I am teaching a series of watercolor workshops on Zoom via VisArts. These classes require no experience as we explore art history and use a famous painting as a starting point for a fun visual exploration. The classes are not about copying an existing piece; they are about learning watercolor techniques and finding your own creative voice. Register here. 

The example below is a floral painting by Danish artist Christine Swane. 

Read it here: September 2022 RADOST News!

Saturday & Sunday, July 9-10 from 10am-4pmDel Ray Artisans’ Summer Art Market is a two-day, indoor event that gives you the chance to purchase original handmade artwork from talented local artists. The market showcases artwork in a wide range of media including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography, and more. Shop original work from local artists—perfect for gifts or treat yourself!

The Summer Art Market is on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 10am-4pm each day in Del Ray Artisans gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA (at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Mount Vernon Avenue).
Different artists are featured each day, so treat yourself and plan to visit the gallery both days! The artists featured in the Summer Art Market are:

Saturday, July 9 from 10am-4pm

• Victoria Barnes Photography
• Michael Bostick, SporeCrafts
• Amy Castine, Castine Beadwork
• Stephanie Darlene
• Syd Evans
• Charles Farmer
• Patty Moloney Figliola, Aisling PhotoArt
• Diana Manchak, designsinclay
• Cynthia Schoeppel
• Martina Sestakova, RADOST
• Joyce Wagner, Reinvented Elegance
• Tamara Wilkerson, WiRealm by Tamara
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Sunday, July 10 from 10am-4pm

• Rita Cohen
• Meredith D’Amore, Rare Bird Press
• Ariane D’Souza
• Erica Hughes & Suzan T. Ok, Fox Arrow Artisans
• Megan Levanduski, Megan Elaine Designs
• Liz Martinez
• Eileen M. O’Brien, ArtbyEileenMarie
• Edith Graciela Sanabria, Grace art and designs
• Kathy Stoner
• Ana Tkabladze, GalleriaGeorgiAna
• Tracy Wilkerson, Recycled Works

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The Summer Art Market is open to the public and free to browse. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery. For more information, visit DelRayArtisans.org/summer-art-market
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Del Ray Artisans, founded in 1992, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.
Del Ray Artisans (DRA) appreciates the continued support from the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Commission for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts. DRA is a 501(c)(3) organization.

About this eventTo start the day, we will design a small, exquisite arrangement together with fresh, bold-colored, unique flowers from the farm. You will learn about the flowers and where they are grown, as well as basic floral design and color theory.
Then, we will break for a quick lunch of sandwiches, salad and cookies (see below to make your sandwich selection).
Next, we will paint our florals! Join local artist, Martina Sestakova for the painting segment of the workshop, during which you will learn basic watercolor techniques, sketch and paint from the still life you have created, and create a series of floral paintings. No experience needed. At the end of the workshop, you will have completed 4 to 6 artworks (4x6"). To learn more about Martina's work, visit her website: www.radostbymartinasestakova.com She's amazing!
Join us for an afternoon, on a local flower farm with flowers, friends, creative fun time, art... and yes, don't worry, there will most likely be a little prosecco or wine involved! You will create a few masterpieces in one day to take home with you!
Flower arranging, watercolor painting and a little food & drink, what could be better on a Sunday Funday?!?!
We will bring out the artist in you! (see student work below)
**All supplies provided and yours to keep...just bring yourself and a smile!** Tickets are non-refundable, but are transferable.Artist rendering above in header is from last year's workshop, where we featured Baltimore local artist, Barbara Wolfe.
Sandwich Selections for your personal boxed lunch are as follows:1/Classic Italian, features salami, mortadella, proscuttini, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, hot pepper spread, oil & vinegar on a baguette
2/Turkey & Cheese, features turkey breast, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, honey mustard or thousand island on a baguette
3/Caprese, features mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil & balsamic drizzle on a baguette
Boxed lunches also include a pesto pasta salad, chips, fruit and cookie.
Please email me: Tonya@wildingflowers.com with your sandwich of choice for your boxed lunch by July 8th. We are ordering from a local gourmet market, Potomac Grocer, so it is important we get your order in on time.

HERE, a pop-up shop, will be open July 15 through July 31. And I will be part of it! Shop here in the meantime.

Abstract Water Color Painting Workshop with Martina Sestakova 
Saturday July 23, 2022, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM  
$25.00 – residents, $32.50 – non residents   
 
Enjoy poetry, music and abstract art? This workshop features all three of these artistic expressions as Martina guides you on your journey to create an abstract watercolor response inspired by the poetry of Mary Oliver and the sounds of a variety of music. May words be interpreted through colors, shapes and textures? Join us to find out!  No previous experience in painting is needed for this hands-on workshop.  
 
Activity Code: 30439-410A Get your ticket HERE.

Work with me! It will be fun for you and your team.

At Chesapeake Framing Company, we believe in celebrating local artists. In March 2022, stop by to enjoy Martina Sestakova’s solo art show. Martina’s original pieces on YUPO (a synthetic paper made from polypropylene resin) explore words, their role in our lives, and how their energy may be conveyed in colors, shapes, and textures. This free show is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Shop HERE.