beauty of the world around her. Alongside her larger works, she enjoys exploring mixed media art influenced by literature and pop culture, with a special passion for creating ACEOs (Art Cards, Editions, and Originals). The miniature format has become both a creative outlet and an exciting artistic challenge, allowing her to experiment with new ideas while refining intricate details.

Inspired by the expressive brushwork of Vincent Van Gogh and the luminous landscapes of Claude Monet, Maricela has also been profoundly influenced by the animated films of her childhood, whose imagination, storytelling, and vivid colors continue to shape her artistic vision. Whether working on a detailed miniature or a larger canvas, her goal is to create artwork that sparks joy, curiosity, and a sense of wonder in those who experience it.

Schoen Heier Bonura’s work is inspired by the natural beauty and energetic presence of crystals, blending fine art with Earth’s natural forms—especially geode structures. Founded in 2025, Eternal Elements Art by Schoen creates one-of-a-kind pieces guided by intuition, where layered resin and shimmering crystals reveal depth, movement, and light.
She creates commissioned and memorial works honoring meaningful moments and loved ones, including tribute art infused with a small portion of ashes from a human or pet.
Each piece is titled and includes information about the energetic properties of the crystals used. In 2025, her work received multiple local exhibition honors, including a Merit Award, Honorable Mention, and 2nd Place in Mixed Media. Schoen lives in Enterprise, Alabama, and is also a 500-Hour RYT Yoga Instructor specializing in Ashtanga, Iyengar principles, and Yoga Nidra.

Judy Manor is a photographer who has enjoyed the art of photography for as long as she can remember. Her passion began at the age of six, when her father allowed her to use his Brownie box camera—an experience that sparked a lifelong love of capturing images. She went on to take photography classes in high school, where she learned to work with a 35mm SLR camera, develop film, print from negatives, and process photographs.
Throughout her life, Judy has rarely been without a camera in hand. She is especially drawn to photographing nature, animals, and architecture, with a particular appreciation for historic buildings. Judy worked for Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff for 24 years before retiring in 2022 and relocating to Enterprise. Since retiring, she has rediscovered her love of photography and considers it a true blessing to now have the time and space to fully explore and deepen her practice.

Jarafel Chavkerova was born in a tiny country called Estonia, on an even tinier island called Saaremaa.

When she was 20 she moved to the USA where for the past 17 years ( entire duration of her stay ) she has been nomadic.

Jarafel is a self taught artist who has practiced many forms of art throughout her years - polymer clay sculpting, embroidery, sketching and painting, among others. She has moved on to mostly painting and sketching and she considers her art style spiritual surrealism as most of her work is centered on human connection to God, Universe and nature. Her favorite theme is combining a woman's body with elements of nature and her professional dream as an artist is to one day create custom paintings for women in that style. She is also thinking about one day having a monthly snail mail, sending letters, stories and art to her followers from all over her travels.

Reisa Peters has always been drawn to color, with a deep love for bold, vibrant landscapes and expressive patterns. During her husband’s 20-year Army career, she had the opportunity to attend workshops with accomplished artists including Dawn Whitelaw, Lori Putnam, Chad Boyd, Bill Fletcher, Kyle Martin, and Joy Thomas, as well as study locally with artists such as Barbara Gardner and colored pencil artist Dava Dahlgren. She now works primarily in watercolor, a medium she has grown deeply passionate about, and continues her artistic development under the guidance of local artist Helen Taylor Andrews. Now living in Enterprise, Alabama, Reisa finds inspiration in the surrounding landscapes and enjoys capturing the beauty of the region on both paper and canvas, considering herself both fortunate and deeply grateful for the artistic journey she continues to explore.

Shawna Lewis is an artist whose work is deeply inspired by the beauty, rhythm, and quiet wonder of the natural world. Trained as an architect, she brings a distinctive perspective to her art, blending a strong foundation in structure, balance, color, and pattern with the organic forms found in nature. Her architectural background gives her a unique appreciation for composition and design, while her artistic practice allows her the freedom to explore the emotional and expressive qualities of the landscapes, flowers, and natural elements that continually inspire her.

