About Anna.
Anna Nazaretz Radjou is an award-winning designer, illustrator, and artist in Arlington, VA. Anna attended Maryland Institute College of Art, where she graduated with honors with a BFA in Illustration. She is Gallery Director for the Arlington Artists Alliance, where she is also an active member. Anna is Artist Pro Tem at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a member of the Torpedo Factory Artists Association, and is a studio artist at Workhouse Arts Center. She is also Creative Director for her award-winning marketing and design agency, J.A. Creative. Anna’s artwork is in many national and international personal collections.
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Artist Statement
My fiber mixed media artworks are whimsical and unique, featuring stylized characters and contemplative scenes. By combining hand-stitched embroidery with painting and block printing on fabric, I work to create fine art pieces that have a contemporary eye-catching twist. I also incorporate elements inspired by Scandinavian and Slavic folk patterns, symbols, and icons, while also pulling inspiration from my illustration and graphic design background.
I was raised in Northern Virginia, and have lived abroad (Munich, Germany, and London, England). Throughout my childhood, I was introduced to many different cultures through travel, folk festivals, and museums. With these experiences, I developed a fondness for observing others, often paying close attention to how people reacted to everyday moments, which I now depict in my art.
The process of creating my artwork is nearly as important as the initial concept or the completed piece. Working in a layered and detailed technique allows me to deeply explore and reflect on the concepts within my piece. I depict both introspective and outwardly-observational scenes that cover concepts of mental health, identity, emotions, or social mores. By striving to create bright, approachable art, I hope to invite viewers to move in closer to my pieces and to reflect on the subject matter while observing the details of the artwork.
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Gallery & Membership Affiliations
Studio Artist #510B (Building 5), Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton VA
Artist Pro Tem at the Torpedo Factory Art Center; Alexandria VA
Member, Arlington Artists Alliance; Arlington VA
Member, Torpedo Factory Artists Association; Alexandria VA
Awards.
2024
Art in Transit Program Featured Artist, Rosslyn BID + WMATA
Rosslyn Metro Station
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2024
Best in Show for Sway, May Flowers Show
Van Landingham Gallery, Torpedo Factory Art Center
2024
2nd Place for Sol Series, Love is in the Air Show
Van Landingham Gallery, Torpedo Factory Art Center
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2019
I Voted Arlington County Sticker Design Contest 1st Runner Up Finalist
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2009 - present
50+ Graphic Design Awards for j.a. creative
Hermes Creative Awards
2005
Equal Merit Award
Art League
2004
Mid-Atlantic Region T-Shirt Design Contest Winner
Whole Foods Market
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2002
Good Neighbor of the Year Award
Shelter House, Inc
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1998
Performance Excellence Award
CIA
1995
Rhode Island School of Design Book Award
1995
International Programs Scholarship
Maryland Institute, College of Art
1995
Presidential Merit Scholarship
University of the Arts
Education
1995 - 1999
Maryland Institute, College of Art, BFA, Cum Laude
Baltimore, MD
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1992 - 1995
American School in London
London, UK
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1991 - 1992
H-B Woodlawn
Arlington, VA