Opening Reception: Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM | Open to the public
Clayton Santiago |
Liminal Fields + Sanctuaries at the Threshold
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DAHLONEGA, GA: Clayton Santiago is a rising contemporary artist whose work bridges Christian faith, the Southern landscape, and a profound respect for God as the ultimate Creator. His paintings invite viewers into a world where light, texture, and atmosphere become visual hymns — quiet moments that celebrate the divine craftsmanship embedded in every river bend, leaf pattern, and mountain silhouette. Described as ritualistic in nature, his process brings to life images through tonal layering of resin, paint, and other non-traditional media, illuminating the surface and adding depth of the work with each layer.
Santiago first moved to the mountains of North Georgia when he attended The University of North Georgia in 1994. Following graduation, he moved to Gainesville and taught art for many years at Lakeview Academy and now resides in the mountains of Dahlonega, Georgia.
Santiago draws from the landscapes that shaped him: misted valleys, ancient rock, shifting skies, and the vibrant interplay of water and forest. Rather than simply depicting nature, he paints it as sacred ground — a living testament to God’s presence in the everyday world. Each piece reflects Clayton’s belief that the natural world is not just scenery but Scripture in motion. “I’ve always been drawn to the elements and energy of nature, which are often the foundation of my work. I use traditional and alternative materials, to create paintings that trigger a sense of place for memory and meaning, or past experience.” -Santiago
For Santiago, painting is both vocation and worship — a practice rooted in gratitude, awe, and the desire to reveal the beauty God has already placed in the world. “For me, art production has always required great focus, so I work in isolation and solitude… I find this provides grounding and clarity to do the work that is needed. In solitude, I find myself face to face with the things one has for so long, knowingly and unknowingly, ignored. It can be an interrogation of the soul.”
Collectors and curators alike are drawn to his work for its sense of stillness, spiritual depth, and emotional honesty. Santiago’s paintings resonate with viewers seeking meaning, peace, and connection — qualities that have propelled him into the spotlight as one of the region’s most compelling emerging voices.
This exhibition highlights this evolving vision, offering a collection of works that explore creation not as a distant concept but as an intimate encounter. Through layered textures, immersive color fields, and contemplative compositions, Santiago honors the creative gifts he believes are entrusted to him and uses them to direct attention back to the Creator Himself.
“As a student of nature, I have an uncompromising affinity for all of God’s creations, particularly the southern landscape for all its mysteries and charms. I make art to honor the things that are important to me, for the toil and victory of the process, and to create meaningful experiences for others.”
-Clayton Santiago
Santiago first moved to the mountains of North Georgia when he attended The University of North Georgia in 1994. Following graduation, he moved to Gainesville and taught art for many years at Lakeview Academy and now resides in the mountains of Dahlonega, Georgia.
Santiago draws from the landscapes that shaped him: misted valleys, ancient rock, shifting skies, and the vibrant interplay of water and forest. Rather than simply depicting nature, he paints it as sacred ground — a living testament to God’s presence in the everyday world. Each piece reflects Clayton’s belief that the natural world is not just scenery but Scripture in motion. “I’ve always been drawn to the elements and energy of nature, which are often the foundation of my work. I use traditional and alternative materials, to create paintings that trigger a sense of place for memory and meaning, or past experience.” -Santiago
For Santiago, painting is both vocation and worship — a practice rooted in gratitude, awe, and the desire to reveal the beauty God has already placed in the world. “For me, art production has always required great focus, so I work in isolation and solitude… I find this provides grounding and clarity to do the work that is needed. In solitude, I find myself face to face with the things one has for so long, knowingly and unknowingly, ignored. It can be an interrogation of the soul.”
Collectors and curators alike are drawn to his work for its sense of stillness, spiritual depth, and emotional honesty. Santiago’s paintings resonate with viewers seeking meaning, peace, and connection — qualities that have propelled him into the spotlight as one of the region’s most compelling emerging voices.