Having lived in Japan for more than 15 years, Shawna developed a profound appreciation for Japanese aesthetics, philosophy, and culture. The elegance of simplicity, the celebration of imperfection, and the deep reverence for the changing seasons continue to shape both her artistic vision and creative process. These influences can be seen throughout her work, where intentional design meets the quiet beauty and balance found in nature.

For Shawna, creating art is both a grounding and restorative practice that fosters mindfulness, gratitude, and a deeper connection with the environment.

She believes art should enrich daily life by creating moments of beauty, peace, and reflection. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover the quiet elegance that surrounds them, transforming ordinary moments into lasting sources of inspiration.

Jim English is a pencil and pen artist based in Troy, Alabama, where he creates detailed drawings that celebrate people, memories, and the spirit of community. Born on a small farm south of Elba, He developed an appreciation for observation and attention to detail that continues to shape his work today. Working almost exclusively in pencil and ink, Jim is known for his ability to capture both the energy of athletic competition and the character of his subjects. Sports have long been his favorite artistic theme, and his drawings reflect an appreciation for the moments, emotions, and personalities that define the games. In addition to sports artwork, he is frequently commissioned to create portraits for families throughout the region.

A distinctive aspect of Jim’s portrait work is his ability to incorporate deceased loved ones into family portraits. Through careful composition, he creates meaningful pieces that allow families to honor cherished memories and celebrate connections across generations.

Though he was largely self-taught, Jim studied Studio Art at Troy University, where he was strongly influenced by accomplished illustrator and professor Woodi Ishmael. Ishmael’s visual and mental approach to drawing helped shape Jim’s artistic style. Jim continues to work from Troy, creating original artwork and commissioned portraits that blend realism, emotion, and personal history. Whether depicting an athlete in motion, a beloved family member, or a reunion made possible through art, his work is dedicated to preserving the moments and people that matter most.

Debra Tucker is an Alabama-based artist working primarily in watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and mixed media. While she has created art for most of her life, she began pursuing her work professionally in 2010 and has recently become widely recognized online for her highly collectible ACEO (Art Cards, Editions & Originals) paintings.

Her work blends whimsical storytelling, expressive character design, surreal humor, and emotionally engaging miniature artwork designed to feel both collectible and personal. Tucker’s recent ACEO collections have developed a growing collector audience through eBay and social media, with many works featuring dimensional resin elements, bold color palettes, exaggerated expressive eyes, and cohesive themed series designed to encourage repeat collecting.

In just 90 days alone, Tucker sold approximately $1,000–$1,500 in ACEO artwork through online collectors, with several themed collections selling out rapidly.

Alongside her artwork, she recently published “The ACEO Playbook,” a guide focused on creating, presenting, and successfully selling ACEO artwork online, particularly through platforms such as eBay. The book combines practical selling experience with creative strategy and collector-focused presentation techniques.

Her work is heavily inspired by nostalgia, humor, creature design, collector culture, fantasy, emotional storytelling, and the idea that small original artwork can still feel meaningful, immersive, and memorable.

Desiree Mouser is the artist behind Hues of My Dimensions, where she creates artwork that reflects healing, hope, and redemption. A recovering addict, her journey with Jesus has transformed the way she sees both pain and beauty. Art has become a place to process life's hurts, habits, and hang-ups while sharing the freedom and grace she has found through faith.

Desiree holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and her creative work is deeply inspired by emotion, resilience, and the beauty found in restoration. When she is not creating, she is a proud dog mom to three pug mixes who bring joy, comfort, and companionship to her everyday life.

Each piece she creates is layered with emotion, healing, and purpose, transforming brokenness into something meaningful and alive with color. Her work serves as a reminder that even in life's darkest seasons, God can bring beauty from ashes.

Shanda Danner is a self-taught artist who began painting just a year and a half ago after retiring from Jeffers Inc. in Dothan, where she dedicated 27 years of service. What began as a new creative chapter quickly grew into a passion for expressing ideas, emotions, and stories through art. She primarily works in acrylic and mixed media, often incorporating embroidery into her paintings to add texture, dimension, and a distinctive personal touch.

Shanda lives in Dothan, Alabama, with her husband of 48 years and is the proud mother of two grown children and grandmother to two granddaughters. Her artwork is created with the hope of stopping viewers in their tracks, encouraging them to pause, reflect, and look beyond the surface. Each piece tells a story, and she enjoys sharing the inspiration and meaning behind her work with those who take the time to ask.

