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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Emily Scott is a contemporary artist who finds beauty in transformation. Best known for her encaustic paintings, she also explores a variety of mixed media. An Auburn University alum, Emily studied painting and printmaking before expanding her craft at Glasgow School of Art. She has exhibited her work across the Southeastern U.S., the United Kingdom, Thailand, Japan, and Qatar. She also shares her expertise through encaustic workshops. After years abroad, Emily and her daughters recently returned to Auburn to be closer to family and pursue her dream of working as a full-time artist.

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.

Tessa Tallakson is a classical oil painter from Opelika, Alabama, with a passion for capturing the beauty of still life and landscapes painted from life. A lover of nature, family, and knowledge, Tessa draws inspiration from her roots in Opelika, allowing her to express her thoughts and uncover beauty in the world around her. A graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Tessa combines her technical skill with her artistic vision to create timeless works of art.

A lifelong artist with a career spanning over 50 years, John Willer blends influences from Monet, Kooning, & Pollock to create dynamic, thought-provoking works. His energetic brushwork + mastery of subject matter, paired with his distinctive use of color, have earned him over 40 awards and placement in collections worldwide, including those of Alice Walton & AAMCO Corporation. John holds an MFA from the Memphis College of Art and resides in Opelika, painting full-time and leading open studio classes through Auburn University’s OLLI program. More of his work can be found at The Gallery on Railroad.

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.