Olney artist Mirka Hokkanen will present “Nurtured by Nature”, a solo art show at the beachKraft Gallery in Olney, MD, on view May 3 – May 31, 2025.
the beachKraft StudioGallery of Olney will host a Closing Reception for the artist on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
Mirka Hokkanen is a Finnish-American freelance illustrator, author, and print maker based in Olney, Maryland. Mirka creates nature inspired art, with a never-ending curiosity about animal forms. She often sprinkles in details influenced by retro designs, and her Scandinavian roots.
Mirka moved to the U.S. in 1998 to attend Rockford College in Illinois (BFA 2002). She received both Master of Arts (2004) and Master of Fine Arts (2006) degrees in printmaking from University of Dallas, TX. As a military spouse and many moves into her career, Mirka has had the opportunity to be an active part in many art communities, teaching, speaking, and organizing events.
When not creating a menagerie in the studio she takes care of the zoo she has at home: three kids, a cat, a dog and a husband.
Mirka says, “I love creating work that is light and makes you happy. The work in this exhibition reflects my love for nature; the joy of exploration, finding interesting shapes and patterns, noticing shifting colors and textured surfaces.” But also, her work is about interest in “the deeper relationships we have with nature/animals; how we reflect and see ourselves in them, and how we give them meaning within a personal and cultural context.”
Mirka’s work “radiates joy and it invites the viewer to go out and notice nature around us with a reawakened curiosity and appreciation.”
The beachKraft Gallery is excited to show a selection of hand pulled prints by Mirka throughout the month of May.
See Mirka Hokkanen’s at the gallery, Tuesday through Sunday, 12 PM to 8 PM.
A closing reception will be held for the artist on Saturday May 31, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Light refreshment will be available to guests. Artist receptions at the gallery are always free to attend.
The beach Kraft Art Gallery is an eclectic, modern gallery that represents the original creations of over 20 local and nationally based artists in a 2500 square ft. open space. The gallery promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion for all guests, artists, and employees. Our mission is to promote art locally as a working studio and classroom in tandem with the gallery in ways that benefit the environment and promote eco-friendly practice.
For more information, visit https://www.thebeachkraft.com/
