Honey & Sol is proud to highlight local artists from our community. With talents that encompass the arts of painting, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, music, poetry and many more - we have no shortage of incredible individuals in our neighborhood. Each month, we will highlight one artist among the exhibition walls of our community cafe’. All of the artwork is for sale, with a portion of the sales donated back to the community. We hope you can swing by and enjoy.
MARCH 2025
Leah Mae
Hello and welcome! My name is Leah, and I'm a natural-light photographer born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota now based in Rio Verde, Arizona.
For as long as I can remember, nature has been my muse. Traveling, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors is the inspiration behind my artwork. I am a full-time wedding and portrait photographer, but my love for capturing Earth's beauty keeps me inspired and grounded in my down time. I feel so grateful to be able to share that piece of my life with you here.
My photography style is clean and modern, with a focus on nature's unique textures, color, and light. I strive to edit in a way that evokes a sense of peace and the desire to get outside. Thank you for being here!
Artwork on display & for sale at HONEY & SOL through March 31, 2025
Artist:
Rio Verde resident, Leah Mae.
Medium: Photography.
FEBRUARY 2025
Lewallen Matthews
Capturing a moment of wonder with oil and canvas enshrines its memory, inviting joy and peace with each visitation. My hope is that this creative expression enriches others with each viewing.
I credit my beginnings as an artist to my maternal grandmother with her gift of a step by step how to draw book as a Christmas present.
Later, it was a 7th grade art teacher who took an interest in my work and encouraged me to pursue art.
My family did not support art as a career, so I became an Occupational Therapist. I realize now my career choice incorporated creative activities to promote healing. Since my degree was granted from a school of fine arts, I was again able to incorporate art training into my life’s pursuits. Requirements for my degree included Design, Anatomy with Cadavers, Jewelry, Pottery, Weaving and Medical Sciences.
As I neared retirement in Anchorage Alaska, one of my goals was to paint. At the time I was doing watercolors, which I loved because of the complexity of color I could achieve with multiple layers. This pursuit led me to take formal art classes. Diann Haist PhD is known to have been a classically trained artist who used the combined techniques of the Impressionist Masters and the Old Masters. I am honored to have been selected by her to be in her Atelier 2015 – 2018. Since she only taught in oils, I made the switch to oil and have not returned to watercolor since. Over the next three years under her instruction, I began to learn what it meant to become a professional artist. I next studied under Matt Smith, who is a masterful teacher of Arizona landscapes. Matts instruction on the principles of composition and design along with Plein Air equipment and process, cemented my current interest in vast landscapes. Still searching for a better understanding of value and color, I chose to work with Dave Santillanes. After more than a year, I can now say, I am liking what I see in front of me as I paint. What a joy!
The Honey & Sol General Store & Café is in Rio Verde, Arizona. This hidden gem is situated in the lower Verde Valley. Its curated art is chosen from a deep well of excellent local talent. I am thrilled that my art has been chosen to be part of the “SOL COLLECTION”.
Their mission is to support and bring to the forefront an opportunity for the Verdes Art League members and other creatives to gain exposure on the small but powerful exhibition space. In this aesthetically stylish and inviting social setting, they have successfully created an environment that is a welcoming mix with an artistic highlight for the enjoyment for all who enter.
