In October 2020, OASIS Fine Art & Craft is celebrating TWENTY years in Downtown Harrisonburg! OASIS is an artist cooperative, exhibiting and selling the work of about 35 Shenandoah Valley area artists and artisans. To celebrate their big 2-0, we’ve put together a virtual “meet the artist” experience so you can learn more about the artists that make the OASIS magic possible! Visit https://www.oasisfineartandcraft.org/ to learn more about OASIS, shop online, and make plans to visit in person.
Barbara Camph | Glass
How long have you been at Oasis? About 6 years
What does Oasis mean to you? OASIS has a wonderful collection of artists, most of whom I have worked with on collaborative works. This is great fun. I get great advice from many of the members, and I have some treasured friends at OASIS.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I’ve lived and worked in many countries, and love to keep in touch with friends I made in those countries…Facebook is terrific for that!
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? Frank Lloyd Wright! His use of color and geometric designs speak to me. I’ve “copied” many of his stained glass pieces.
What inspires you? Color! Using color in different ways and textures.
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? I think it was probably a piece of street art, and I’m sure I still have it today.
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? It was a stained glass angel; she was beautiful and went to a lovely home.
What is your dream project? I would like to have the time to do a series of mosaic windows in a variety of designs and colors. I would also like to be able to do more public art for downtown Harrisonburg.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? There is always something new. Our members are constantly creating new items, using different colors and different media. And during the year, new members join us. Our monthly shows always have new work.
My website is: www.barbaracamph.com, and work for sale is at https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=Barbara+Camph
Bahir al Badry | Acrylic Paint on Canvas, Metal, and Wood
How long have you been at Oasis: Artist in Residence at OASIS since 2019
What does Oasis mean to you? I found my happiness at OASIS because OASIS is the heart of downtown Harrisonburg, with art, love, and colors.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I’m from Iraq, I was a marine engineer (graduated in Croatia), and I had a sea going career for more than 20 years, around the world. I have been in the US four years.
What inspires you? In my mind, and my heritage, the symbols and culture from Mesopotamia, as well as my life on the sea. I saw many cultures and many countries. I use the totem shape in my paintings, especially the eyes, which express my emotions and represent my message.
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? Four Seasons (a piece about human relations with the seasons)
What is your dream project? I’m working on it right now; I’ve been working on it 20 days already. It represents the future that I want for normal life, there is a happiness, no restrictions on life or dreams. This is a big piece, about 36 x 48.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? OASIS is the heart of the beauty and colors of downtown. People can enjoy the different artists and different media, the best kind of art, and different styles. And I love for people to visit me in my studio, upstairs in OASIS.
Shop Bahir’s work: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=Bahir+al+Badry
Read Bahir’s “Friendly Faces of the Friendly City” feature by Katie Mitchell: https://downtownharrisonburg.org/friendly-faces-of-the-friendly-city-bahir-al-badry/
Roger Chandler | Wood
How long have you been at Oasis: I began showing my work at Oasis Gallery in February 2015.
What does Oasis mean to you? Oasis is truly an important component of the arts culture for the Shenandoah Valley region. It is a major venue for local artists to showcase their work. Many art students from area universities visit Oasis to increase their knowledge of, and receive inspiration for their own endeavors. The gallery serves as a cultural icon in artistic expression, showcasing the talents, skills and inspiration that guides the production of many types of media. Founders of Oasis were truly visionary, and I believe it is not possible to properly estimate the value this artistic venue has added to our region.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I have been working with wood for over 35 years. In my love of woodworking, I have been both inspired and intrigued by the natural beauty and features of various woods, both in our region and around the world. I have built furniture, cabinetry, and at this time in my life, mostly focus on making artistically featured vessels by turning them on a wood lathe. It’s a lot of hard work, and using wood as the media for my work has required much investment in tooling, equipment and skill development….much more than painting on a canvas or many other forms of artistic creativity.
