<![CDATA[The Village Arts Association

<![CDATA[The Village Arts Association - Village Artists]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:33:23 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Artist Feature: Jon Sousa, Tabletop Model Artist]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:08:07 GMThttps://www.tvaok.org/village-artists/artist-feature-jon-sousa-tabletop-model-artistArt Can Be Found In Unexpected Places

Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

This month’s artist feature reminds us to look for art in unexpected places. For many people, art means painting, sculpture, or perhaps photography. But there is another world where art resides, in the tiny fantasy world of tabletop games.

Meet Jon Sousa, a resident of The Village for over a decade, and a founding member and Chair of The Village Arts Association. Jon is also a builder and painter of miniature people, creatures, vehicles, and terrains. Each model he makes has a name, a dynamic story, and a personality, making Jon not just an artist, but also a bard of sorts, who narrates the lore of a different universe, the universe of Warhammer 40,000 (aka 40k).

A Lifelong Passion for Games

Lavender Sodality Vexilla Bearer (purple), Star Defender Sodality Vexilla Bearer (red). Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

Jon has always been passionate about games, with a love for video games that began in childhood and continues into his adult life. Video games have not just played a big role in his leisure time throughout the years. They also inspired his future career path as a software developer. Jon has even dabbled in video game software development and digital art creation. His love for games has evolved over the past few years. First, during mid-pandemic 2020, he leapt into the world of Dungeons & Dragons (DnD), and eventually began hosting a weekly online meet-up to play the game. More recently, he became interested in Warhammer 40k and has been painting models for the game for a little over a year. "Tabletop games are a way to socialize with other people while playing a game that utilizes strategy and quick thinking," he explains.

Jon first became aware of the hobby in high school, but wasn't sure how to begin. Ironically, the very thing that once discouraged him, painting the models, is now one of his favorite parts. "I enjoyed playing the game so much that I took a chance at painting and found out I really enjoy it," Jon says.

“Tabletop games are a way to socialize with other people while playing a game that utilizes strategy and quick thinking.”

Lord Inquisitor Kyria Draxus. Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

The Process of Building an Army

Emperor's Jury Prosecutor Vigil. Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

Each model Jon crafts requires skill and patience. It takes him a week or longer to finish each model. He starts by individually constructing the plastic pieces with glue, tweezers, magnets, and a magnifying glass. Then, he uses the tiniest paintbrushes he can find and spends 5-8 hours applying an average of 16-25 different paint colors to each model to bring it to life. His creative time comes in the pockets of time he finds between working and spending time with his wife and son.

Mercy, the Callidus Assassin. Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

The process has certainly been a learning experience, and Jon’s skill has developed over the past year. He has gotten more precise with his paint application, and as his skill has improved, he has even gone back to models he completed in the past to add greater detail. Jon has also expanded the options available to his models, adding different stands and incorporating pieces from different kits to make his models more unique. “The most difficult challenge I've had to overcome is finding ways to be able to see the smaller details of the models. I have a magnifying lamp, but the pieces are so small that my fingers get in the way. I've learned better ways to paint certain details first because I know how difficult it is to see them later,” Jon says. He goes on to explain that the sense of accomplishment he receives when seeing the models complete and putting them into action in a game makes the challenges well worth it.

Playing Favorites

Captain-Commander Tonatuih the Rising Sun and He Who Brings the Day (left), Shield Captain Heracles the Stalwart (center), 1st Blade Champion Cú Chulainn the Devastation of Storms (right). Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

Of the over 100 models Jon has completed, a few stand out as his favorites and have earned titles celebrating their achievements. Jon is especially proud of how his shield captains turned out, particularly his shield captain on foot whose name is Captain-Commander Tonatuih the Rising Sun and He Who Brings the Day (shown on the left in the above image).

