Best in Art v9.26
BEST IN ART v9.26
MEET OUR PRESENTING ARTISTS
StepHanie Drago - painter
After spending much of my school years painting, I set my brushes aside for nearly two decades. What began as the occasional hand-painted gift for family slowly rekindled a creative passion I hadn’t realized I had missed. Last year, I completed my first large-scale work, an abstract cityscape of Washington, D.C., which marked the beginning of a new chapter as an artist. Since then, my work has become increasingly personal, exploring both bold imagery and meaningful symbolism. Each painting tells a story. My self-portrait reflects the strength I’ve found through the people who stood beside me, the armor I learned to wear through life’s challenges, and the joy of finding my laugh again. My newest piece, a vibrant tiger, was inspired by a long-held dream of creating something powerful for my children, capturing both courage and hope through bright, expressive color. Rediscovering painting has been deeply meaningful. After years of setting this part of myself aside, I’m grateful to have found my way back to creating, one canvas at a time. I would love to take a class and learn how to do more of the finer details in portraits. I want to learn more about proper techniques, brushes, varnish, etc. I would love to print my tiger in smaller form for others to enjoy as well!
Jean Mannion - painter
Jean Mannion is a painter and mixed media artist (collage and printing). Jean has been
painting for many years (over 30) and cites her mother, and aunts influence on her
lifelong love of the arts. Her mother and aunt were both hobbyists who painted
whenever they could spare the time. Following their example , Jean painted throughout
the years while working as a healthcare professional and raising a young family.
In retirement Jean found her passion for the arts fully blossoming.
Jean works in watercolor and acrylics predominantly. Her work also includes mixed
media art forms combining print making and collage. From representational work to
vibrant abstracts, Jean has created a diverse body of work.
Tracy Murphy - painter
Tracy Murphy is an oil painter and mixed media artist whose work radiates joy, resilience, and a deep reverence for life. Born in St. Paul, MN and raised in Hudson, WI, she has been drawn to art since childhood, beginning in ceramics before evolving into painting and mixed media.
She is an alumni of Century College, the University of Minnesota, and the Milan Art Institute- where art has been her main focus of study. A devoted mother of two sons and stage 3c colon cancer survivor, Tracy creates from a place of transformation.
Her work explores the beauty that can emerge from life’s most challenging moments, blending vibrant color, intuition, and emotional depth. Rooted in connection, her art invites viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.
Tracy Murphy is a multidisciplinary artist. Her pieces are vibrant, colorful, and highly contrasted abstract/realism/pop art. At the core of her body of work is a deep dive into human consciousness and how we exist in the physical world. Using a variety of viewpoints and symbolism, her work aims to make people feel connected.