Nelya is a traditional and digital artist creating expressive, whimsical artwork inspired by nature and people in diverse media and sizes.

Her pieces blend delicate detail with fluid, character-driven linework, forming illustrated worlds that feel warm, atmospheric, and alive.

Her works span digital illustrations, watercolor-and-ink originals, and miniature formats, all unified by a love of organic shapes, botanical motifs, and small narrative moments.

Whether capturing a quiet emotion in a character or the gentle rhythm of leaves, branches, and natural forms, Nelya’s work invites viewers to pause, look closer, and step into the quiet magic of her imaginative, nature-rooted storytelling.

Stacey Kohl is a multimedia, contemporary artist. Utilizing acrylics, gouache, inks and various mediums create original art. Stacey’s collages are comprised by using hand painted and gel printed papers to create one of a kind pieces. Always wanting to learn more mediums, she recently took up watercolor painting. Making Artist Trading Cards (ATC & ACEO) has been a new passion for her. Stacey's re-entry into painting began after taking a break to raise her kids and focus on her loved ones. With a background in interior design, she reestablished her business, collaborating with clients to create in-home murals, faux finishes, and other paint and decor-based transformations. At the same time, she was a columnist specializing in interior design trends for a local magazine, The Julington Creek Press. As she branched out, local builders connected her with the opportunity to contribute to "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" under the guidance of her soon-to-be mentor, Nancy Hadley. Nancy had her volunteer several more times, and each time they became closer friends. After a 15-year pause to raise her youngest child, Nancy reignited Stacey's artistic journey. Painting together, Stacey rediscovered her passion for art, leading to continued growth and experimentation. Stacey continues to grow as an artist and forever will be expanding her portfolio.

Kathryn Clark is a retired federal law enforcement professional who dedicated 24 years to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, concluding her career as a superintendent in Yazoo City, Mississippi. After retiring, she relocated to Sebastian, Florida, before eventually settling in Alabama, where two of her four grown children live. She is the proud mother of three daughters and one son and grandmother to five grandchildren.

Her artistic journey began in 1999, when she discovered glass art as a way to decompress from the demands of working in the prison system. What started as a personal creative outlet quickly became a passion. After retiring, she expanded into fused glass and wind chimes, and her creative practice soon grew into a thriving art business.

After moving to Alabama in 2007, Kathryn began repurposing vintage windows she found locally, transforming them into stained glass works of art. She also creates framed stained glass pieces, fused glass wall art, outdoor installations, and seasonal ornaments. Today, she travels throughout the southern United States exhibiting at juried art shows. When she is not creating, she enjoys caring for her rescued animals, including five dogs, two cats, and two horses.

Sandra Acevedo is a contemporary artist whose work explores the expressive power of color, emotion, and personal storytelling. Through vibrant palettes and dynamic compositions, she creates paintings that celebrate joy, resilience, and the beauty found in everyday moments. Her work invites viewers to connect emotionally, offering a sense of warmth, hope, and reflection.

Using color as both a visual and emotional language, Sandra creates pieces that are energetic, expressive, and deeply personal. She believes art has the power to communicate beyond words, inspiring curiosity, conversation, and connection. Her intuitive approach allows each painting to evolve naturally, resulting in works that feel both spontaneous and thoughtfully composed.

Through her artwork, Sandra hopes to create moments of inspiration and discovery for those who experience it. Whether a viewer is drawn to a particular color, emotion, or memory, her paintings encourage personal interpretation and invite each person to find their own meaning within the work. Her art is ultimately a celebration of creativity, optimism, and the connections that unite us all.

Dina Chamblee is a self-taught artist whose creative journey is rooted in learning to let go of control and trust the artistic process. Describing her mind as living in a constant world of chaotic color, she paints by instinct rather than traditional color theory, choosing instead to "measure with her heart." Working primarily in acrylics with occasional mixed media, she embraces bold color, rich texture, and layered compositions that feel wild and uninhibited. For Dina, the mess is part of the story, each layer representing the way life's experiences accumulate, transform, and remain part of who we are.