What inspires you? Bringing a piece of beautifully figured wood to its full potential, and seeing someone inspired to own one of my creations is a tremendous motivation for me to produce new work. I have watched Oasis visitors stop, take in the different forms they see, and witness a new level of appreciation for what the collaboration between mother nature and myself, working together, has brought to life…. whether a bowl form, a lidded vessel, a vase, platter or even an ink pen, child’s spin top or a number of other useful, and artistic forms is displayed.
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? My first acquisition of original art was a painting my mother did of calla lillies. It hangs in our home. I am very fond of the work of Richard Raffan in the turning world. My first foray into turning on the lathe came as a result of wanting to turn some table legs for a coffee table I planned to build. I saw Norm Abrams of the “New Yankee Workshop” on PBS turn some legs for a table he built, and said to myself…”I can do that!” That was back in 2005, and now some 15 years later, I have many varied turning successes, and a few failures under my belt. It has been a great journey!
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? There is always something new and exciting to see from the nearly 35 artists that show their work at Oasis, so their work gets replaced often as pieces sell.
I am a Juried Virginia Artisan through the Artisans Center of Virginia, and would love for anyone to visit Oasis to see available pieces, or to see a sampling of some of my work, they can visit my website: www.artisticwoodtreasures.com
My work can now be seen at OASIS: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=roger+chandler
Natalie Darling | Jewelry
How long have you been at Oasis: about 5 years
What does Oasis mean to you? OASIS is a wonderful co-op, a great place to try out or enhance your art business, interact with other business minded artists, and meet local and traveling folks who really appreciate original quality craftsmanship.
What inspires you? Repurposing quality items, such as sterling silverware into treasured wearable art. It just makes me happy!
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? A wire wrapped crazy lace agate stone. I didn’t think it was very good, but the fact that someone else loved it gave me the confidence and encouragement to pursue selling my jewelry.
What is your dream project? Making a piece for Tiffany &Co.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? There’s always something new, as the artists are always refreshing their displays. I think we have the best selection, price point, and quality around.
Shop Natalie’s work: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=Natalie+Darling
Brenda Fairweather | Ceramic/Pottery and Fiber
How long have you been at Oasis: since 2006
What does Oasis mean to you? OASIS is my gallery home; it was the first shop/gallery that I applied to and was accepted. It gave me confidence and a very local place to learn the business of working as an artisan. OASIS is a community that encourages new members by mentoring them through the application process and all the details of displaying in a retail gallery. I have been in (and out) of probably 30+ shops and galleries in several states and every single one of them is tied directly back to my membership at OASIS. OASIS is where it all began for me.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I began making pottery around the age of 50 and my great great grandfather was Potter John D. Heatwole who lived and worked in the Bank Church area of Rockingham County, VA. I’ve been weaving baskets since the late 1980’s when I was a stay at home mom with two children.
What inspires you? We all have ancestors that include craftsmen because they worked to create necessities, such as blacksmiths, potters, woodworkers, etc. I am specifically aware of my heritage because of stories told by relatives and additionally in a book about John L. Heatwole, by Carol Maureen DeHart titled “The Word Gatherer”.
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? My mother bought an oil painting at a yard sale for a few dollars when I was a child. She had it restored at the time, then passed it to me for our home, and it’s one of my treasured originals. I have a crock by Potter John with the date 1851 painted on it. My grandmother began painting around the age of 50 and I have the first and second still life paintings that she completed. One of my great grandfathers worked for Virginia Craftsmen and I have a table that he built.
What is your dream project? My husband took stained glass lessons after he retired last year and quickly became quite good at it. Our daughter finds time as a mother of three to create amazing wall hangings, quilts, pillows and sewn projects. This year, our son began working in metal and is discovering his passion for creating at his forge. My dream would be to keep these heritage crafts alive and encourage and support their creativity.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? OASIS is always bringing in new members AND current members add new inventory almost daily. OASIS is transformed monthly with new displays/shows on the mezzanine and in the Water St. window space. New visitors are in awe as they enter our space and glad they found us on their travels. Local friends are faithful to OASIS and remember us as a place to find a gift for someone else or themselves or just visit to see what’s new or be inspired by a visit to OASIS.
