Check back here on Saturday at 8 pm to see the winners of the Paint the Town Labor Day Show!

Member Spotlight: Dr. Alicia Christy

Lives in: Kensington Maryland

Website: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/alicia-christy  https://www.redbubble.com/people/blackvet/shop

Media and subjects:  Watercolor, social justice, portraits, honoring military, florals.

Projects you’re currently working on: Three pieces in Paint the Town (civil rights paintings), Voting and democracy related artwork for Vot+ER, Portraits of Kamala Harris (Artists for Harris), Faces of the Fallen Healthcare Heroes exhibit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (portraits of nine healthcare providers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan), Faces of the Fallen Montgomery County Rockville Memorial Library(portraits of the nine Montgomery County residents who died in Iraq and Afghanistan), cover artwork for obstetrics and gynecology journal, Faces of the Fallen exhibit at the Maryland State House (January 2025, portraits of the 128 Maryland residents who died in Iraq and Afghanistan), Princeton Faces of the Fallen Vietnam (portraits of the Princeton University alumni who died in Vietnam).

Why you joined MAA: Opportunity to share my artwork more broadly, opportunity to learn more about the business aspect of art, and an opportunity to learn more about fund raising for non-profits.

Something fun about you: I use my art as political humor, I love to laugh, and I am told I have a good sense of humor.

Artist Biography: Dr. Alicia Christy is an African American author, illustrator, physician, and Army Veteran. She retired as Deputy Director of Reproductive Health, Veteran Health Affairs. She holds the rank of professor at the Uniformed Services University, and adjunct professor at Howard University School of Medicine.

Her artwork is her voice for social justice. Her painting, "When Will Black Lives Matter," was selected from 1,000 entries for the online "Art Against Racism" exhibit. Dr. Christy provided the cover art and artist statement, "We Must Speak for the Voiceless and Vulnerable," for "Academic Medicine."  Her backstory, "A Legacy of Activism" | ACOG, was published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Her portraits were on display at Dulles airport. Her watercolor piece, "Boots of Valor," paintings of boots from WWI-Afghanistan, and will be on display at Reagan airport. In 2022 her artwork was part of an exhibit at the Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-10322/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMWf0xUy3Y0&t=161s Her artwork was featured on YouTube:  "Aiming for the Moon(shot): Health Equity for Black Veterans Drives Progress in Cancer Care" - YouTube and the VA Health Equity Art Gallery inaugural exhibition, Responding to Social Justice and Equity. https://www.va.gov/HEALTHEQUITY/Responding_to_Social_Justice_and_Equity.asp
Her story of using her artwork to honor women Veterans can be found at "Honoring Women Who Have Served" | ACOG. Her collection of portraits, "Celebrating Influential Women," was on display during Women’s History Month at Walter Reed in March of 2024.

In 2020, Dr. Christy received the Humanism in Medicine Award from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine for her work with women Veterans and homeless women.
Dr. Christy’s writing and artwork have been published in Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. She also provided cover art for the inaugural issue of Fertility and Sterility Science. Dr. Christy’s work and artist statements have been published in the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics and Journal of Narrative Medicine. Her artist statements and artwork related to health advocacy have been published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
https://www.acog.org/news/news-articles/2023/02/art-and-activism-creating-space-as-form-of-resistance
https://www.acog.org/news/news-articles/2024/02/standing-with-and-for-my-patients-art-and-activism
https://www.acog.org/news/news-articles/2024/03/black-doctors-telling-the-stories-of-black-mothers

Her artwork “No Muslim Ban” is part of the permanent collection at the Busboy and Poets Brookland location. Her work was featured at the Honfleur Gallery in Washington DC and the Hunter Gallery in New Jersey. https://thehuntergallery.net/shop/ols/search?keywords=alicia%20christy&sortOption=descend_by_match
The Healing Arts exhibit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/408445/healing-art-art-healing-exhibit-highlights-healing-power-art

Her artwork has also been featured on the social media platforms of several medical societies.