Although she has always considered herself creative, Dina only fully immersed herself in the art world about three years ago, dedicating herself seriously to painting over the last year and a half. For many years, self-doubt and fear of judgment kept her artwork private. Overcoming those internal barriers allowed her to finally share the creative voice she had always known was there. Much to her own surprise, animals have become the primary focus of her work. She is drawn to their honesty, instinct, and authenticity. Animals exist without apology or pretense, embracing the same beautiful chaos that she believes connects all living things.

Color is the driving force behind everything Dina creates. She uses it boldly and intuitively, allowing emotion rather than rules to guide each painting. Her work celebrates courage, authenticity, and the freedom that comes from trusting the creative process, inviting viewers to find beauty within the noise and discover what emerges when control is finally released.

Aundrea Harris is a self-taught mixed media artist whose work is deeply rooted in her lived experience as a queer, disabled, biracial trauma survivor. Art became a transformative force in her life following a health crisis that required her to step away from a hard-earned career. During a season of profound loss and uncertainty, creating became a way to process, heal, and redefine her sense of self. She finds purpose in transforming discarded scraps and overlooked materials into meaningful works of art, discovering beauty, value, and love in what others might pass by.

Aundrea's background includes degrees in Sociology, Criminology, College Administration, and Social Work. Her years of studying human behavior, systems, and relationships continue to shape the way she sees the world and influence every piece she creates. She is especially drawn to the unseen stories people carry beneath the surface—the emotions, struggles, resilience, and quiet strengths that often go unnoticed.

Through layers of paper, texture, and mixed media, Aundrea explores what it means to navigate the world with hidden disabilities while embracing a biracial and queer identity. Each work becomes a conversation between internal experience and outward presentation, using layered materials as a metaphor for vulnerability, complexity, healing, and transformation.

Through her artwork, Aundrea hopes to create spaces for connection, reflection, and understanding. She invites viewers to look beyond first impressions, encouraging deeper conversations while offering moments where others may feel seen, understood, and reminded of the beauty that can emerge through resilience.

Heather Ambrose is a digital artist based in New Brunswick, Canada, whose work blends whimsy with mystery through expressive, character-driven illustrations. After studying fine art at Sheridan College, she spent more than a decade working in the framing and gallery industry, gaining a deep appreciation for both the creative and presentation aspects of visual art. These experiences continue to influence her artistic perspective, attention to detail, and understanding of how artwork connects with its audience.

Combining her formal training with years of self-directed exploration, Heather has developed a distinctive illustrative style that balances the humorous with the haunting. Each piece is a unique character portrait filled with emotion, personality, and an intriguing sense of peculiarity, inviting viewers to imagine the stories that lie behind each face. Her work often encourages a second look, revealing subtle details and expressive nuances that deepen each character's narrative. Through expressive faces, imaginative details, and atmospheric settings, she creates characters that feel both familiar and delightfully unexpected.

Today, Heather's work is available as a collection of hand-embellished digitally illustrated ACEOs as well as fine art prints through her website. Her artwork celebrates imagination, individuality, and the wonderfully unconventional, creating memorable pieces that are both playful and thought-provoking. Whether presented as a miniature ACEO or a larger print, each work invites viewers into a world where curiosity and storytelling take center stage.

Whitney Fuss is a Northern Virginia watercolor artist and the owner of Bramble & Briar Studio. Using watercolor, ink, acrylic, and paint pens, she creates whimsical paintings that blend history, folklore, nature, and a touch of the unexpected. Her work is filled with gentle monsters, curious ghosts, woodland creatures, forgotten carnival rides, and other characters that seem to have wandered out of a storybook.

A lifelong history enthusiast, Whitney finds inspiration in historic places, old cemeteries, museums, folklore, antique oddities, and the small details that make people stop and wonder. She loves creating art that feels playful, nostalgic, and just a little spooky, with the hope that every painting tells a story and leaves room for the viewer to imagine the rest.

When she isn’t painting, Whitney enjoys cooking, exploring historic sites with her family, and learning far more than anyone should know about pirates and the Tudor period. She lives with her husband, son, two cats named Silvia and Lachy, an energetic black Labrador named Delilah, and a corn snake named Crunch Bulger, who was proudly named by her son when he was four years old.