Brenda’s website is merakicreations.net. Shop Brenda’s work at https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=brenda+fairweather
Joanna Gray | Textile Artist
Media: Textile artist, I dye only natural fibers with dyes made from plants.
How long have you been at Oasis: I joined OASIS in 2011
What does Oasis mean to you? Community.
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? I’ve been inspired by Australian textile artist India Flint. She is the creator of the eco print dyeing process that I use in my work. She brings an inspiring sense of creativity and play to all that she does.
What inspires you? Nature, other textile artists
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? I’m more likely to trade with another artist, I don’t remember the first!
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? It’s been so long ago I don’t remember.
What is your dream project? I don’t know that I have a dream project but I do have a dream studio. Right now I’m dyeing in my kitchen and that can get a bit inconvenient.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? There is always something new at OASIS. Most of the local craft fairs have been closed down this year but OASIS is like a year round craft fair showcasing some of the best local artisans. Because we rely completely on our members to manage the gallery you will always have the opportunity to meet and talk with one of our interesting and talented artists.
Read Joanna’s profile at https://www.oasisfineartandcraft.org/joanna and shop her works at https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=joanna+gray
Erin Harrigan | Photography
How long have you been at Oasis: a little over 2 years
What does Oasis mean to you? It’s been a great place to learn about selling my work, to engage with the community and to learn about and learn from other artists.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I speak fluent Pig Latin.
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? I can’t say that I have a single favorite artist, but I LOVE street art, graffiti and surf art.
What inspires you? Inspiration can come from anywhere… friends & family, the world around me and sometimes even the artwork of others.
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? Heather Brown Surf Art.
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? I sold a photograph of the full moon setting over Baltimore at a Maryland art show
What is your dream project? Hmmm, that’s a tough one, but I think I would really love to get into some concert photography
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? OASIS has so many great things. There’s always something new and we are always evolving and finding ways to connect with our community.
Visit Erin on Instagram at instagram.com/erinharriganphotos and shop her work at https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=erin+harrigan
Dennis Hippen | Wood
How long have you been at Oasis: about 11 years
What does Oasis mean to you? Fun folk to be around and helped me reach higher.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: Still upright at 75 years old!
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? Fred Williamson, professional turner from Crozet, VA. Can aspire to achieve his skills, but he keeps getting better!!!
What inspires you? Teaching others woodturning…have one-on-one mentored well over a 100 people age 7- 90+.
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? 2005 bowl.
What is your dream project? Have a new one everyday.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? Best in the Valley and likely this side of Richmond.
Shop Dennis’ work at Monticello.org, Montpelier.org, and https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=dennis+hippen
Liz Karaffa | Handpainted Tiles
What does Oasis mean to you? It’s a great place to sell my work and meet with other Artists
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I’m a Mom, Artist, and Swimmer
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? Vincent Van Gogh
What inspires you? Nature, God, and other Art
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? A photograph at an Art show
What is your dream project? To complete an oil painting on canvas
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? To experience wonderful people and a variety of art in a beautiful environment!
Shop Liz’s work at https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=liz+karaffa
Kathy Kavanagh | Handbuilt Stoneware Pottery
How long have you been at Oasis: Between 10 and 15 years, not sure anymore (and no one I asked could remember either)
What does Oasis mean to you? Literally, Oasis means “Our Art Space in Shenandoah.” I don’t think I knew that for the first 8 or 9 years I was involved with the place, although I had figured out that there were no palm trees. Figuratively, Oasis represents an opportunity to know people who differ from the rural folks out where I live or the academics who populate most of the close friends and history. It is a place associated with exercising “the other side of my brain.” I strongly value learning and creativity, and Oasis has opportunities for both.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I love peace and quiet. When I make pots, I listen to books downloaded from libraries in Virginia or West Virginia… hundreds of books.
