- Waterman Sprits show -

Just before Christmas in 2023, I had the chance to live out a lifelong childhood dream: to show my art in my hometown of Virginia Beach.

It wasn’t my first art show—but it was the first one back home. Growing up, I spent summers wandering the Boardwalk Art Show, eyes wide as I imagined one day having a booth of my own. I took every art camp I could at Virginia MOCA, soaking in inspiration from local creatives and falling more and more in love with the idea of building a life around art.

That dream became real on a cozy December evening inside Waterman Spirits, right by the Oceanfront. The atmosphere was perfect—warm lighting, a festive crowd, and the kind of laid-back coastal energy that only Virginia Beach can offer. I set up my work in the tasting room, surrounded by the buzz of holiday joy and the scent of citrusy craft cocktails.

As guests wandered through, drink in hand, I sipped on a perfectly balanced espresso martini from the Waterman Spirits bar—smooth, bold, and festive. The sounds of the bartenders at work, the buzzing hum of conversation, and the glimmer of ocean-inspired resin art glowing under ambient lighting made the night feel like it was pulled straight from a dream.

Locals and tourists alike drifted in, drawn by the blend of local art, Virginia Beach community spirit, and handcrafted cocktails. Some came in from a night stroll along the Oceanfront, others stopped by after dinner at Waterman’s Surfside Grille next door. The energy was joyful and grounded—exactly what I hope my art brings to people's homes.

There was something so full-circle about it all—showcasing my resin ocean art just blocks from where I fell in love with the ocean and art as a child. Locals and visitors drifted in, many staying to chat about the process, the pieces, and the inspiration behind it all.

It wasn’t just an art show—it was a homecoming. And one I’ll never forget.

If you’re visiting Virginia Beach or looking for a taste of the local art scene, I hope you’ll keep an eye out for future Hart Art events or find us at shophartart.com. And to everyone who stopped by that night: thank you for being a part of that little girl's dream.