This exhibition highlights this evolving vision, offering a collection of works that explore creation not as a distant concept but as an intimate encounter. Through layered textures, immersive color fields, and contemplative compositions, Santiago honors the creative gifts he believes are entrusted to him and uses them to direct attention back to the Creator Himself.
“As a student of nature, I have an uncompromising affinity for all of God’s creations, particularly the southern landscape for all its mysteries and charms. I make art to honor the things that are important to me, for the toil and victory of the process, and to create meaningful experiences for others.”
-Clayton Santiago
Jane Ingols |
A Painted Menagerie
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ATLANTA, GA: Jane Ingols’ artistic journey has been profoundly shaped by the natural world, a lifelong source of inspiration. Growing up with an outdoorsman father, an artistic mother, and cherished time on my grandparents' farm, it was inevitable that my creative spirit would find its voice in the landscapes and animal subjects that populate my work. After a fulfilling career as a decorative artist, collaborating with the interior design community, I transitioned to fine art. Since 2016, my work has been featured in numerous shows and exhibitions, earning regional and national recognition and collection. I primarily work with acrylic, other water-based mediums, and charcoal, striving to capture the essence and beauty of my subjects. A native of Atlanta, GA, I continue to live and work in this lively community. I am honored to be a signature member of The Society of Animal Artists and American Women Artists. As a wildlife artist, my work is a quiet meditation on the unique spirit of animals. I build layers of color to render the detail of soft realism, aiming to engage the viewer and capture the true essence of each creature. Through the interplay of light and shadow, strategic use of color, and thoughtful composition, I amplify mood and guide the viewer's gaze. My ultimate goal is to translate, with every brushstroke, the profound beauty of nature and the wild in the most elegant way possible.
I was deeply honored to be invited to exhibit at the Quinlan. Showing my work in such a beautiful space is especially meaningful, knowing that it supports the important educational opportunities, quality arts programming, and exhibitions the center provides for the North Georgia community. The “Q” has long been a cultural force in Gainesville and beyond. Its commitment to local and regional artists is evident in the exceptional shows it hosts and in the way it brings remarkable local talent to light. I feel very fortunate to have received their support, encouragement, and opportunities to exhibit over the past few years. I spent many months preparing for this show, and each piece has significance to me. The painting The Night Wanderer, is especially meaningful for me, as it’s based on a powerful experience I had in Kenya in the 1970s. I had been creating art inspired by the natural world long before that trip, but the close encounters with African wildlife—especially the hours spent observing elephants at close range—left a profound mark on me as an artist. It took many years before I felt ready to paint this piece and truly capture the essence of such a remarkable animal.”
I was deeply honored to be invited to exhibit at the Quinlan. Showing my work in such a beautiful space is especially meaningful, knowing that it supports the important educational opportunities, quality arts programming, and exhibitions the center provides for the North Georgia community. The “Q” has long been a cultural force in Gainesville and beyond. Its commitment to local and regional artists is evident in the exceptional shows it hosts and in the way it brings remarkable local talent to light. I feel very fortunate to have received their support, encouragement, and opportunities to exhibit over the past few years. I spent many months preparing for this show, and each piece has significance to me. The painting The Night Wanderer, is especially meaningful for me, as it’s based on a powerful experience I had in Kenya in the 1970s. I had been creating art inspired by the natural world long before that trip, but the close encounters with African wildlife—especially the hours spent observing elephants at close range—left a profound mark on me as an artist. It took many years before I felt ready to paint this piece and truly capture the essence of such a remarkable animal.”
Karen Sturm |
Finding Beauty All Around
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JEFFERSON, GA: Karen Sturm is a Georgia-based painter. She started her art career as a Graphic Designer and, as such, approaches her painting designs with a similar sensibility. Karen is seldom without her camera as she looks for the extraordinary in the mundane. She takes pictures to freeze moments in time that convey her feelings of awe and wonder. She especially enjoys her time with people and animals while observing their personalities and textures. Karen works in series, allowing a more intimate relationship to get better acquainted with her subjects while exploring unlimited possibilities.
