Watercolorist Deanna Williford Will be Featured Artist at Swift Creek Mill

Chesterfield, VA, September 09, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Deanna Williford taught deaf children at the Maryland School for the Deaf for most of her 32-year career and worked part-time as an RID-certified American Sign Language Interpreter. She also conducted a training program at her Maryland farm to rescue ex-racehorses and rehab them into show horses and pleasure-riding horses. Breeding and showing adorable Pembroke Welsh Corgis were Deanna’s passion for a while in addition to horses and her students. Over the years, she showed her equines in hunter jumper shows, 3-phase eventing and, most recently, dressage.

Throughout her life, she has pursued arty endeavors from a wide variety of fiber arts to basket making to stained glass Tiffany Reproduction Lamps. Retirement gave her the time to hone her skills in painting watercolors – her favorite medium.Often people say, “You painted that? It looks like a photo!” She received Signature status in the Baltimore Watercolor Society by their jury of artists in 2013.

About her artwork, Deanna says: “Rendering animals in watercolor is a way for me to really 'know' them. I’ve always enjoyed studying all land and marine species…especially their unique traits and idiosyncrasies. My lifelong devotion to horses started when I was seven. Now, decades later, some of my happiest moments are trail riding my horse, Lincoln, with my stablemates, or using horses and riders as subject matter to paint! I marvel at their beauty, strength, and willingness to partner with us humans. I try to express that in my artwork. I totally enjoy the opportunity to share my fascination with wildlife, 'tamelife,' and youngsters in my paintings with you, the viewer.”

Deanna's work will be exhibited until October 27. Admission is free for patrons of Swift Creek Mill.

Swift Creek Mill is one of the oldest registered landmarks in the nation and is home to historic Swift Creek Mill Theatre, a not-for-profit that has been providing Central and Southside Virginia professional performing arts for over 50 years. “The Mill,” as patrons call it, has long been a beacon for cultural arts and a trusted resource in the area. Find out more at swiftcreekmill.com.