Fatima Khambati, a self-taught artist from Houston, has been captivated by art for as long as she can remember. Over time, her creative journey led her to explore various media, eventually discovering a love for watercolors. “I appreciate the medium’s loose qualities and natural luminosity on white paper,” she says, noting that its unpredictable results make each piece unique. Inspired by nature—especially wildlife and flowers—Fatima strives to capture their essence in her work.
She markets and sells her original artwork on Instagram and Etsy, while also participating in local markets where art lovers can experience her pieces up close. Each of her artworks is one-of-a-kind, and she also offers high-quality Giclee prints, made with archival inks and acid-free papers.
Anna Hazel is a vibrant Houston-based artist with a knack for breathing life into every piece she creates. Specializing in acrylics and mixed media, her work draws inspiration from the natural world—think lush plants, beloved pets, and the organic flow of nature. She’s also known for her heartwarming pet portraits, adding a personal touch to her art that’s both playful and deeply sentimental. With a background that includes studies at the Glassell School of Art and a love for photography and printmaking, Anna’s art is as diverse and dynamic as Houston itself!
Featured on Great Day Houston! First Saturday Arts Market was featured on Great Day Houston! Hostess Deborah Duncan talked with artists Lauren Luna, Julie Mahler, Lilli Lehtonen and Mitch Cohen!
I believe that the right painting in the right place can turn your day around for the better. In my art I like to romanticize ordinary places and things. I have an ability to see the beauty all around me-even filling up at the gas station, loading my car in the Walmart parking lot, or making breakfast. I try to focus on the joyful and beautiful moments in everyday life. With my art, I help others slow down and remember the good things they have right now in this moment. I paint usually with oil, and occasionally acrylic.
Love of art has always been a major part of my life. Growing up in a remote area in Lebanon, I spent my childhood on hillsides entertaining myself by using natural environment to make art, creating miniature villages using twigs, mud, pebbles, seashells and other flotsam. Bullet casings and exploded shrapnel afforded excellent miniature construction material. I started my career as a molecular biologist, but I never gave up art, filling up any free time creating something. After taking my first class in ceramics 10+ years ago, I fell in love and decided to give it 100% of my attention. Turning mud into a mug involves physics, chemistry, and cognitive constructional abilities, yet is ultimately controlled by the unpredictable whims of the kiln gods, … and playing with clay is cheaper than psychotherapy. I replaced scientific experimentation with experimentation with clay. I am constantly trying new techniques, materials, and glazes, giving rise to my eclectic style. There will always be something new and different in my collection. You can view current works by following me on Instagram or my website.
Najia Omer’s mixed media paintings draw profound inspiration from her cultural roots, having grown up in Pakistan. Infusing her canvases with gold-thread stitching, she intricately portrays women as origami birds in her artwork. These visual narratives become a reflection of aspirations and the pursuit of dreams, creating a unique tapestry that beautifully weaves together culture and personal journey.
Miriam Lim O’Brien, the owner and creator of Papermolas, draws inspiration from molas, a traditional textile art form of the Guna Indians in Panama and Colombia. Her designs reflect the vibrant patterns and colors of typical molas, combining traditional looks with modern geometric graphics. Initially creating physical paper art, Miriam transitioned to a sustainable digital medium due to time constraints and market demand. She now prints her designs, including greeting cards and coasters, in her home office using professional equipment. All products Miriam presents are her original designs, celebrating the fusion of tradition and modernity in her artwork.
Penny’s endless fascination with gemstones has inspired her to incorporate these artworks from Mother Nature into her own art. She loves experimenting and combining metal and stone in novel and unexpected ways to create one-of-a-kind, rustic pieces that have that special soulful feel that only handmade treasures can provide. Penny infuses a bit of her heart and soul into each piece in the hopes that her clients will sense the love that goes into each one and find a connection with the pieces that called to them.
“I strive to create jewelry that brings to its wearers confidence, joy, and the courage to embrace authenticity, and to share their uniqueness with the world.”
My name is Karina “Aimee” Kudla. Ceramics has been in my heart since I started taking hand building ceramic classes at a community learning center in 2016. I love designing, creating and making things with my own hands. Most of my pieces reflect my admiration for nature. Among my different collections, I design mountains, draw and carve birds, flowers and fruits. Adding details and using different techniques of finishing my design thrills me because I know it’s something unique! Ceramics is always with me and it represents not only how I see things, but who I am.
I have a ceramic studio located in Old Katy, TX, where I teach pottery classes and make handmade ceramic pieces for sale. I attend local art and craft markets and have presence on social media. My passion for ceramics is carried in everything that I do. I knew ceramics was the path that I would take to fulfill my needs in art and the relationship with future customers and students.
I work mostly with mid fire white, red and sometimes black clays. I like trying different types and colors of glazes, however, I strive to form a uniform and consistent finish. I plan colors that would work well together taking in consideration how they work on the specific clay undertone.
