Auburn-Opelika Art Showcase

Saramia Arenas has called Auburn home since childhood.Her roots in the Auburn-Opelika area inspire her to create art that reflects her faith and celebrates the beauty of creation. Saramia’s work often incorporates nature motifs and biblical parables, drawing from her connection to God as the ultimate Creator. Using mixed media, she brings depth and texture to her pieces, working primarily on wood panels and handmade paper to highlight the tactile elements of her art. You can find her creations locally at J. Pittman Interiors and The Well, where her work contributes to spaces that honor creativity and community.

Mikaela Arnold was born and raised in the Auburn-Opelika area and loves it so much she’s never left. Inspired by the joy her art brings to others, Mikaela creates pieces that add charm to homes, Christmas trees, and life’s special moments. Working primarily with acrylic and watercolor, Mikaela describes her whimsical style as a celebration of happiness. Her collection includes small, giftable pieces and seasonal designs, perfect for adding a touch of cheer to any occasion. Her work is currently available for purchase directly through her.

Morgan Barber treasures moments of light and creativity. Painting during nap times or whenever life allows, she embraces the balance of art and motherhood. An Auburn University alum, Morgan has called Auburn home for nearly 17 years, working from her home studio to create pieces that inspire and transport. Morgan specializes in heavy acrylics on wooden boards, exploring loose landscapes that evoke curiosity and imagination. While landscapes remain her foundation, she releases collections throughout the year that delve into other subjects. Her work can also be found at J&M’s Local Market, Fig & Wasp, and Artifactory.

Randall Bartlett’s watercolors are steeped in the natural beauty of his childhood along the Gulf Coast. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, he grew up exploring the swamps, rivers, and coastal waters of South Alabama—scenes that now inspire much of his work. After a 31-year career as a professor of industrial design at Auburn University, Randall returned to his artistic roots in 2014, spending late nights rediscovering the joy of painting. Drawn to the fluidity and challenge of watercolor, he experiments with technique and style, creating vivid landscapes that often reflect lakes, rivers, streams, and seascapes. His work…

Leslie Reid Brasher finds joy in capturing the beauty around her. Originally from Huntsville, she was influenced by her mother and grandfather, both professional watercolorists. She earned her BFA from Auburn University and now paints from her Art Haus studio in Opelika. Specializing in watercolors and gouache, Leslie creates pet, house, and flower bouquet portraits, along with nature-inspired pieces painted from life. Her work is featured in collections across the U.S. and internationally. Locally, her art can be found at J&M’s Local Market.

Janice Brown is a recent addition to the Auburn-Opelika community, having moved here in early 2025 to retire with her husband, an Auburn University graduate. With a daughter currently attending the university, Janice has quickly embraced the area’s vibrant culture and creative spirit. A lifelong creator, Janice finds joy in the artistic process and sees art as both a personal escape and a playful exploration. Inspired by nature and color, her work spans acrylic on canvas, watercolor, and pastel, often experimenting with new techniques as she continues to evolve her style.

A writer, painter and sculptor from Auburn, AL, Mary Ann Casey creates expressive contemporary, folk art-like paintings, assemblages, and sculpted pieces in clay, which are all inspired by love of people and the earth. She paints intuitively and ultimately desires for her pieces to foster collaboration with viewers, inviting a shared experience of love, energy, and harmony. Mary Ann seeks to empower people to embrace the artist within and walk fearlessly on their path to creativity and healing. Her art has been displayed at venues across the South, and locally at the Local Market, Nourish, and Windhorse Studios.

Deborah Crandell is a versatile artist who is inspired by the area’s vibrant seasonal beauty and the spirit of a university town, and she channels that inspiration into her creativity. A former art educator with degrees in art, Deborah now works across acrylic painting, clay, watercolor, photography, printmaking, mixed media and more, often beginning with landscapes that evolve into abstracted interpretations of memory and emotion. Her art also intersects with storytelling—she has written and illustrated two children’s books, Sisu, Not Just Another Pretty Cat and Karhu, the Bear in the Stars, available on Amazon.