Whether she’s painting a skeleton with flowers, a shy little monster, or a ghost at the county fair, Whitney hopes her artwork brings a smile, sparks curiosity, and reminds people that there is beauty and a little magic in the wonderfully unusual.

Emma Petree is a 16-year-old emerging artist who views the world as a collection of stories waiting to be transformed into art. Through bold colors, thoughtful details, and imaginative compositions, she creates pieces that capture emotions, memories, and the quiet moments that often go unnoticed. Her youthful perspective brings a fresh sense of curiosity and authenticity to each work, inviting viewers to experience the world through her eyes. As one our younger artists featured in this exhibition, Emma demonstrates a creative confidence and originality that continue to evolve with every new piece.

Drawing inspiration from nature, dreams, music, and the beauty found in everyday life, Emma's work blends imagination with observation. Each piece becomes a visual journal, an exploration of how she sees, feels, and interprets the world around her. Whether working with paint, pencil, or mixed media, she embraces experimentation, allowing each creation to evolve naturally and tell its own unique story.

For Emma, art is more than a hobby; it is a language. It is a way to turn imagination into something tangible and to invite others into her perspective. As she continues to grow as an artist, she hopes her work encourages viewers to pause, reflect, and discover their own stories within the colors, textures, and emotions she brings to life.

Sherry Byrum is a multimedia visual artist based in Slocomb, Alabama. Since 2018, she has worked as a freelance artist under the name Square One Art, completing hundreds of commercial projects, more than a dozen murals, and countless commissioned works for businesses, organizations, and private collectors. Her versatility allows her to move seamlessly between large public installations, commercial design, and personal studio work, bringing creativity and bold visual storytelling to projects of every scale.

While much of her career has centered on commissioned art, Sherry's personal work explores the complexities of the human experience. Themes of resilience, optimism, and perseverance serve as a constant source of inspiration, encouraging viewers to reflect on both struggle and hope.

Her work is distinguished by bold color palettes, oversized subject matter, and abstract human forms. Influenced by a lifelong love of cartoons, animation, and illustrative storytelling, she blends playful visual elements with emotional depth, creating artwork that is both approachable and thought provoking.

Kaleyah Gilbert is an accomplished and driven individual. She is a Bachelor’s degree graduate from Troy University with a major in Graphic Design and a minor in Entrepreneurship. She has taken her passion for art and design and turned it into a thriving business called Kaley Kartoons & Graphics. As the founder and CEO, she personally creates all the graphics and illustrations for her clients, aiming to provide high-quality projects in a timely manner while offering personalized customer service. Her dedication to quick turnaround times and exceptional customer care sets her apart in the field.

Kaleyah's motivation for her work goes beyond just providing design services. She seeks to infuse color and creativity into the lives of her clients through her artwork. Her aspirations reflect her love for the craft and her desire to make a positive impact on others through her talents.

Her commitment to continuous growth and improvement is evident with her participation in various graphic design internships. By working with organizations like EasyEvent Planning and the Troy Athletics Creative Services, she not only enhances her graphic design knowledge but also gains practical experience in the design industry. This commitment to learning and skill-building speaks to her dedication to her craft.

Even with her busy schedule, Kaleyah makes time for her personal interests. She enjoys activities such as reading, bicycling, and spending quality time with her loved ones. These activities not only serve as outlets for relaxation but also contribute to her holistic well-being.

With the support of her loved ones, Kaleyah has clear goals for her future. She intends to leverage her university degree and creative talents to further expand her business and eventually turn it into her full-time career. This determination and vision underline her commitment to her craft and her entrepreneurial journey.

Brennan Ellis was born in Dothan, Alabama and raised in a working-class family in Pike County. He began formal art training at the age of eight and continued his studies through his senior year of high school, culminating in AP Art. After a 17-year hiatus, he rediscovered his passion/aptitude for drawing at age 35 and quickly found his artistic voice in the medium of colored pencil.