Archivist Lavendria the Seeker of Knowledge, The Silencer of Sorcerers, and Savior of the Masses. Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

Jon is also very partial to a purple blade champion called Archivist Lavendria, The Seeker of Knowledge, The Silencer of Sorcerers, and Savior of the Masses. The model is named after his wife’s character in a popular video game, which seems to have brought him luck. Lavendria has proven to be a powerful force on the battlefield, having defeated monsters many times larger than herself in the local gameplay scene.

Community & Inspiration

Jon enjoys the social aspect of tabletop games, and he describes the tabletop community as “welcoming and full of very talented and creative painters.” He is inspired by the creativity that his fellow players put into their pieces, and most players are enthusiastic about complimenting others’ art. Seeing the talent of other players also motivates Jon to continue improving his own artistic skills.“

Advice for New Players

Thṓth, The Emperor's Executioner (A Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought). Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

Jon is quick to encourage newcomers to try out this hobby. He explains that he never took an art class before learning to create his models. He recommends starting with a medium to large-sized model for learning and seeking out online tutorials for guidance. Perhaps most importantly, he mentions, “Don’t worry if you make mistakes.”

“Don’t worry if you make mistakes.”

Jon’s favorite part is seeing the models on the tabletop when they are complete, and he hopes new players will also get to experience that sense of accomplishment.

Another Type of Art

Caladius Grav-tank. Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

This month’s feature reminds us that Village art takes many forms: sometimes as vibrant paintings or murals, sometimes as warm and comforting fiber pieces, sometimes as snapshots of our suburban ecosystem, and sometimes as tiny warriors standing just a few inches tall, ready for glory.

If you are interested in learning more about tabletop games, reach out to Jon Sousa at JonSousaTVAOK@gmail.com.

Are you an artist living in The Village, OK—or do you know someone who is?
TVAA features local talent on the The Village Arts Association website! If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted, please send an email to our Community Outreach Director at AudreySousaTVAOK@gmail.com.

]]><![CDATA[Artist Feature: Reece Doyle, Nature Photographer]]>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 18:45:11 GMThttps://www.tvaok.org/village-artists/artist-feature-reece-doyle-nature-photographerCapturing nature's quiet beauty through the lens of a young artist

In the heart of The Village, Oklahoma, 16-year-old wildlife photographer Reece Doyle has been honing his craft since the age of 13. Growing up surrounded by the lush beauty of nature, Reece’s passion for photography is deeply rooted in a lifelong love of animals and the natural world.

Image courtesy of Reece Doyle.

His fascination with wildlife, paired with a camera gifted to him by his grandfather, set him on a path that felt both natural and inevitable. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a form of expression and a tool for advocacy.

A Lifelong Connection to Nature

Reece has lived in The Village, OK his entire life, a place where mature trees abound. The Village trees provide homes to an abundance of wildlife that for many locals goes largely unnoticed. But, for Reece, the rich suburban ecosystem is a place of wonder.

Reece's early love of animals became even more meaningful once he began photographing them. Photography offered a new way to connect with the natural world, revealing details he might have otherwise overlooked

Image courtesy of Reece Doyle.

Following Instinct and Embracing the Moment

Rather than approaching photography with a strict plan, Reece prefers a spontaneous style. He keeps his camera with him wherever he goes, always ready for an unexpected encounter with a squirrel or skittish songbird.

Sometimes this leads to tracking animals, but often, his best shots come from letting nature unfold on its own terms. This instinctive, patient approach allows him to capture wildlife in its most authentic state.

Image courtesy of Reece Doyle.

Finding Inspiration in the Forest

Of all the environments he's explored, Reece is most drawn to lush, open forests. The way sunlight filters through the trees and interplays with the vibrant surrounding flora and fauna provides an ideal environment for shooting.

Forests offer both openness and cover—a perfect setting for observing the quiet elegance of wildlife in motion.

Image courtesy of Reece Doyle.

A Documentarian's Eye

Reece approaches photography with a documentary mindset. He doesn’t aim to dramatize or stylize his subjects; instead, he focuses on revealing the small intricacies that make each animal unique.

