NORTH BEACH, Md. — Southern Maryland artist Joi Nicole Lowe has been creating art in the region for two decades. Now, her latest collection is on display at Artworks@7th in North Beach, where visitors can view her paintings through March 30 and meet her in person at a public reception on March 1.
A New Exhibit and Artistic Expansion
Lowe, a longtime St. Mary’s County resident, was encouraged to submit her work after a suggestion from her coworker, Carley Tizol.
“She found out that I’m an artist and mentioned that Artworks@7th has a guest artist each month,” Lowe said. “I’m looking to be a member there and build relationships. I’m excited to display my work outside of St. Mary’s County, but more than that, I’m excited to expand my artwork and explore new ideas.”
Lowe’s work has been exhibited frequently in St. Mary’s County, where she has lived since 2004. She has volunteered with the St. Mary’s Arts Council, managed the Leonardtown Arts Center, and taught youth art programs like Art for Tots.
“I’ve been painting since I was a child,” Lowe said. “My mother really encouraged it.”
Artistic Themes and Bob Marley Tribute
Originally from outside Philadelphia, Lowe studied Studio Art at Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania before completing her degree at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Over the years, her work has explored themes of African American life and maternal relationships.
“Before I relocated, I found myself painting a mother and child or mother and daughter fairly often,” she said. “Most of my work is female-driven. I am African American, so that is a focus of my work—sometimes unconsciously, sometimes consciously. More recently, because of my direct connection with Sotterley, this continues to show through my work. I always try to create my art through an honest lens and present a vision that’s clear.”
For her Artworks@7th exhibit, Lowe created a collection honoring reggae legend Bob Marley.
“I’m inspired by all music, but heavily by reggae,” Lowe said. “When I found out I had been accepted as the guest artist, I started thinking about what could I do that would be a cohesive collection? This February would have been Bob Marley’s 80th birthday.”
Teaching and Creative Inspiration
In addition to her art, Lowe is a Montessori teacher, and she sees a connection between the Montessori method and Marley’s philosophy.
“Montessori is a way of life. The philosophy allows me to be inspired by the nature around me and reconnect with nature, so I try to incorporate that in my art and in my class,” Lowe said. “Love, hope, and inspiration are at the root of Montessori. I hope I can inspire and symbolize those values in my art and get them some of the attention they deserve.”
Where to See Lowe’s Work
Lowe’s work is currently on display at Artworks@7th, located at 8905 Chesapeake Ave. (at 2nd St.), North Beach, Maryland 20714, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
March 1, 1-4 p.m.: Visitors can meet Lowe at a reception hosted by Artworks@7th.
Moments in Nature Exhibition: Lowe’s work is also featured at the Port of Leonardtown Winery through March 3, after which it will move to the Lexington Park Library in April.
Follow Lowe on Instagram: @jnl0001
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