Icons and Tidal Pools by Valerie Kramer

A lifelong creator and educator, Kramer’s work speaks to the complexity of womanhood, memory, and identity. In her latest series, on display August 26-September 26, enigmatic female figures confront the viewer with quiet strength, crowned in luminous halos and layered symbolism. These introspective portraits merge stained-glass inspiration with a modern sensibility, inviting viewers to reflect on life’s transitions and the spiritual echoes of middle age.

Known for her compelling use of color and mixed media, Kramer traces her artistic roots back to early childhood and a deep love of spontaneous creativity. Her influences range from Wayne Thiebaud and Richard Diebenkorn to the quiet drama of Edward Hopper, and shape a body of work that is both visually arresting and deeply personal.

Kramer holds a BFA and MFA from the University of Cincinnati and spent 17 years as Professor of Fine Arts at Defiance College in Ohio. She has exhibited widely across the Midwest and Southeast, including juried shows at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Sarasota Art Center, and ArtSpace in Raleigh, NC.

“My work has always asked the question, who am I and what do I represent? If it draws the viewer in to stop and think, that is the greatest compliment,” says Kramer.

An opening reception will be held Wednesday, August 27, from 5–7pm, and a gallery talk is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 at 2:30pm. The exhibit, reception, and gallery talk are free and open to the public.

You may also like the following events from Art League of Hilton Head:

• This Tuesday, 12th August, 10:00 am, "Mosaic Steppingstones" with Ryan McGivern (August 12, 2025) in Hilton Head
• This Thursday, 14th August, 01:00 pm, Artist Talk & Demo for Two Points of View Exhibit in Hilton Head
• Next Thursday, 21st August, 05:00 pm, "Paint Pots, Plants & Sip: A Creative Night Out" with Andrea Smith of 7th & Palm (August 21, 2025) in Hilton Head

Also check out other Arts events in Hilton Head, Performances in Hilton Head, Theatre events in Hilton Head.