His images are grounded in reality and observation, shaped by a desire to highlight what already exists—gracefully and honestly.

Image courtesy of Reece Doyle.

Art as Advocacy

Photography, for Reece, isn’t just a personal pursuit. It’s also a platform for education and conservation.

He hopes his work raises awareness about the beauty and fragility of the natural world, helping others see animals with the same respect and sense of wonder that he does.

Image courtesy of Reece Doyle.

The Elusive Heron

Despite a growing collection of wildlife images, one subject continues to elude him: the Great Blue Heron.

Though not particularly rare, this bird has remained just out of reach. Reece dreams of the day he captures the perfect shot—a personal milestone he's determined to reach.

Beyond the Wild

While wildlife remains his primary focus, Reece also enjoys photographing everyday life with its candid, fleeting moments. He finds the elegance which exists within the ordinary, viewing the world through his own lens.

Advice for Aspiring Nature Photographers

Reece encourages others to start wherever they are, even if it’s with a phone camera.

One of his key pieces of advice? Pay attention to animal body language. Learning how wildlife communicates can not only help photographers avoid startling their subjects, but it also leads to more respectful, and impactful images.

Image courtesy of Reece Doyle.

Final Thoughts

Through his images, Reece Doyle captures connection, presence, and reverence for the natural world. His work reminds us that even in the most familiar places, wonder is never far away.

With a camera in hand and a deep respect for the life around him, Reece documents not just wildlife, but a message: Beauty and meaning exist in every living thing—if we only take the time to look.

Stay Tuned!

Reece is currently working on launching a web presence to share his photography and future projects. Until then, keep an eye out—you never know where his next image might come from, or when he might finally capture the regal beauty of the great blue heron.

To view and purchase Reece's work in-person, visit his vendor booth at The Village Arts Festival on October 11, 2025.

Are you an artist living in The Village, OK—or do you know someone who is?
We’re looking to feature local talent on the The Village Arts Association website! If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted, please send an email to our Community Outreach Director at AudreySousaTVAOK@gmail.com.

]]><![CDATA[Artist Feature: Jordan Armintrout of JoJoLA Designs]]>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 18:47:57 GMThttps://www.tvaok.org/village-artists/artist-feature-jordan-armintrout-of-jojola-designs

Image courtesy of Jordan Armintrout.

Meet Jordan Armintrout, a painter based in The Village, Oklahoma, whose work bursts with color, energy, and emotion. Originally from Edmond, Jordan has been immersed in art since her teenage years, when she would spend hours redrawing her father’s sketches. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion and an expressive style that reflects her uniquely personal experiences and perspectives.

Image courtesy of Jordan Armintrout.

A Journey Fueled by Emotion
Jordan’s work is deeply rooted in the emotions she has carried since childhood. “I grew up with such big feelings and thoughts that I was too shy and anxious to express,” she shares. “I started putting those feelings into my art—happiness, fierceness, peace, love, humor. I like my paintings to have energy and movement.” Her inspiration often comes from people and emotions, but also from her love of music, fashion, and dance.

Image courtesy of Jordan Armintrout.

“I started putting those feelings into my art—happiness, fierceness, peace, love, humor.
I like my paintings to have energy and movement.” --Jordan Armintrout

Image courtesy of Jordan Armintrout.

Style and Themes
Jordan describes her painting style as bright, colorful, energetic, multi-dimensional, and unique. She is especially drawn to themes of movement and rhythm, which echo her love of dance and music. Humor also plays a role, bringing a sense of playfulness into her art.

Morning Creation
The best time for Jordan to paint is in the quiet of the morning. “Early, before everyone else is awake, I put on my headphones, get my space ready, and fall into my own world,” she says. It’s in these still hours that her boldest and most colorful ideas come to life.

A Painting That Came Full Circle
One of Jordan’s most meaningful works is a recent reimagining of a painting she first created in 2017, during a time when she and her best friend were living together. The piece originally reflected who they were then, but when revisited years later, Jordan infused it with her evolved style, giving it new depth and life. “It holds so much special meaning because through everything, she has always been there—just like my art,” Jordan reflects.

