From Blue Ribbon to Dahlonega: A Busy & Beautiful Season of Art & Celebration!

What an incredible couple of weeks it has been!

Last weekend I had the joy of participating in Cohutta Celebrates the 250th — my first event of the 2026 season. I painted “Americana” on short notice specifically for the Blue Ribbon contest, and I’m still smiling because it received a Blue Ribbon!

Cohutta Celebrates America's

The painting captures that classic heartland feel — a big red barn, waving American flag, families picnicking, and the simple joys of everyday American life. The “folksy” style felt exactly right for celebrating America’s 250th. Even better than the award were the wonderful conversations I had with local residents and visitors. Hearing your stories, seeing your smiles, and connecting over art made the whole day so special. Thank you to everyone who stopped by my tent!

While I was busy with Cohutta, I’ve also been working hard in the studio. I’m excited to announce that three brand-new originals (and their prints) are now available in my webstore:

• Americana – the Blue Ribbon winner from Cohutta

• Toast to Summer – my cheerful “failed abstract” that turned into a sunny wine toast (perfect for wine lovers!)

• Resilient – the powerful 30" × 30" oil painting created as the official cover for my sister-in-law L.M. Stephenson’s novel Resilient

This weekend I’m taking another big step — I’ll be participating in the Dahlonega Art & Wine Festival on May 16th & 17th. This is my first multi-day, art-centric festival, and I couldn’t be more excited! Both Toast to Summer and Resilient will be making their public debut at the festival. Even better, I won’t be there alone! Author L.M. Stephenson (whose novel Resilient features the painting as its cover) will be joining me at Booth #10, located between the Gold Museum and the Dahlonega General Store. We’d love to meet you, chat about the paintings, sign prints, and celebrate together.

Whether you’re local to Dahlonega or planning a fun weekend in the North Georgia mountains, please come say hello! It’s going to be a wonderful weekend of art, wine, music, and community. Shop the New Paintings.

You can see all three new originals and their hand-signed prints right now in my online store. Thank you for following my mid-life art journey. None of this would be possible without your encouragement and support. See you in Dahlonega!

Stephanie

MidLifeArtist