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists https://twitter.com/acog/status/1760318556200190023 , https://twitter.com/acog/status/1500921732684783617?lang=en,  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/acog_blackhistorymonth-activity-7166084241984856065-3yP1/ , https://www.linkedin.com/posts/acog_womenshistorymonth-activity-6906690022230368257-TlNq/?trk=public_profile_like_view
• National Medical Association https://twitter.com/NationalMedAssn/status/1 528345054313697285
• American Society of Reproductive Medicine https://twitter.com/ASRM_org/status/1577690306857803777

Dr. Christy illustrated a children’s book, Chuckie and Punkin Rule the World, which is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Politics and Prose and Books a Million. https://www.mologlobalpublishing.com/product/chuckie-and-punkin-rule-the-world/#
Her work is available at Fine Art America, https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/alicia-christy  Redbubble https://www.redbubble.com/people/blackvet/shop  and UnitingUS.org https://unitingus.org/

The proceeds from Dr. Christy’s art sales benefit a military artist non-profit, UnitingUS.org.

Name: Eugina M. Becton

Lives in: Kensington
Website: www.melodyscadence.com
Media and subjects: Acrylic paint and flowers
Projects you are currently working on: I am expanding my artistic
horizons by experimenting with new mediums, specifically gouache,
and soft pastels.
Why you joined MAA: Learn, collaborate, volunteer, discover, and
network.

Something fun about you: I will try roller skating again. If that
fails, I plan to crochet.
Artist Biography: Eugina M. Becton is a self-taught artist who discovered her
talent in 2021.  She relies on her intuitive feelings to guide her creative process. Her
acrylic paintings showcase vibrant abstract floral themes, with layering, thick, and
impasto techniques creating depth and texture, with highlights of black and white that
acknowledge the duality within all of us.  Her art encourages us to embrace our true
selves and unique journeys.

On July 6, MAA artists gathered at Shirley Povich Field to capture the Bethesda Big Train baseball team in action. The following week, all artworks were offered for sale at the ballpark. Here's a look at the fabulous pieces!

At the request of our plein air aficionados, we are planning ahead more, providing you with a schedule of plein air outings for the next few months. Here's our lineup for the coming months.

Check our registration page for signup pages as they become available. All events are subject to change and weather dependent.

Sunset and nocturne painting

Kensington, Maryland
June 11, 8-11 pm

Take in the quaint small town in the evening, producing lovely nocturnes in the style of Hopper or your own.

Painting in Friendship Heights

Friendship Heights, Maryland
June 22, 9 am-1:30 pm

MAA is pleased to co-sponsor this plein air event with the Friendship Heights Village Center and Plaza Artist Materials. The neighborhood's visual delights include decorative old houses, three parks, tall apartment buildings, and picturesque restaurants and other businesses – plus a farmers’ market.

Plein air and baseball with the Bethesda Big Train

July 6, 4 pm-onward
Shirley Povich Field, Rockville, Maryland

Artists may use any medium desired to artistically embody the energy and setting of this Bethesda Big Train Baseball team and stadium as they take on the Olney Cropdusters. 

Sunday Is for Sunflowers

July 14, 8-11 am
McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, Poolesville, Maryland

Conditions are quite naturalistic and the sun can be hot, but the scene is simply spectacular. Acres upon acres of sunflowers fill the landscape, with forests and cerulean blue skies their backdrop. You'll feel like you were transported to the South of France!

Paint the Town Labor Day Show Plein Air Competition

August 30-31
Kensington, Maryland

Our annual plein air competition during the Paint the Town Labor Day Show will have extended hours this year. You may get your substrate stamped on Friday night, August 31, and paint any time that evening or until 3 pm the next day. Prizes will be awarded in adult and youth categories.

Montgomery County Agricultural Farm

September 15, 10 am-1 pm
Derwood, Maryland

Fall at the Vineyard

October 7 or 8, 9 am-noon
Windridge Vineyards, Poolesville, Maryland

Garrett Park Victorians

November 10, 9 am-noon
Garret Park, Maryland

June's Member Spotlight: Paul Locher

Lives in:  Silver Spring, MD

Media:  Photographer

Social Media:  Instagram and Facebook: paullocherjr

Website: Locher.photoshelter.com

I started my photography journey about 10 years ago when I bought my first full-frame camera, knowing that photography would carry me through retirement, and beyond. Little did I know how consuming a hobby it can be…and nothing like using the point-and-shoot cameras in days gone by.