Drawn to its rich pigmentation, sharp contrasts, creamy texture, meticulous detail, and capacity for warmth, Ellis uses colored pencil to create emotionally resonant works that explore the full, complex spectrum of the human condition. Influenced by the narrative realism of Edward Hopper, Terry Redlin, and Norman Rockwell, he seeks to tell layered stories of ordinary life, capturing moments of victory, joy, childlike innocence, and quiet mischief. Yet, he never shies away from confronting darker themes of loss, grief, aging, depression, and the passage of time. Like Rockwell’s portrayals of everyday Americans infused with subtle meaning, Ellis aims to bring thoughtful visual storytelling to a contemporary audience through his own distinct voice.

Since mid-2023, he has completed 57 works, focusing primarily on portraiture of people, pets, and architectural subjects. In addition to his commissioned work, he intentionally creates several deeply personal pieces each year, prioritizing artistic expression and authenticity as an essential part of his creative vision.

Ellis has been married to the former Elizabeth Owens of Opelika, Alabama for 13 years. They have two young daughters, both of whom are talented artists who make their daddy proud.

Cara English Catrett is a proud native of Elba, with Coffee County roots spanning more than 200 years. Her childhood was spent exploring the dirt roads, fields, creeks, and forests surrounding her family's farm just a few miles outside of Elba.

The flora and fauna of her rural home inspired Cara's lifelong love of nature and her passion for capturing its beauty through photography. She began taking photographs around the age of nine with a Kodak Pocket Instamatic camera. At 16, she purchased her first "real camera"—a Minolta 35mm that she still owns today—following the advice of the local newspaper's publisher and editor, who encouraged her to choose an all-manual camera so she would learn how every setting influences an image.

Cara's greatest period of artistic growth came during her years at Troy State University, where she was hired as a staff photographer in the university's photography department. Under the daily mentorship of Donald Norsworthy, director of photography services, she was introduced to medium-format photography and the art of black-and-white printmaking. Hours spent in the darkroom gave her a deep appreciation for the subtle nuances of black-and-white photography and strengthened her understanding of the craft. During this time, Cara also discovered that people were willing to pay for her photography services, allowing her to help finance her college education through her work behind the camera.

Although she earned a bachelor's degree in Language Arts Education, Cara chose to pursue her first love instead of a teaching career when she accepted a photography studio management position at Fort Rucker immediately after college graduation. After a year and a half at Fort Rucker and three years at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, photographing military personnel and civilian clients, she returned home to Elba and opened her own photography studio.

For the next 20 years, Cara photographed a wide range of clients and milestones, including newborns, high school seniors, proms, preschool portraits, families, and weddings. Since closing her studio, she has devoted much of her work to the subjects that first inspired her: nature and landscapes.

For Cara, photography is more than a profession or a hobby—it is how she experiences the world. She sees the world in pictures.

Evelyn Haggerty is a 14-year-old homeschooled artist and the oldest of three siblings. Raised in a military family, she spent much of her life traveling before recently settling down following her father’s retirement from the military. She discovered her love for drawing around the age of 8, beginning with Pokémon characters and growing into a passion for traditional art inspired by anime, manga, fantasy themes, and cute character design.

Working primarily with alcohol markers, Evelyn uses art as a way to relax and express her creativity. Outside of drawing, she enjoys video games, building Gundam models, collecting art supplies, and spending time with her younger brother and sister.

Cody Webb is an Alabama-based artist whose work moves between expressive landscapes and nature-inspired abstraction. Working primarily in acrylics, he uses bold color, movement, texture, and intuitive paint application to create paintings influenced by the natural world.

Drawing inspiration from storms, water, landscapes, and other natural forms, Cody’s paintings range from recognizable subjects to fully abstract compositions. Rather than focusing on precise realism, he allows the painting process itself to influence the finished piece, resulting in work that emphasizes atmosphere, movement, and the physical qualities of paint.

Brianna Alderfer is a Pennsylvania-based artist with a lifelong love of animals. Animals have always been a major source of inspiration for her, from the unique personalities of beloved pets to the beauty of wildlife.

Working primarily in the ACEO format, Brianna creates miniature works of art using watercolor, acrylic paint, and POSCA paint pens. Her style incorporates striking color combinations, bold strokes, and detailed elements that bring personality and character to each piece. Through her paintings, Brianna hopes to capture the connection people share with animals and create artwork that celebrates the creatures that inspire her.

When she isn't painting or creating, Brianna enjoys spending time with her children, her Holland Lop rabbit Haven, and her rescue pigeon Hermes, who are constant sources of joy and inspiration.

