Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Atlanta

Featured Artists, Call to Artists in January and February

Jan 01, 2026 06:00AM ● By Staff

She Carries Her Dreams by Karen Thompson

Phoenix & Dragon Showcases Two Emerging Artists

Phoenix & Dragon Bookstore announces two solo gallery exhibitions featuring emerging artists Abigail Carawan in January and Allyson Cheshire in February.

Recordings by Abigail Carawan

Carawan’s exhibition, Polychrome, runs January 2 through January 29 and highlights her work as an abstract realist exploring the human form, urban life and architectural repetition. Carawan blends classical painting techniques with bold color and perspective distortion. Her work has been exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia and the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art.

Cheshire’s solo exhibition runs February 1 through February 29 at Phoenix & Dragon. A recent Kennesaw State University graduate, Cheshire works in realism with a focus on technical precision, subdued palettes and figure-driven narratives. Her work explores emotional tension between modern and traditional aesthetics and has been shown at Gallery 100 and Mable House Arts Center. Her most recent achievement includes a published screen print for Justseeds’ “Celebrate People’s History” poster series.

Both artists were selected after participating in Phoenix & Dragon’s annual group shows. “I’ve had the pleasure of watching their skills develop over the past several years,” says curator Rachel Mara, citing their professionalism and quality of work. Admission to both exhibitions is free.

For more information, call 404-255-5207 or visit PhoenixAndDragon.com. Phoenix & Dragon Bookstore is located at 5531 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs.

Karen Thompson Explores Dreams Through Art

The work of returning artist Karen Thompson will be on exhibit at The Well of Roswell from December 13 through March 14.

With acrylics, oils and watercolor, Thompson’s works tend to be feminine-based, dream-like and often whimsical. Her most recent work features dreamwork as a creative and spiritual practice.

Thompson has won multiple awards in exhibitions around the Atlanta area. She has studied dreamwork for more than two years and paints her dreams to uncover their meaning and messages. She is also a member of the Jung Society of Atlanta, an International Dream Lodge member and a certified intentional creativity teacher. In addition, she teaches art programs in senior and mental health communities.

“Karen looks for the sacredness in ordinary moments,” says Becky Arrington, co-owner of The Well of Roswell. “Her spiritual practice happens when she’s working on the canvas, tuning in and asking, ‘What wants to happen?’”

The artist reception will take place on January 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. The exhibit is free, and paintings will be available for purchase.

For more information, call 770-640-9111 or visit TheWellOfRoswell.com. The Well of Roswell is located at 900 Old Roswell Lakes Parkway, Suite 300, in Roswell.

Heart Soul & Art Issues Call for Artists

Heart Soul & Art is calling upon local artists to submit entries for an upcoming juried exhibition titled “Red: The Art of Passion, Power & Purpose,” celebrating the emotional intensity of the color red. “We are always excited to provide a community art exhibit for established and emerging artists,” says owner Sharron Regan.

The call for artists opened December 15, and the submission deadline is January 25. Artists may submit up to three pieces for a fee of $45 through the Heart Soul & Art website. Accepted mediums include acrylic, oils, mixed media, digital creations, pastels, pen and ink and drawing. Submissions must either feature red as the dominant color or use red intentionally as a focal point. The exhibition invites both abstract and representational work and encourages interpretations ranging from subtle to bold.

Winners will be announced at the reception for the exhibit on February 7 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The juried show awards $500 in cash prizes, including first, second, third and Best of Show.

For more information, call 770-485-5930 or visit HeartSoulAndArt.com. Heart Soul & Art is located at 1470 Roswell Road in Marietta.


Mailing List

Subscribe

* indicates required