About

Rowena Finn, an award-winning artist and native of Virginia, has worked in the arts for over 15 years. In 1999, she received her BFA in Studio Art with a Minor in Art History from James Madison University. She developed a deep appreciation for attention to detail through her experience as a professional goldsmith, and her current work is greatly influenced by the idealized beauty of Neoclassical art. After a long hiatus enjoying motherhood, Finn began teaching classical drawing in 2014. She firmly believes that drawing is an important skill that can and should be taught to everyone. Similar to handwriting, drawing is a vital form of clearly conveying ideas. The ability to draw accurately allows artists of all levels to achieve more satisfying results in their work, no matter the media, and that attitude is what fuels her passion for teaching.

Finn’s work focuses on faithfully and accurately capturing small snippets of the world around her: the curl of a dried leaf, the texture of a bird’s feathers, the little bits and pieces her children bring her. These small details tell stories about the different stages of existence for all living things and how we are all connected. There is birth; there is aging; there is death - and she sees the beauty in each of these phases. Finn invites you to explore each of her observations and discover their stories for yourself.

EDUCATION

James Madison University, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Minor in Art History, 1999

SHOWS & EXHIBITIONS

2014     A Taste of Art, Philippine Cultural Center, Virginia Beach, VA

2008     Free Spirit, Center for Cultural Arts, Suffolk, VA, Award of Merit

2008     Dare to Dream, One Eleven Gallery & Studios, Norfolk, VA

2007     Tiny Treasures, Tidewater Art Alliance Juried Miniature Exhibition, Norfolk, VA

2007     Rock-n-Surf Art Exhibit, The Artists Gallery, Virginia Beach, VA

2007     Quotes & Adages, Pembroke 4 Gallery, Virginia Beach, VA

2007     Phillips Art Gallery, Group Show, Virginia Beach, VA

2007     One Foot Square, The Artists Gallery, Virginia Beach, VA

2007     Fabulous Forgeries, The Artists Gallery, Virginia Beach, VA

2006     The Artists Gallery, Virginia Beach, VA (co-op member)

2006     Solo Exhibition, The Delightful Dish, Virginia Beach, VA

2006     Best of Virginia Artists, Williamsburg, VA, Honorable Mention

2005     Color III International Exhibition, Period Gallery (online)

2004     The Philippine-American Festival, Virginia Beach, VA

2004     Solo Exhibition, The Jewelry Vault, Broadway, VA

2002     The Graceful Envelope, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition

1997     Student Art Show, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

1993     Neptune Festival Student Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA, Honorable Mention

AWARDS

2017 Honorable Mention, The Graceful Envelope, Washington, D.C.
2008     Award of Merit, Free Spirit, Center for Cultural Arts, Suffolk, VA

2005     Honorable Mention, Best of Virginia Artists, Williamsburg, VA

1993     Honorable Mention, Neptune Festival Student Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA

PUBLICATIONS

Best of Virginia Artists, 2005

Scriptsit Journal, Back cover and pg. 21, Vol. 25, No. 3, December 2002

DONATIONS

2009    Partnered with A Dolphin's Promise for the Crystal Ball for a Cure Gala, Virginia Beach, VA

2007    Wine By Design Silent Auction, Contemporary Arts Center, Virginia Beach, VA

2005    Silent Auction: SOSHE 2005, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

1999    WVPT Fundraising Auction, Harrisonburg, VA

TEACHING

2017-Present     The Artists Lofts, Virginia Beach, VA

2014-Present     Private Instruction & Workshops

2015-2017         The Art Studio, Virginia Beach, VA

2014-2015         Jerry’s Artarama, Virginia Beach, VA

2005   Guest Instructor, Monticello High School, Charlottesville, VA