Image courtesy of Jordan Armintrout.

"The blue and yellow is the original painting from 2017, I used to do most of my paintings in blue and yellow color schemes for many years, The other is from this year [2025], I added in yellow to the remake to incorporate the original's colors with my current style and colors!" --Jordan Armintrout

Inviting Viewers Into Her World
When people encounter Jordan’s paintings, she hopes they feel a sense of joy, intrigue, and surprise. “Between the UV light, 3D glasses, and natural light, there’s something new to see in each light,” she explains. Her work is layered and multidimensional, inviting viewers to experience it in a multiple ways.

Image courtesy of Jordan Armintrout.

Featured at the 2025 Village Arts Festival
Jordan’s vibrant work has been selected to represent this year’s Village Arts Festival poster, now available for purchase through the TVAA website. Proceeds from poster sales go directly to supporting the mission of The Village Arts Association, and will help to fund future local arts projects and community events.

Festival-goers can also meet Jordan in person at The Village Arts Festival on October 11, 2025. She will be hosting a booth where her original art and merchandise will be available for sale.

Connect With Jordan
You can explore Jordan’s art and follow her creative journey on Instagram at @jarmintrout2690.
From there, you’ll also find links to her Etsy shop and pop-up shop, where she offers original pieces, clothing, and merchandise.

]]><![CDATA[Artist Feature: Anna Veteto of Buckleby & Co.]]>Mon, 28 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.tvaok.org/village-artists/artist-feature-anna-veteto-of-buckleby-coCrocheting Comfort, Imagination, and Storytelling by Hand

In a cozy corner of The Village, Oklahoma, fiber artist and author Anna Veteto is quietly creating a world of softness, story, and charm. As the founder of Buckleby & Co., Anna blends storytelling and warmth into every creation, whether it be a beloved soft toy or an imaginative children's book. Anna will also be a vendor at the October 2025 Village Arts Festival, sharing her whimsical creations with the community.

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

Rooted in Community, Inspired by Family
Anna has lived in The Village since she was three years old, continuing a Village legacy that spans two generations. Her artistic journey began when her grandmother taught her to crochet at the age of seven. “I was instantly hooked,” Anna says. “I loved sitting with her and working on new stitches while she talked about her childhood.” That early experience became the foundation for a lifelong creative practice built around love and quiet connection.

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

The Joy of Handmade Toys
While Anna originally started crocheting accessories because they were quicker to make and easier to stock, her real passion has always been creating toys

“I love making pieces that children can imagine with, find comfort in, or just snuggle close,” she explains.

Her toys are whimsical, and are often inspired by her own children, vintage toys, and Waldorf design principles. She tends toward soft, natural color palettes and a design style that’s simple, but not necessarily minimal.

“I love making pieces that children can imagine with, find comfort in, or just snuggle close.”

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

An Author, Too
Anna’s love of storytelling doesn’t stop with yarn. She is also the author of the children’s book Buckleby Forest – Lola and the Splinter, a tale that reflects the same themes of "imagination, nature, and comfort that live in [her] crochet work."

“...imagination, nature, and comfort—live in both my writing and my crochet.”

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

From Pattern to Personality
Anna is just beginning to design her own crochet patterns. It is a challenge she describes as both exciting and difficult. Her process often starts with a basic structure, and then she “sculpts” the piece as she works, letting its personality develop naturally.

She works primarily with soft chenille yarn for its luxurious texture, and natural cotton yarn for a vintage, handmade aesthetic.

It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete a piece, or as Anna jokes, “It depends on how many times I hear the word ‘mom’ while I’m working.”

Among her many creations, one special project stands out, a small pink pig with a bow that she simply can’t part with.

