When visitors use their artistic talents to show their appreciation of the Historic Area, the living history museum comes to life in a new light. What follows are examples of how people, places and even animals moved these artists to share their love of Colonial Williamsburg.
Labor of Love
Artist: Lilyann Teifer
Medium: Oil on Canvas
“Walking through Colonial Williamsburg one spring day, I noticed some female interpreters working in this beautiful garden. It was a ‘slice of life’ that could have been taking place in colonial times. I am continually inspired by Colonial Williamsburg...the buildings and other structures, the interpreters dressed as citizens of another time, the livestock, even the trees. I am proud to live in such a special place.”
Art in Bloom
Artist: Bob Wentz
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
“My wife, Cheryl, and I are donors and volunteers — we serve as ambassadors. I’m pretty much a self-taught artist. I credit my mother for passing along the creative genes. The field of beautiful yellow/orange flowers caught my eye some years ago. I wanted to capture a portion of the Art Museum with the beauty of the wild flowers covering the Custis field. I chose acrylic paint to help express the vibrancy of the flowers.”
The Little House
Artist: Phillip Montgomery
Medium: Repurposed Wood and Paint
“We love Colonial Williamsburg and have stayed several times in the little rental houses. The architecture and the gardens and seeing the colonial trades draw us back over and over. We even got engaged to be married there.”
All Things Colonial
Artist: Pam Young
Medium: Oil on Canvas
“What caught my eye was the composition with so many of the objects that are reminiscent of this great ‘living history’ place. In today’s busy and sometimes frantic times, it’s so refreshing to just step back in time, slow down and enjoy the beautiful lessons that Colonial Williamsburg has to offer. We have been coming since 1969 and will continue to come here because there is always something new to explore!”
Genteel Intrigue
Artist: Bill Uthe
Medium: Plastic Matrix
“My wife and I come often to Williamsburg and have been doing so for years. The depth and authenticity of Williamsburg has always inspired me. My work reflects this love and a love for historical costume.”
Falling in Love with Colonial Williamsburg
Artist: Denise Baird Schwartz
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
“My daughter Amanda was determined to hoop and stick all over the Historic Area during our visit. The expression on Amanda’s face and her determination impart the joy she was feeling. Our family continued to return and experience our stay in a colonial home. Amanda would even bring back her hoop and stick on the airplane.”
Gazing and Grazing
Artist: Sinikka Benson
Medium: Watercolor
Sandy Smith submitted the work of her friend Sinikka Benson, a middle-school art teacher who was her traveling and painting partner. On visits to Williamsburg, they searched for the sheep. “Sometimes they seemed as curious about us as we were about them,” said Smith, recalling her friend, who passed away in 2022, as modest about her talent and tireless in pursuing improvement.
The Taliaferro-Cole House Garden
Artist: Marcia Long
Medium: Watercolor
“In this busy world, is there a more delightful escape than walking in the gardens of Colonial Williamsburg? The Taliaferro-Cole House garden has lovely paths that usually display some color with straw flowers — its serenity is soothing. This garden will be featured for the Historic Garden Day Tour in Williamsburg on Tuesday, April 23. There are many other wonderful gardens in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area to explore, and they each offer so many more surprises.”
Day’s End
Artist: Susan Hewitt
Medium: Watercolor
“Coming up slowly on Nicholson Street pulling one of the lovely carriages ending a long day, all looking for rest. I’ve been part of the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute for 20+ years, working as a teacher facilitator and curriculum writer. I also went to art college and I’m now a watercolor painter, so everything came together!
“I love CW’s excitement of always striving for accuracy, improvement and passion! What’s not to love?
“I taught fifth grade for 22 years. I can honestly say over the 300 students I taught, every one of them loved American colonial history, courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg.”
Colonial Memory
Artist: Don Gore
Medium: Watercolor
“I love to paint and draw on our travels across the country. My primary medium is watercolor and this particular scene at Colonial Williamsburg caught my attention. I think it tells a lot about the place and history in one image.
“My wife loves history and I love architecture and art. Colonial Williamsburg provides the perfect setting for both of us. We typically visit at least once a year and find it peaceful and inspiring each and every time. It doesn’t disappoint.”
Show Us Your Art!
Share a high-resolution image of your artwork inspired by Colonial Williamsburg. You can send images to [email protected].