Our Story

Jo Woytek-Artist

Jo Woytek discovered her passion for creating art as a teenager. She began by painting original oil portraits of dogs, which she sold to local patrons. Over time, her artistic interests expanded to include landscapes and seascapes created in a variety of mediums. While living in New Jersey, Jo maintained an active studio practice while also teaching art. She instructed both gifted adults and children in drawing, oil painting, and watercolor techniques. During this time she participated in numerous juried art shows and gallery exhibitions throughout the Northeast and became a Signature Member of the Northeast Watercolor Society. After moving to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1995, Jo expanded her creative work into decorative arts, specializing in faux finishing and hand-painted murals for residential interiors. Today, Jo creates unique works of art in her studio in Matthews, North Carolina She works in watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media, often incorporating vibrant color, texture, and expressive design. Her subjects frequently include florals created with palette knives and textured mediums, as well as landscapes inspired by beach and mountain settings. Jo also enjoys painting on location and sharing her passion for art through teaching. She especially enjoys witnessing the “aha” moments when students discover their own creative abilities. Jo views her artistic work as a reflection of her faith and strives to inspire creativity and joy through her art.

Permanent Collection Acquisition

SQUIBB GALLERIES, NEW YORK CITY- Mixed media painting acquired for the gallery’s Permanent Collection from a gallery exhibition.

Awards

2022 – 2nd Place, Visual Arts Acrylics Award, Mecklenburg County SilverArts Competition, NC.

2018 – Merit Award, Art Walk, Matthews, NC.

Winsor & Newton Watercolor Painting Award – Juried Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, New York City.

Atrium Gallery Art Certificate Award – Atrium Gallery, Morris County, NJ.

Exhibitions / Festivals

2023 – Happiness International Online Art Exhibition

Kings Drive Art Show – Charlotte, NC (2023-2026)

Festival in the Park – Charlotte, NC (2022-2025)

Publications / Illustration

Cover Artist – Warren County Magazine (3 years)

Cover Artist – Warren County Companion Magazine ( 3 years)

Illustrator – “Chris Mouse and the Christmas House” (Children’s Book)

Illustrator – “What Good Is …” (Children’s Book)

Professional Experience

Owner & Artist – J A W Signs & Designs

Online art business crating and selling original watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media artwork and commissioned paintings.

Owner & Art Instructor – The Art Room Teaching Studio

Provides fine art instruction in drawing, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media techniques for adults and children.

Mediums / Techniques

Watercolor Painting

Acrylic Painting

Mixed Media

Palette Knife Floral Painting

Landscape & Plein Air Painting

Custom Commissioned Artwork