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

A Favorite Piece—and a Deeper Purpose
Whether it's a crocheted creature or a page from her book, Anna’s work is meant to feel personal and comforting. “My favorite thing is when a child picks up one of my little creatures, instantly connects with it, and can’t be parted from it. It reminds me of when I was little.”

“My favorite thing is when a child picks up one of my little creatures, instantly connects with it, and can’t be parted from it. It reminds me of when I was little.”

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

Explore Buckleby & Co.
Whether you’re shopping for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply want to surround yourself with handmade beauty, you can explore Anna’s work here:
🧵 Shop Buckleby & Co. on Etsy: https://bucklebyandco.etsy.com
📸 Instagram: @buckleby.co
📘 Facebook: Buckleby & Co.
📖 Book on Amazon: Buckleby Forest – Lola and the Splinter
🎨 In Person: The Village Arts Festival 2025

A Final Word from Anna
“I’m so honored to be part of this creative community. Handmade art connects us in the most beautiful way—thank you for celebrating it!”

]]><![CDATA[Artist Feature: Debbie Bass]]>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 02:13:02 GMThttps://www.tvaok.org/village-artists/featured-artist-debbie-bass

Photo courtesy of Debbie Bass.

Debbie Bass has spent more than five decades threading stories and memories into fabric. Her journey as a quilter spans 54 years and continues to inspire those around her with a legacy stitched in warmth, healing, heart, and art.

Debbie's passion for quilting began early in life. One of her earliest childhood memories is napping beneath a Sunbonnet Sue quilt at the age of eight—a quiet moment that sparked a lifelong calling. But, perhaps the most profound influence came from her great-uncle, a Cherokee man who began quilting in his 80s. With skilled hands, he made hand-stitched patriotic quilts for veterans, newborns, and those affected by disasters in and around Flint, Oklahoma. His generous spirit and humor made a lasting impression, ultimately guiding Debbie toward her own creative path.

Though inspired, Debbie didn’t know how to begin quilting until she got married. Her husband's grandmother, who was nearly blind, became her mentor. With her guidance, Debbie completed her first quilt for her firstborn child—and she hasn’t put her needle down since.

For many years, Debbie attended quilt shows as a devoted observer, admiring the craftsmanship of others. But it wasn't until the last five years that she began entering her own creations. As an active member of her local quilt guild, she now participates in their biennial shows and will have two quilts featured in the upcoming July 2025 exhibition.

Among the many quilts Debbie has made, one holds a particularly special place in her heart: her Lewis and Clark quilt. This piece was her first large-scale free-motion quilting project completed on her domestic sewing machine. Every stitch tells a story, depicting scenes and elements from the explorers' historic journey across the country. It’s a quilt that speaks not only to technical skill but also to narrative artistry.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Bass.

Debbie Bass, Lewis and Clark, quilting

Debbie’s inspiration often comes to her in dreams which she works to make a reality. She works with quilt patterns, as well, but always infuses them with her own creative touch.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Bass.

Her talent goes far beyond aesthetics. For 13 years, Debbie dedicated herself to making Quilts of Valor for veterans. During that time, she and her fellow quilters awarded nearly 2,000 quilts to veterans in gratitude for their service. A large number of those quilts were sewn by Debbie herself, whose husband is a Vietnam veteran. Today, Debbie continues to quilt for a cause, creating comforting pieces for children, newborns, and women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Bass.

Debbie encourages new quilters to start with simple patterns and find someone willing to guide them. She believes learning to understand your sewing machine is key, and perseverance is essential.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Bass.

Each quilt she makes is a gift of love. She hopes those who receive them feel healing, joy, warmth, and comfort. Debbie is also passionate about helping others understand the emotional weight behind a handmade quilt. For her, referring to a quilt as merely a "blanket" minimizes the care and spirit sewn into every stitch. She discovered just how deeply quilts can heal when she saw the reactions from veterans receiving their Quilts of Valor.

With over five decades of experience, a heart full of service, and hands that never stop creating, Debbie Bass continues to create her art right here, in The Village, OK.

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