On Thursday, August 21, Winchester residents have a special opportunity to see and meet local artists. Meet-the-artist receptions will take place at five locations around town, featuring five different artists: watercolorist Joyce Westner, multimedia artist Brioch Ochoa, oil painters Holly Khalil and Lucia Rubini, and mixed media artist Michiko Katsumi. All receptions are from 6–8 p.m.
These artist receptions, part of Art in August 2025, are where you can learn more about the artists, ask about their work see more of what they have to offer. Light refreshments will be served. Come and have a cultural evening downtown!
Bespoke of Winchester, 27 Church Street, will host Joyce Westner. A 49-year-resident of Winchester, Joyce started painting botanical art when she was nearing retirement about ten years ago. Botanical art is a botanically accurate plant portrait with aesthetic sensibilities, and for a few years Joyce was president of the New England Society of Botanical Artists. Joyce has a degree in journalism and, in 2024, she and a group of volunteers started Winchester News, a free non-profit digital newspaper.
Revolve, 24 Thompson Street, will host Michiko Katsumi. Michiko was born in Shizuoka, Japan, and currently lives and works in Winchester. She has a degree in Textile Design from Joshibi University in Japan and has had private studies in Japanese ink painting (fufo ga).
Michiko has had solo exhibitions at Aoyama Gallery in Tokyo, Wainwright Bank in Cambridge and Winchester Hospital, and has been part of group exhibitions at the Ginza Gallery and JosuikaiKan in Tokyo as well as at the Cambridge Art Association national prize show in Boston and the Winchester Public Library.
Cosmo Capri, the new family boutique at 9 Winchester Terrace, will host Holly Khalil. Holly graduated from Emory University in 2004 with degrees in Economics and Visual Arts and settled in Winchester in 2023. She is a mother of three. Holly has already made a lasting contribution to the Winchester community by painting two utility boxes, one near Vinson-Owen School and one near Mt. Vernon House.
Holly is always creating and enjoys using a variety of mediums. Her primary work is oil on canvas inspired by nature. Holly often combines natural and abstract elements to highlight the spontaneity of the outdoors. Her goal is to create movement throughout the canvas using layers of color and varying brushstrokes.
Leslie Saul & Associates at 611 Main Street will host Briseida "Brioch" Ochoa. Brioch received her BFA in printmaking and painting from the University of Texas at El Paso, where she developed a passion for alternative photographic processes and abstract forms. Her work often involves human figures, landscapes, installations, performances, and symbolism. It emphasizes the immensity of life beyond personal perspectives, often exploring the complexities of cultural exchange. Brioch has exhibited her art in several galleries across Texas, Arkansas, and Mexico.
Lucia Rubini will hold a special reception at her studio, Rubini Art, at 22 Park Street, featuring her own work and that of her students.
Born in Bari, Italy, Lucia attended the Academy of Fine Arts, guided by the inspirational works of Leonardo Da Vinci and her arts professors, Labianca and Antonini, among the most famous in France. She moved to Boston to finish her studies at the Art Academy of Boston. In 2010, she opened “Rubini Art,” an art studio and place of education for art lovers of all ages. In 2014, she created “Van Vogue” fashion show, born from the idea to merge feminine beauty with the harmony of artistic technique. It was shown in Bari, Italy and also in Boston, to rave reviews. In the spring of 2019, Lucia produced a very successful student show at her gallery which attracted the attention of Italian TV, where it was featured in a special program that summer.