Liphus M. "Mick" Swindall is a contemporary painter based in Troy, Alabama, where he lives and works on family land that has been passed down through generations. His artwork is deeply rooted in the rural landscapes of south Alabama, exploring the intersections of memory, place, and personal history through a distinctive balance of abstraction and realism.

Working primarily in acrylic and mixed media, Mick incorporates reclaimed materials such as corrugated cardboard, plastic mesh, and other found objects into his paintings. These textured elements become roads, trees, fences, and structures that evoke the weathered character of the Southern landscape while reflecting themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and renewal.

Mick earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design from Stephen F. Austin University in 1994. Before becoming a full-time artist in 2019, he built a successful career in Fort Worth, Texas, serving as a creative director for a publishing company and as an art director for several advertising agencies. His award-winning design work included branding and logo development for numerous businesses, many of which remain in use today.

After returning to his family's ancestral property in Pike County, Alabama, Mick refocused his creative practice on painting the landscapes that have shaped his family's story. His ancestors purchased the land after generations of working it as sharecroppers, and that history continues to inform his work. Rather than depicting specific locations, his paintings weave together observation and memory, creating evocative landscapes where light, texture, and atmosphere speak to belonging, perseverance, and the enduring relationship between people and the places they call home.

Through these layered compositions, Mick invites viewers to look beyond the landscape itself and discover the stories, histories, and shared experiences embedded within it.

Thomas Ellis is an eighth grade student at Opp Middle School. Growing up in Covington County, Alabama, he finds inspiration in southern, rural, and coastal still life and landscapes. Completely self-taught, Thomas was exposed to various art forms at a very young age. From oil pastels, gouache, watercolor, and even clay and plaster, he has explored a wide range of mediums in search of his unique artistic voice.
Currently, Thomas’s medium of choice is acrylic on canvas, where he works in an impressionistic style reminiscent of Renoir and Monet. After a recent visit to the National Museum of Art in Washington, D.C., he was inspired to explore Impressionism more deeply, drawn to the movement’s light, color, and expressive brushwork. Thomas credits fellow southern artist Maddie Grace Art as a meaningful influence and has utilized her instructional videos to develop his understanding of composition and depth.
At just 14 years old, Thomas is already demonstrating remarkable dedication and vision. He looks forward to a lifetime of creativity and continued growth as an artist. We are proud to feature his work as part of this year’s Art on the River celebration.

Marilyn "Lyn" Remley is a semi-retired artist based in Oakland, Maryland, whose work blends elements of abstraction and realism. Working primarily in acrylic while also exploring a variety of other mediums, Lyn enjoys the freedom to experiment with color, texture, and composition, creating pieces that balance expressive creativity with recognizable forms.

A member of the Garrett Art Gallery in Oakland, Maryland, Lyn was honored as a Featured Artist at the gallery in the fall of 2024. Her passion for painting continues to evolve as she explores new techniques and artistic ideas, finding inspiration in both the abstract and the familiar. Through her work, Lyn invites viewers to experience the beauty of imagination interpreted through a versatile artistic style.

Shelby Barbaree has been creating art for as long as she can remember, and it has remained one of her greatest passions. She creates a variety of original artwork, including paintings, hand-painted tote bags, painted hairbrushes, painted jeans, and art prints.

Shelby is a regular vendor at the Opp Farmers Market each Saturday and is expanding her reach by participating in local festivals and community events. She also welcomes custom art commissions and enjoys creating personalized pieces for clients.

Currently a college student, Shelby is pursuing both a bachelor's and master's degree in social work. A significant portion of the proceeds from her artwork helps fund her education, allowing each purchase to support not only her creative journey but also her dream of serving others through social work.