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? Favorite? No clue. Why? Because I like it. I am not an artist and I was not educated in art. I am an anthropologist and I love natural imagery, often indigenous or ethnic art. I love art that reflects those realms.
What inspires you? Nature.
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? A large print picked up at a lawn sale by artists at Rhode Island School of Design about 50 years ago. I still have it and I still love it. It is very anthropological.
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? Handbuilt stoneware pieces at a “Starving Artist” show in San Antonio, Texas, about 1975.
What is your dream project? Another lock-down so I can get a lot of large pieces made.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? Because the place is full of diversity and creativity, and it is always changing and growing.
Shop Kathy’s work at: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=kathy+kavanagh
Ron Landis | Woodworking, Furniture
How long have you been at Oasis: 4 years
What does Oasis mean to you? A quality venue for displaying my work.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I’m a federal retiree and wood working hobbyist
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? Moser – fine furniture designer
What inspires you? Wood is a wonderful medium to work with
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? A sofa table
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while?A wide variety of quality art is available and displayed in an attractive manner.
Shop Ron’s work at https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=ron+landis
Sarah Lock | Metalsmithing and Jewelry
How long have you been at Oasis: ‘Charter Member‘ 2000 – 2020
What does Oasis mean to you? OASIS means that local creative people control their own space to market their work and give customers a unique buying experience. A big part of our mission has also been community involvement and outreach.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I have been fascinated with metals and jewelry ever since I saw the Navaho women wearing their Squash Blossom necklaces as a child in New Mexico.
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? I love the work of M.C. Escher because he is so precise and controlled yet so fantastically unreal. I like art that make you engage.
What inspires you? Nature and the creativity and dedication of my fellow artists.
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? A little blue glass horse that I watched the artisan make when I was about 10 years old. I still have it.
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? A forged silver wire necklace with a seashell in a wire cage through a local gift shop.
What is your dream project? Expand OASIS into an artist community and destination with studios and classrooms.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? Come in for the Wow factor. That is the most common comment I hear as people walk through OASIS. Everyone needs a little beauty and creativity in their life. Even if you don’t need to buy anything, we always enjoy seeing you and hearing you say “wow”.
Shop Sarah’s work at: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=sarah+lock
Lodema Miller | Landscapes in Oil
Barbara Paul | Metalsmithing and Jewelry
How long have you been at Oasis: 2 years
What does Oasis mean to you? I love being a part of an artistic community that’s centered in downtown Harrisonburg. Along with providing a space to showcase and sell our work, OASIS provides outreach to the community. After spending a career working in a neighboring county, I have really enjoyed getting to be more connected to Harrisonburg.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I am starting my second season in life – I spent 32 years as a kindergarten teacher. I retired from teaching which provided me the opportunity to join the OASIS community.
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? I love the art nouveau lines of the work of Alphonse Mucha.
What inspires you? I know it tends to be overused, but I love being out in nature. I spent hours of vacation time picking up rocks and wondering if I could use it in a jewelry piece.
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? Wow, I don’t know if I can answer this. I’ve been in love with handcrafted work since I was in college. So early on, I would purchase handcrafted pieces that I couldn’t walk away from.
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? I made baskets back in the 1980’s and my first show was the Folklife Festival at Blue Ridge Community College. As a jeweler, my first sale was a pair of copper earrings.
What is your dream project? I would like to learn to work with metal on a larger scale – like making garden sculptures.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? Now in our 20th season, our 35 local artists will delight you with their inventive, handmade art. Wander in and you can enjoy Harrisonburg’s best in pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, textiles, wood, glass and more. OASIS is a non-profit artists’ cooperative that provides a venue to showcase the work of its members, as well as providing monthly shows for local artists on our mezzanine level. So, whether you are a local resident, a college student, or just passing through Harrisonburg, there’s always something new going on at OASIS!
