Wake Forest Guild of Artists

06/18/2026

Trying to find a unique gift for your husband or Dad or adult son to celebrate Father's Day this Sunday? Why not consider an artwork chosen especially for him? I was thinking about all of the beautiful artwork we currently have on display at the Wake Forest Coffee Company, and about several artworks that celebrate a soldier's love for their country. Those artworks would be perfect for that special someone that served our country in the military. Let's meet the artist that created them - Jeff Carey!

Jeff's art journey began because his family couldn't decide what to get him for Christmas a few years ago. As a kid, Jeff watched Bob Ross quite a bit, and art always interested him. Forty-something years later, Jeff decided he wanted to try painting. Now with his family's support, Jeff paints regularly, utilizing a wet-on-wet style. Jeff hopes you enjoy his painting as much as he enjoys painting them.

Jeff has several paintings that honor our military and our fire fighters, as well as beautiful landscapes. I'll give you a sneak peek, but you really need to stop in at the wonderful Wake Forest Coffee Company and see this lovely selection of 6 paintings by Jeff Carey! You can visit Jeff's website at paintwithjeff.com.

As always, our appreciation to the Wake Forest Coffee Company for their support of the arts!

Wake Forest Coffee Company
Wake Forest Downtown
ARTS Wake Forest
Heart and Soul of Downtown Wake Forest

06/18/2026

Keep your fingers crossed! We have the possibility of an inch of rain Friday and we need it so much. What a perfect time to go to the Wake Forst Community Library and grab a book to enjoy on a rainy day (please be a rainy day)!

While you are at the library, please enjoy our wonderful "Art in Bloom" showcase. We have art near the front on both the long shelf facing the adult reading area and on the wall over the adult literary section. Looking towards the back, we have art on the wall above the children's books. All of this art is for sale by the artist and the library can provide contact information.

Let's meet one of the artists displaying their beautiful floral art - Karen Ruffner!

Early in her career, Karen worked in a photography studio, printing and retouching photos, then focused on graphic design, and later held roles as an art director and creative director in corporate America. Karen retired from corporate life after nearly 25 years and was eager to again pursue drawing and painting on her own time and terms.

Karen has created with watercolor, pastels, graphite, acrylics, and pen and ink, but now primarily uses oils. Karen paints in a semi-realistic style. She often paints from her own photographs of places visited and things she loves as inspiration.

Karen's style is always soft and reflects the beauty of the world, regardless of the subject. She has two lovely artworks on the shelf in the library's adult sitting area for your enjoyment. I thought I would share "Tulips and the Morning Light" - a gorgeous 11 x 13, framed painting that she recently completed. Karen captures the scene of the tulips sitting on the table so well. This artwork would look beautiful in any home!

Stop by and see Karen's artwork at the Wake Forest Community Library now! You can also explore more of Karen's artwork at karenruffnerart.com.

ARTS Wake Forest
Wake Forest Downtown
Heart and Soul of Downtown Wake Forest
Friends of wake forest guild of artists



Karen Ruffner

06/16/2026

WFGA share …..

TOMORROW, June 16th, is our Virtual Teaching for Artists class! You don't want to miss it. There are still some spots left so go ahead and register / learn more by visiting: https://www.triangleartworks.org/events/virtual-teaching-for-artists

06/15/2026

We have a beautiful selection of original artwork and a bin of quality prints at the wonderful Wake Forest Coffee Company! Don't you just love decorating your home on those long, hot days of summer? You can certainly find wonderful artwork to fill your decorating needs at the Wake Forest Coffee Company. Offering a wide variety of hot and cold beverages and delicious pastries, sit and enjoy this lovely old building while sipping and enjoying the artwork.

Located upstairs are three pieces of wonderful watercolor by Laura Murray that are fabulous!

Laura is relatively new to the art scene, having only taken up watercolor painting in 2021 after retiring as a physical therapist. She loves color and the challenge of capturing three-dimensional form in her paintings. Flowers and landscapes are frequent subjects in her work. Along with the Wake Forest Guild of Artists, Laura is a member of the North Carolina Watercolor Society and takes weekly classes to improve her skills. In addition to watercolor painting, she enjoys creating pottery, especially wheel-thrown pieces.