Back in the studio, using her own photo references and imagination, Karen starts with quick sketches, then a detailed drawing on Arches Cold Press paper. She places random bits of color, creating a roadmap of sorts, gradually adding larger washes. Many layers and final unifying glazes help hold it all together. Karen also uses a variety of finishes with her watercolor paintings, from traditional matboards and glass or plexiglass to varnish or cold wax. The use of cold wax allows a watercolor painting to be protected in a bathroom or kitchen environment.
Many people believe that watercolor is the most difficult medium, Karen disagrees. Once you learn the basics and have some techniques in your tool belt, it becomes second nature. Watercolor as a medium is very versatile, never boring. Karen spends time daily in her home studio. She continues to work on her own and takes workshops and classes with well-known instructors to further her skills and understanding.
She is a member of several art groups and a Signature Member of Georgia Watercolor Society. Karen has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in local, state, and national juried art exhibitions. During the summer months, she offers adult classes for beginner and intermediate levels. Commissions are available upon request.
Back in the studio, using her own photo references and imagination, Karen starts with quick sketches, then a detailed drawing on Arches Cold Press paper. She places random bits of color, creating a roadmap of sorts, gradually adding larger washes. Many layers and final unifying glazes help hold it all together. Karen also uses a variety of finishes with her watercolor paintings, from traditional matboards and glass or plexiglass to varnish or cold wax. The use of cold wax allows a watercolor painting to be protected in a bathroom or kitchen environment.
Many people believe that watercolor is the most difficult medium, Karen disagrees. Once you learn the basics and have some techniques in your tool belt, it becomes second nature. Watercolor as a medium is very versatile, never boring. Karen spends time daily in her home studio. She continues to work on her own and takes workshops and classes with well-known instructors to further her skills and understanding.
She is a member of several art groups and a Signature Member of Georgia Watercolor Society. Karen has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in local, state, and national juried art exhibitions. During the summer months, she offers adult classes for beginner and intermediate levels. Commissions are available upon request.
Manika Gupta |
Occhi Ojos – Art to Soothe Your Soul
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ATLANTA, GA: Manika Gupta is a self-trained artist who has lived in multiple countries and experienced diverse cultures. Currently based in Atlanta, her travels across the world exploring landscapes and structures have influenced her work. During one of these journeys, inspired by the desire to share her stories with others, Occhi Ojos was born.
Manika's work emerges from a place where emotion, intuition, and mystery collide, leading to the creation of soul-stirring and vibrant abstract acrylic paintings. Inspired by humanity and nature, her work is a deep exploration of colors, forms, and textures. Using an array of unconventional tools and techniques, each piece has its own unique journey, blending fluidity and structure to evoke emotional depth and contemplation.
The process of creating art is as significant as the finished piece of art; it's a moment of connection, revealing new perspectives and insights... an effort to soothe the soul. Manika's art is both a personal expression and a shared experience, offering viewers the opportunity to connect with something larger than themselves.
Through this journey and with Occhi Ojos, Manika aims to transport viewers to realms both familiar and unknown. She invites viewers to pause, breathe, and experience a transformation - a reminder that beauty can heal, creativity can illuminate, and the connection—with ourselves, with others, and with the universe—is eternal.
Manika's work emerges from a place where emotion, intuition, and mystery collide, leading to the creation of soul-stirring and vibrant abstract acrylic paintings. Inspired by humanity and nature, her work is a deep exploration of colors, forms, and textures. Using an array of unconventional tools and techniques, each piece has its own unique journey, blending fluidity and structure to evoke emotional depth and contemplation.
The process of creating art is as significant as the finished piece of art; it's a moment of connection, revealing new perspectives and insights... an effort to soothe the soul. Manika's art is both a personal expression and a shared experience, offering viewers the opportunity to connect with something larger than themselves.
Through this journey and with Occhi Ojos, Manika aims to transport viewers to realms both familiar and unknown. She invites viewers to pause, breathe, and experience a transformation - a reminder that beauty can heal, creativity can illuminate, and the connection—with ourselves, with others, and with the universe—is eternal.