Shop Barbara’s work at https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=barbara+paul
Alyce Pollock | Woodturning
How long have you been at Oasis: Since 2004, I think
What does Oasis mean to you? A community of supportive people who happen to share a love of making beautiful things
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I have a black belt in karate. Also I once sledded down a slope in the Alps on my backpack. (These two factoids courtesy of my husband).
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? A painter in Old Saybrook, CT, who lives in a straw bale house on a plot of land my ancestors lived on for many generations. His name is David Brown. I love the places he chooses to paint and how he portrays them.
What inspires you? I love pretty wood. Simple as that.
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? Probably one of David’s. It’s a painting of his house.
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? I’m not entirely sure, but it was a wooden bowl that I sold through OASIS. I didn’t know I was an ‘artist’. My husband just knew I was producing more bowls than I could give away.
What is your dream project? I love turning burls. David Brown once gave me a cherry burl from his property, with a request that I find a ‘real woodturner’ to work it up for him. Ashton (the guy I asked) gave it back to me a year later because it was beating him up. I made several pieces, one of which Judy Strickler still has. I didn’t keep any for myself, which I do regret.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? There are so many artists in our midst! New artists join our group all the time, so so even if you are a regular customer there’s always something to new find.
Shop Alyce’s work at: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=alyce+pollock
Mike Reisenberg | Traditional and Digital Art
How long have you been at Oasis: 15 yrs.
What does Oasis mean to you? It gives me a link to the community
Tell us something interesting about yourself: Left-handed, Nature lover
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? Monet, he saw color and form the way I do and he saw the female nude as God’s great work. David by Michelangelo: Three masters and his teacher failed trying to carve the marble block. They gave the block to Michelangelo the arrogant apprentice. When asked how he succeeded when the masters of the day failed, he said, “You can’t get anything out of the marble that’s not already there.”
What inspires you? A burning need like hunger and eating. Seeing color and form and wanting to put it on paper.
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? A carved elephant
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? A painting of Monarch Butterflies- My kindergarten teacher gave me a quarter for it.
What is your dream project? To do an animated movie.
Shop Mike’s work at: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=mike+Reisenberg and visit his website at reisenbergstudios.com
Sally Ridgway | Fused Art Glass and Acrylics
How long have you been at Oasis: 12 years
What does Oasis mean to you? A wonderful gallery where you can hob-nob with other artists.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I grew up in Idaho and I am short.
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? Oh I enjoy almost every form of expression.
What inspires you? The birds and the butterflies and the flowers and trees.
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? Well my husband and I traveled all over the world and we brought back some little something from all the places. But from a locally known artist Richard Farrell we purchased a painting we called “Everybody’s Grandpa”
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? No idea, still trying to figure out if I’m an “Artist”
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? Just the sheer talent and wide variety of handcrafted art all original and done by local artist is worth a visit.
Shop Sally’s work at: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=sally+ridgway
Kathy Roletter | Knitting
How long have you been at OASIS? I was accepted as a member in March, 2020.
What does OASIS mean to you? The opportunity to interact with amazingly creative and interesting people as well as the chance to market my own work. Over 20 years, OASIS has developed deep roots and a vibrant life in our local Harrisonburg community, and it’s an honor to be part of that.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I’m a retired teacher, a hand knitter from childhood, a history buff and an antique collector. All those interests converged about 25 years ago when I discovered my 1922 Home Profit Master Machine (a circular sock knitter) while antiquing in Maine one summer. It was a jumble of filthy metal parts in an old wooden crate, but at the bottom of the crate was the original owner’s manual, and all the pieces were there. I took it home, cleaned it up and reassembled it, and then taught myself how to use it from that old manual. My first successful sock took several months to make! Using that old-fashioned, hand-cranked and ingeniously designed machine, I make colorful socks in a variety of styles as well as other knitted items like ear warmer headbands, scarves and cowls.
What is your favorite artist or work of art & why? I’ve always loved the impressionists, but my favorite artist is Van Gogh and my favorite of his work is Starry Night. The joyful, riotous color palette he used in that and other paintings just speaks to my soul! The yarns I use to make socks and other items are gorgeous combinations of color, too. Most of the yarn I use is a high quality European yarn, but I also dye some of the yarns myself which gives me a chance to get creative with colors.
