Welcome to our new “Monthly Mini Feature”! We will be highlighting different local artisans and crafters who have been busy imagining, creating, dreaming, and doing.

Our Featured Artist for August is Aicy Karbstein! Originally from Brazil, Aicy has relatively recently lived in the Alexandria area where her paintings were featured at several of the local galleries and multiple exhibits. She ended up meeting her husband-to-be at an art reception out that way, married her sweetheart, and now resides in what she calls “one of the most beautiful areas of this state, St. Mary’s County”!

Aicy’s fascination for painting started in her childhood years and has grown exponentially ever since. From a young age she has enjoyed visiting museums of various exhibits in many locations. Some of her favorites have been the Louvre in Paris, the National Art Gallery in Washington D.C., and other fascinating nearby and far-away places of interest.

Aicy’s own art reflects a variety of global influences, meticulously intertwined and evolved into an unmistakable style all of her own. Although her paintings include a physical process of the incorporation of different media, Aicy’s work has been just as equally an emotional experience as she has woven her own perspectives and individualism into each and every creation.

Mrs. Karbstein attributes her positive approach to life as an uplifting influence, reflected in her art as she has skillfully captured and mirrored the happiness, beauty, and harmony of the world. A combination of Expressionism, abstract, and impressionism styles are visible throughout her work, however she is always exploring different opportunities and techniques. Many of her most frequent places to paint have been water-oriented, such as spots at the Leonardtown Wharf, Breton Bay, St. Clements Island State Park, and other local landmarks.

Visit www.aicy-karbstein.pixels.com to learn more about our quite talented artist! During this particularly difficult time please remember our artists and galleries/businesses who support them. Our creative community members have been and always will be valuable contributors to our quality of life, our economy, and one of the many important facets of our area.

The St. Mary’s County ​ Arts Council, in partnership with local media sources, seek to support our fellow artisans by sharing their stories and showcasing their talents, check back next month for our next feature!