I was shocked when I discovered that Laura began her artistic career just a few years ago. She is a natural artist! Watercolor is a very challenging art form, and her artwork is artistic, detailed, and amazing.

Come by and see all of her artwork at the Wake Forest Coffee Company!

ARTS Wake Forest
Wake Forest Downtown
Wake Forest Coffee Company
Heart and Soul of Downtown Wake Forest
Friends of wake forest guild of artists

06/15/2026

WFGA share ….

06/15/2026

You are invited!
This Thursday is our “Meet the Artist” reception at Wake Med North! Join artist Brittney Switala Brittney Switala l Fine Artist for this reception and sale event as she introduces “Grief to Joy”. A Faith held artistic expression of the past year without her father. Brittney will also have an additional table filled with art just for this event. The Wake Med North art wall can be found through the main entrance and between the help desk and cafe. No need to rush for lunch! The cafe has a large selection, sunlight, and is spacious!
The Wake Med Gallery wall is open to the public and located through the main entrance between the help desk and the cafe.
Please contact the artist directly for sales.
Brittney Switala l Fine Artist
Https://www.howgreatthouarts.shop/
(919) 495-1215
Thank you to Wake Med North for their continued support of local arts!

ARTS Wake Forest WakeMed Health & Hospitals

06/13/2026

This drought has been havoc on the beautiful spring flowers. If you miss the lovely blooms as much as I do, you need to visit the Wake Forest Community Library and see our showcase, aptly named, "Art in Bloom". We have a gorgeous showcase of flowers, from bouquets to single flowers to flowers on tile. These beautiful creations are there for the library patron's enjoyment and there is an artwork for everyone! Every artwork is for sale and will be a wonderful addition to your home.

Artists in this showcase include Kathy Weber, Victoria Smith, Olga Lobastova, Mary Ann Norwood, Karen Ruffner, Carolyn Hanlon, Michelle Kobryn, Lauren McAree, Delphine Peller, Madge Meyer, Laura Murray, and Jennifer Sherman.

While you are visiting the artwork, don't forget to check out the books, programs, and offerings of this wonderful library!

How about a sample of our selection for our viewing audience: Aren't they lovely?

ARTS Wake Forest
Wake Forest Downtown
Heart and Soul of Downtown Wake Forest

06/09/2026

The Wake Forest Guild of Artists is honored to introduce you to our 2026 scholarship winner, Jordyn Williams!

Art has always been part of Jordyn's life, but her artistic journey really began when she realized that creating wasn’t just something she enjoyed; it was a way for her to communicate. While she started drawing as a young girl, she learned that art had become the language she relied on when words didn’t feel big enough. She is very appreciative of the people around her who helped shape that growth, including teachers and family. Jordyn realized early the power of art and the ability of art to make people feel seen.

Jordyn is the founder of ChromaKult, her artist –led brand, which has taught her how to merge creativity with discipline. She learned how to communicate with clients, manage commissions, and build a visual identity that reflects individuality, culture, and storytelling. At the same time, projects like school murals, National Art Honor Society initiatives, and recognitions such as the Congressional Art Award and YoungArts helped Jordyn see that her work could reach beyond her immediate community.

Jordyn plans to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts to become a Medical Illustrator. She wants to continue developing her skills in illustration, design, and visual storytelling while expanding ChromaKult into a platform that supports young artists, especially those who don’t always see themselves represented in creative spaces. Long term, Jordyn hopes to build a career that blends artistry, entrepreneurship, and community work.

Jordyn is a 2026 graduate of Wake Forest High School and will begin her advanced education at the Savannah College of Art this fall.

Jordyn has 3 pieces of her art at the Wake Forest Coffee Company. Please stop by and see her gorgeous art and wish Jordyn well in her future endeavors!


Wake Forest Coffee Company
ARTS Wake Forest
Wake Forest Downtown
Heart and Soul of Downtown Wake Forest
Friends of wake forest guild of