What inspires you? I’m a practical person so making something warm and comfortable for other people that is also beautiful to the eye makes me very happy. Also, I have knitting grandmothers going back four generations in my Irish background. I love to feel I’m carrying on that family tradition! Knitting is a very old, very humble, but very creative occupation that produces garments that nurture the people we love.
Why visit OASIS? Oh my, where do I start? The gallery space is so inviting and attractively arranged, full of an amazing variety of beautiful work, some in the category of fine art and some in the category of skillful craft. We have items to appeal to nearly everyone…jewelry, art glass, paintings, photography, pottery, textiles, woodcraft and more. It’s a satisfying place to shop, whether you are looking for a unique gift or treating yourself to something special. I was a customer for years before becoming a member, and I love spending time there.
Shop Kathy’s work at: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=kathy+roletter
Anna Stegmeier | Prints, Wire Sculptures, Flower Pressings
How long have you been at Oasis: I have been an intern at OASIS for a year now, and I am a new student member.
What does Oasis mean to you? OASIS is more than just an art gallery, it is a community of lovely artists who love to share their passion with the community.Other artists at OASIS inspire me in so many different ways through their art and advice.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I am a JMU student who is majoring in Studio Art and working towards a licensure in Art Education.
What inspires you? The things I love inspire me. The subject matter of my art typically features animals and nature.
What is your dream project? My dream project is to paint a mural that can be seen by the public.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? OASIS not only has beautiful works to admire, but OASIS offers so many opportunities to spread the passion of art to the community through farmers markets, kids activities and more.
Shop Anna’s work at: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=anna+stegmier
Ann Stephenson | Alcohol Ink and Resin
How long have you been at Oasis: 2 years
What does Oasis mean to you? A group of artists who are friends with a common goal of sharing and educating about our art with anyone that is interested. Also, an avenue to offering our work for sale.
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? Monet, love his use of color in his abstract paintings.
What inspires you? Nature, animals and season change.
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? Oil painting of a persons lake house.
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? To see all the various types of art created by its artists continuing to change monthly.
Shop Ann’s work at https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=Ann+Stephenson and Like her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/flowingink
Eve Watters | Mixed Media Collage
How long have you been at Oasis: Member since 2014
What does Oasis mean to you? Fabulous cooperation, generous spirit, beautiful integrity
Tell us something interesting about yourself: My work life is divided between visual and performing arts. I am a working multi-instrumentalist and storyteller, specializing in Celtic harp, and a veteran of 24 years in the Virginia Commission for the Arts touring program.
What inspires you? Traditional arts, the beauty of nature, naturally worn and shabby relics, the Great Mystery
First piece published: “Dream”- I’ve attached a picture. It appeared on the cover of Somerset Apprentice
What is your dream project? Paint, paint, cut and collage to my heart’s content, and produce items that stir viewers’ spirits
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? It is a feast for the eyes, respite for the spirit- a true OASIS!
Shop Eve’s work at: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=eve+watters
Jilly Weigel | Jewelry (Silver, Copper, Semi-precious Gemstones)
How long have you been at Oasis: since November, 2011
What does Oasis mean to you? A place to not only sell my jewelry but to hang out with and learn from other artists.
Tell us something interesting about yourself: I have 11 grandchildren. Most are step-grands but I tend to forget which ones.
Who is your favorite artist or work of art & why? Impossible to say
What inspires you? The colors found in nature
What was the first piece of original art that you bought? A painting which got lost in one of my many moves
What was the first piece of art that you sold of your own? A pair of earrings
Why should someone visit Oasis if they’ve never been or haven’t been there in a while? It’s the best place to see a variety of works by local artists. There’s always something new!
Shop Jilly’s work at: https://shopoasisfineartandcraft.org/search?q=jilly+weigel