As with any journey, it starts with those first steps and eventually evolves into a travelogue. Personally, I always appreciated the statement that “if you want to take interesting pictures, take your camera to interesting places”.   Since then, it’s been interesting at every step, as are the challenges to get better, every day.

I think the learning curve with these cameras is huge, and the intricacies are infinite, which is part of the appeal. Almost every day, there are new places to explore and new ways to look at the variances of light, shadow, and especially color. Even old places are different, depending on the time of day, and season.

Since that first camera, I’ve been fortunate to accumulate some photos that are of interest to others. Photography has really brought out the artistic side that wasn’t fully developed by taking art classes in college. There have now been shows at Buck Gardens, Brookside Gardens, and Windridge Winery. 

Thanks to the Montgomery Art Association, who has been wonderful in providing access to shows, lessons, and member events. Also, a big call out to Colin Treado at American Reprographics where I do all my printing. He has helped me define which camera settings work with today’s printers, and has no problem saying, “That’s not worth printing”.  Also, I really like his attitude, “fix the shot in the camera”, before pressing the trigger.

Congratulations to all who were elected to the MAA Board of Directors for 2024-25. We have 19 members who will serve as officers and committee chairs, with terms running from June 1, 2024-May 31, 2025.

Thank you for giving your time and service to the association!

Officers

• President: Jennifer Barlow
• 1st VP, Programs: Frank Mancino
• 2nd VP, Shows: Kathy Tynan
• 3rd VP, Communications & Marketing: Teresa Sites
• Secretary: Lea Truman
• Treasurer: Anastasia Walsh

Committee Chairs

• Art Community Partnership Chair: Paula Zeller
• Children's activities: Judith Levine
• Equipment: Joyce Koeneman
• Field Trip Chair: Jonathan Ege
• Marketing: Ella Soroori
• Membership: Roxana Rojas
• Online Shows: Wendy Shiau
• Paint the Town Labor Day Show: Anastasia Walsh
• Plein Air Events: Lynn Lewis & Patti Connell (co-chairs)
• Programs: Hiral Joshi
• Publicity: Marta Lopez Teigeiro & Mars Davis (co-chairs)
• Workshops: Angie Coulson

March Member Spotlight:  Rachael Rice

Lives: Bethesda

Website: www.rachaelallisondesigns.com

Instagram: #rachael_allison_designs

Media and Subject: Glass Mosaics and Fluid Art

Why did you join MAA: For opportunities to show my art, to learn from other artists, to be part of an active artistic community.

Have you participated in MAA shows?

Tis the Season, Artist and Makers, November 2023 Rockville, Md

Seeing the Beauty of All things Goldman Gallery, JCC Nov 2023 Rockville Md

Oasis Art Gallery, Westfield Mall @024

Chasing the Winter lights, Windridge Winery, January 2024  Darnstown Md 

Women’s Art, Goldman Gallery, JCC February 2024, Rockville Md

Something fun about yourself:

I have organized bike and barge trips through Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, Hungary, Austria and Croatia over the last ten years.

Artist Biography:

The Beginning

I started my creative journey when I was 5 years old.  My mother taught me how to knit at an early age, and I spent many years in childhood creating knitted projects and sewing clothes; I even enrolled in a woodworking class in high school.  My childhood was filled with creative pursuits.

Formative Years  

In graduate school, I sought out metal and jewelry art education at a local community college. Then I was gifted a Nikon camera. I became drawn to the dramatic effects of black and white film and its manipulation in the darkroom.  I was inspired by photographers like Diane Arbus and Dorthea Lange. Photojournalism resonated with me but I decided that it might be too difficult to pursue as a career.

Artist, Reinvented

In the 90's a vast variety of colorful fabrics became available. I studied traditional quilting but found abstract designs far more satisfying. For the next two decades, I created abstract quilts, fiber wearables, and wall baskets.  I took a detour to try ceramics and hand-building with clay. I loved the sculptural aspect of working with clay and produced organic shapes and unusual functional pottery, and on occasion turned my home into a pottery store.  While clay offered me the chance to explore sculptural forms, I missed working with a colorful medium.

