One of my former students , Nadine Thola, is having a show . She just completed her Mastery of Interdisciplinary Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University.  Her show (thesis exhibition) is at the NVCC-Annandale Campus, Ernst Comm. Cultural Center, Verizon Gallery, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale  Virginia.

The show runs until September 16th.

Above is a glass piece titled “Churches” and a locket made from enamel and silver.Here is an except from her webpage ..

Hi, I’m Nadine Kastelan Thola. As far back as I can remember, I love art and painting. For over 30 years I’ve been writing icons in one capacity or another. After attending St. Mary’s College in St. Mary’s City, MD for 2 years, I transferred to University of MD – Baltimore County, graduating Magna Cum Laude, with a Graphics BA degree in 1985. I am married and we have one son. As our family traveled the United States, I was fortunate to always have my art business involving calligraphy, drawing or painting. I’m an One Stroke Certified Instructor (2001). When arriving in the Washington DC area, I worked as a Graphic Designer. This only heightened my chest pains and I had to stop working long hours especially on the computer. I have Fibromyalgia, or hypersensitive nerves and muscles of the chest. Although my condition still limits me to several hours a day, I love either teaching, jewelry making or painting. My first love is writing icons (Byzantine saints & Christ-like icons as you would see in Greece or Russia). By the grace of God, Tom Xenakis and I painted 89 icons for St Mary’s church, Falls Church during a 5 year period. If you can stop by the church to see them, you’ll see 6’x10′ icons to 2’x3′ icons dedicated to saints and the life of Christ. I teach by appointment only. In the Fall of 2008, I started working on my MIS (Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies) off campus program through VCU (VA Commonwealth Univ)! My 2 concentrations are Sculpture/Jewelry – metalsmithing. God willing, in December 2011 I will graduate! I am inspired by St Rachel of Borodino. I hope you get to know her by clicking on her folder. Enjoy! Nadin