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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

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Animated Small Drawn Bug

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

Hand Drawn Open Book

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

Hand Drawn Six Standing Books
Anna's Logo
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