Nan Cunningham’s bold, dynamic style brings a fresh perspective to every subject, with her still lifes being a signature staple of her work. As a contemporary realist and powerful colorist, her award-winning paintings span still lifes, figures, animals, and abstractions, earning her recognition nationwide and a place in private and corporate collections worldwide. In addition to her artwork, Nan is a sought-after instructor, known for her motivational workshops and engaging lectures. Locally, her pieces can be found at The Gallery at Vignettes and J&M’s Local Market.

Debra Davis is a realistic oil painter and the artist behind Debra Davis Fine Art. Inspired by the quiet beauty of the South, she creates peaceful landscapes, florals, still lifes, and paintings of meaningful places that evoke a sense of home and nostalgia. Her work celebrates traditional craftsmanship, natural light, and the emotional connection people have to familiar spaces and cherished memories. Through her original oil paintings, Debra hopes to bring timeless beauty, comfort, and a lasting sense of place into the homes of collectors who value both artistry and tradition.

Lauren Duncan marvels at the bold circles God has drawn in her life. Born in Opelika, Lauren discovered her love for art at an early age, later earning a degree from Auburn University and a master’s in Art Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her journey has included teaching art in Birmingham and Ghana, West Africa, before returning to Auburn. Lauren’s work spans teaching art classes, managing her family’s store, and creating in her studio. She finds joy in fostering children and encouraging others through her creative devotional book, Made to Create. Her art can also be found at The Local Market.

Auburn native Katy Doss brings humor and bold creativity to the art world. The owner of Here Molly Girl, a marketing and design firm in Opelika, Katy turned to painting as a stress reliever from her fast-paced career. Her playful approach shines through in her vibrant large-scale florals, abstracts, nudes, and oysters, each given names that spark a smile, like "Awfully Uppity for a 5 at Best." Katy’s work is as memorable as her wit and can be found at The Gallery on Railroad in Opelika, where she continues to share her bright, unapologetically unique perspective with the community.

Cassie Fairley has called Auburn home for more than 30 years. After earning her PhD from Auburn University and serving as a counselor at Auburn High School, a life-changing accident in 2016 led her to rediscover creativity through digital art as part of her recovery. What began on an iPad with an Apple Pencil has grown into a vibrant artistic practice. Today, Cassie works primarily in watercolor, creating portraits, florals, and abstract pieces. When she sees something beautiful, she feels compelled to paint it.

Ivy Harris has always called Auburn home—A second-generation Auburn alum, she holds a BFA in graphic design with a focus on illustration. After 30 years as a graphic designer, Ivy rediscovered her love for painting and drawing, working primarily in watercolor, acrylic, oil, and graphite. Inspired by nature, she captures the unique colors of landscapes and the expressive details of animals. Her style blends realistic impressionism with a splash of whimsy, bringing joy to others through her work. Her illustrations have appeared in Auburn Magazine, The Auburn Plainsman, and a children’s book in 2023.

Alex Hughes is a self-taught artist based in Auburn, where he relocated for work at Auburn University after living in several cities across the country. A clinical psychologist by profession, Alex brings a unique perspective to his art, drawing from the emotional and psychological complexities of the human experience. Working primarily in graphite and charcoal, his pieces explore themes of identity, fragmentation, and the tension between order and disorder. His work ranges from detailed portraits to abstract compositions, often guided by curiosity and a desire to better understand what it means to be human.

A Montgomery native and Auburn University alumna, Betsy Lethander graduated in 1999 with a degree in Landscape Architecture. After years of designing landscapes, Betsy returned to her artistic roots, rediscovering her love for painting. She draws inspiration from her surroundings, celebrating the beauty in small, often overlooked details, from expansive blue skies and billowing clouds to vibrant sunflowers and ripe fruit. Her acrylic paintings on canvas and wood panels reflect her ability to find and highlight the extraordinary in the ordinary, creating pieces filled with gratitude, joy, and a sense of wonder.

Kathy Miller-Lowe is an award-winning artist whose oil-on-canvas works are defined by rich contrasts and broad, expressive brushstrokes. Inspired by her travels and a love for the countryside, Kathy captures beauty with a style that resonates across audiences. A lifelong resident of the Auburn area, she remains deeply connected to the community she loves, regularly giving back through her art. Kathy’s work has been featured in local and national publications and can be found at The Gallery on Railroad and Botanic in Opelika.