Tara Mapes is a fine art photographer and digital artist whose surreal imagery blends subtle horror, dark humor, and the uncanny. Often set against quiet rural landscapes and forgotten places, her photographs introduce peculiar characters into scenes that feel strangely familiar yet distinctly unsettling.
Central to much of Mapes' work are the masks, costumes and props she creates by hand. Her paper-mache masks often lend a nod to vintage Halloween masks with crude, imperfect construction and eerie charm. Each is created by her hand specifically for a character or scene and then photographed as part of the original composition, bringing a tactile, handcrafted quality to her surreal worlds.
Blending photography, traditional craft, costume, and artistry, Mapes creates visual narratives that hover somewhere between a half-remembered folktale and a forgotten horror film. Her work invites viewers to linger over the details, search for the story, and decide for themselves exactly what they have stumbled upon and…will it follow them?
Through her bizarre cast of disturbing handmade characters and haunting rural settings, Mapes embraces the strange and unexpected while creating worlds where beauty and unease comfortably co-exist.

Jesstyne Johnson is a California-based self-taught artist creating whimsical, humorous, and joy-filled artwork through watercolor and acrylic.

Jesstyne believes creativity is a gift woven into humanity by our Creator. Because we are made in the image of God, she believes we were made to create, to reflect His beauty, imagination, and joy through the things we bring into the world.

She has always been drawn to art (pun intended) and has never been able to escape the urge to create. For Jesstyne, making art is more than a skill or a career; it is an act of worship, gratitude, and joy. Her bright, playful artwork is created to remind people that life is full of wonder, laughter, and moments worth celebrating.

Through whimsical characters, humor, and colorful storytelling, Jesstyne hopes her art brings a little light to everyday life and points people back toward the joy and creativity of their Creator.

In addition to creating original artwork and prints, Jesstyne founded WarPaint, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching art and encouraging others to embrace their own creativity. She believes everyone has been given something unique to create and that sharing those gifts can bring beauty, connection, and hope to the world.

Layne Peters is a self taught artist from Dothan, Alabama, who has been creating art for as long as she can remember. Inspired by her father, who is also an artist, she developed a love for drawing and painting at an early age. She is primarily self taught and continues to strengthen her skills through regular practice, creating artwork every other day.

While Layne most often creates comics, she also enjoys painting when inspiration strikes. Her artwork blends portraiture, surrealism, symbolism, and imaginative storytelling, resulting in pieces that are both expressive and unexpected.

A recurring theme throughout her work is the shark, a subject she uses to explore ideas of strength, mystery, vulnerability, and the unknown. By placing sharks in unconventional settings alongside expressive figures and dreamlike imagery, she encourages viewers to look beyond first impressions and discover the stories beneath the surface.

Although she was unable to complete a comic for this exhibition, storytelling remains at the heart of Layne's creative process. Whether working in sequential art or on canvas, she strives to create pieces that spark curiosity, invite conversation, and reflect the imagination that has guided her artistic journey since childhood.

Khadijah Durham (K.S. Durham) is a Texas based artist, art entrepreneur, and stay at home wife and mother who owns and operates K.S. Durham Art. Originally known for her digital fan art, she has expanded her creative practice to focus on original artwork while returning to traditional media.

Working primarily with alcohol markers and continuing to explore acrylic painting, Khadijah creates vibrant, colorful pieces inspired by anime, video games, and pop culture. Her work reflects a love of bold color and imaginative storytelling, with the goal of bringing a little more brightness into the lives of others.

Khadijah uses ACEOs as a creative space to develop ideas that often grow into larger paintings, merchandise, and future collections. She hopes to exhibit her work in galleries, publish original graphic novels, and continue building a body of art that celebrates creativity and imagination. Her ACEOs are available through her eBay store, while prints and additional artwork can be found through her website.

Shannon Kuykendall is an artist, educator, and lifelong nature enthusiast whose work reflects a deep connection to the earth and the cosmos. Drawing inspiration from the world around her, Shannon explores the quiet beauty of animals, the grounding presence of the natural landscape, and the wonder of the sun, moon, and stars. Her appreciation for both the familiar and the celestial brings a sense of curiosity, connection, and reverence for nature into her creative work.

As an elementary school teacher, Shannon also channels her passion for learning, creativity, and environmental stewardship into the classroom. Her experiences as an educator continually reinforce her belief in curiosity, exploration, and the importance of remaining connected to the natural world.

Outside of teaching and creating, Shannon enjoys spending time with friends and family, stargazing beneath an open sky, wine tasting, playing the guitar, and attending rock concerts. Whether she is observing the details of nature or looking upward toward the stars, Shannon finds inspiration in experiences that encourage wonder, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

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in Rural Alabama