In 2005, a friend introduced me to dichroic glass fusion and beading.  The vibrant colors of glass stimulated my creativity and led to the next decade of beaded jewelry making.  I returned to create jewelry with various metals.  Then a visit to a Alexander Caldor’s exhibit of mobiles drew me into fabricating my own mobiles out of hand-forged metals, and I began creating with copper, silver, and wood.

Mosaics and Me

About five years ago, I was visiting a local high school and I fell in love with a huge mosaic mural done by the students.  At that time, mosaics were evolving from more classical perspectives to ones allowing more artistic freedom.  Drawn to the tremendous range of colors available in stained glass, I immersed myself in creating large mosaics of portraits, landscapes, and abstract designs.  I love the painterly approach learned from my mentor Yulia Hanansen and from recreating the works of great impressionist painters such as Van Gough and Renoir. 

Today

When I was vacationing at the beach, I took a workshop on fluid art and fell in love with this medium and process. Pouring acrylic paint on canvas and manipulating it to create abstract art was exhilarating. The endless possibilities of this art form have provided me with the perfect outlet for my exploration of color and movement.

February's Member Spotlight: Linda Botts Butler

Lives in: Upper Marlboro, MD

Email address: lbb_creativeartworks@aol.com

Media and subjects:

Media: Oils; Gauche. Subjects: Nature - landscapes; seascapes; plants and flowers. Still Life arrangements – florals, fruits and vegetables, objects.

Why you joined the MAA: I joined the MAA to become engaged in an organization that could help me become a more well-rounded and skilled artist. I look forward to participating in the various MAA learning, networking, and exhibit opportunities.

Something fun about you: In addition to creating art, I enjoy gardening, community volunteer activities, and yoga and fitness classes.

Artist Biography:  Linda Botts Butler is a self-taught artist, and her artwork is inspired by nature, the intrinsic beauty of diverse cultures, and by interactions with fellow artists. Linda most enjoys plein-air and still-life painting using oils and stretched canvas.

Linda was born and grew up in Washington, D.C., and currently lives in Prince Georges County, MD. Linda first recognized her artistic interest and talent during art classes in elementary and junior high school. As a young adult, during her spare time, Linda enrolled in drawing and oil painting classes at the local junior college and the Glen Echo Yellow Barn.

As a member of the Laurel Art Guild (LAG), Linda regularly participates in plein-air outings, and she serves as the LAG exhibits co-chair. Last summer, Linda exhibited three paintings in the LAG Brookside Gardens Exhibit. Currently, two of her recent paintings are on display in the LAG exhibit at the Laurel/Beltsville Senior Center.

Linda joined the Montgomery Art Association (MAA) in September 2023, and she participated in the MAA 2023 Paint the Town Labor Day Weekend Show, on September 2.

January's Member Spotlight: Angelic Young

Lives in:  I live in the Wheaton area in Maryland. 

Social Media: When I post pictures of my paintings, I usually post them on Instagram - my Instagram is angelicvyoung. 

Media and subjects: I work with acrylic on canvas, very occasionally with watercolors. When I first started painting, I focused on landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, where I grew up. I’m a sucker for a gorgeous sunset or sunrise over the ocean or a Cascades peak. As of late, I’ve been painting mostly nudes, focusing on capturing movement and emotion. That being said, I’m a newish painter, so I’m still in my “I’ll try just about anything” phase, and you can see that reflected in the selection of photos I’m sharing.  

Why you joined MAA: I love painting - I started as an adult a few years ago at one of those “paint and sip” classes. But I’ve never taken a “real” class, and I’d like to explore opportunities to connect with other painters, grow my skills, and share my work with others & get feedback so I can get better! 

Something fun about you: I love learning new skills - right now, I’m learning blacksmithing. I'm just about finished making my very first hand-forged Bowie knife. I’m really excited about how it's turning out! 

Artist Biography: Hello, my name is Angelic Young, and I’m a painter (acrylic on canvas) based in the Wheaton area in Maryland. I’ve been painting for about five years now. I started painting after taking a “paint and sip” class with work colleagues - and fell in love. Painting is my self-care time when I can breathe, relax, and focus on only the canvas before me. I enjoy painting landscapes and urbanscapes that remind me of places I’ve lived and loved. Recently, however, I’ve shifted to people & figures, particularly nudes, that allow me to focus on depicting emotion and movement.