Caroline Steele, a talented artist based in Auburn, Alabama, earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Auburn University in 2011. Known for her photorealistic graphite drawings, Caroline specializes in creating personalized pieces that celebrate life, honor loved ones, and preserve cherished memories. While graphite is her hallmark, Caroline’s artistic versatility shines through her exploration of various mediums. Her collections range from vivid, large-scale painted portraits to dynamic mixed media abstracts that explore organic shapes and movement. Caroline’s work is a testament to her skill and creativity, making her a…

Born in Scotland and raised in Auburn, Iain Stewart, AWS / NWS, is an award-winning watercolor artist with a studio in Opelika. A graduate of Auburn University’s Architecture program, Iain blends his architectural training with a creative vision that captures the essence of place. His vibrant works explore the interplay between reality and imagination, earning him acclaim from galleries and collectors worldwide. Iain’s artistry extends beyond his studio at the Art Haus, where he teaches watercolor techniques and shares his expertise internationally. His work is featured in books, films, and other collections.

An Auburn University graduate, Myra Stephenson fell in love with Auburn’s welcoming art community, which continues to inspire her work. Drawing from antique photography of the late 1800s and macabre symbols from art history, Myra’s art explores the fleeting nature of life and the human condition. Influenced by artists like Anselm Kiefer and Francisco Goya, she uses creativity to reflect life’s fragility and ever-changing essence. Specializing in monochromatic ink portraits in sepia or black, Myra’s haunting, narrative-driven pieces invite viewers to pause and connect with deeper themes.

Based in Smiths Station, just a short drive from Auburn-Opelika, Anastasia Waldecker creates expressive, textured works that reflect her deep connection to nature, emotion, and spiritual exploration. Working primarily with palette knife and oil on canvas, she also embraces the fluidity of acrylics to experiment with depth and movement. Her paintings capture fleeting moments: a warm breeze, a quiet reflection, the feeling of something just out of reach and transform them into something lasting. Inspired by family, metaphysics, and the natural world, Anastasia sees each piece as a way to bring balance and meaning to both…

Andrea Wells creates original oil and charcoal paintings that celebrate the beauty in ordinary moments. Working primarily in florals and still lifes, she blends expressive color, loose brushwork, and layered texture to create pieces that feel both elegant and effortless. Inspired by the idea that beauty often exists alongside imperfection, Andrea hopes her work encourages viewers to see their everyday surroundings a little differently. A lifelong Auburn fan and Auburn University graduate, she has called the Auburn area home for more than a decade. Select pieces can also be found at Fig & Wasp in Waverly.

A lifelong artist with a career spanning more than 50 years, John Robert Willer created dynamic, thought‑provoking works influenced by Monet, de Kooning, and Pollock. His energetic brushwork, mastery of subject matter, and distinctive use of color earned him more than 40 awards and placement in collections across the world, including those of Alice Walton and AAMCO Corporation. John held an MFA from the Memphis College of Art and spent many of his later years in Opelika, where he painted full-time and generously shared his expertise through open studio classes with Auburn University’s OLLI program. His work continues to be…

June Woodham discovered her love for drawing and painting early on, inspired by her talented grandmother, Ruby Rowland Rozelle. After studying art at Auburn University, June spent time living throughout the Southeast before settling in Opelika, which she now proudly calls home. June paints with the hope of reflecting the creativity of her Creator and bringing Him glory through her work. She currently serves as a Recreation Supervisor at the Jan Dempsey Community Art Center in Auburn, where she’s surrounded daily by inspiring local artists. A wife, mother, and member of First Baptist Church of Opelika, June finds joy in…

Donna Young, a cornerstone of Auburn-Opelika’s creative community, has been inspiring locals and visitors alike for over 30 years. As the owner of Behind the Glass, a downtown Auburn boutique known for its artistic flair, Donna channels her passion for mixed media, abstract art, and landscapes into every corner of her store. Her vibrant paintings are not only showcased within her boutique but also featured in art shows at Opelika’s Art Haus. Donna’s dedication to creating unique experiences extends beyond her artwork, blending shopping, creativity, and community spirit into a truly memorable encounter.