Heather Bathon Bio:

Heather Bathon works by first photographing organic shapes and colors in nature-rock formations, tidepools, clouds, the fluorescent green of kelp draped over a white shell. The photos become the visual resource for her large-scale, abstract mixed media painting. She layers papers and chipboard painted in acrylics, vinyl paints and oil-sticks, creating a depth of color and pattern to engage the eye and evoke an emotional response. Heather was born in NYC and lives in Maryland. Her award-winning work has been featured in a movie, as artwork for a Baltimore band, as permanent artwork for restaurants and is in private collections. She is active in the local art community and has recently exhibited at Circle Gallery in Annapolis, MD and Atrium Gallery in Baltimore.

Heather Bathon Artist Statement:

I love strong shapes, layered textures and vibrant color. My work is about engaging with those. I’m continually inspired and surprised by the wild, vivid hues of the natural world and by the abundant repetitive patterns. I work to integrate those with bold, simplified forms reminiscent of graphic design.

Momma Rain Bio:

Maria Buszinski, known artistically as Momma Rain, has spent the past decade pursuing her passion for creating art that captures the spirit, complexity, and contradictions of the world around her. Working primarily in acrylics on canvas, she creates vibrant portraitures, with a touch of whimsy, that she describes as having “a vibe”—distinctive expressions of personality, emotion, culture, and social consciousness.

Momma Rain’s paintings are characterized by bold, energetic colors and cherub-like faces that draw viewers in with their initial sense of cheerfulness and whimsy. Yet, beneath their playful surfaces lies a more complex narrative. With a closer look, her subjects reveal grittier undertones, exploring political realities, social issues, identity, and the human experience. This contrast between the seemingly innocent and the deeply thought-provoking is central to her artistic voice, encouraging viewers to look beyond first impressions and discover the stories and messages hidden within each portrait.

Her work is deeply influenced by the people she encounters, the experiences that shape her everyday life, and the communities that surround her. Growing up in the Washington, DC region as a first-generation Filipina-American, Maria developed an appreciation for the diverse perspectives, cultural influences, and social dynamics that inform her creative vision. These experiences continue to shape her approach to portraiture, inspiring artwork that celebrates individuality while inviting reflection on the broader world we share.

Today, Momma Rain resides in Maryland, approximately halfway between Baltimore and Washington, DC, where she continues to explore the intersection of art, identity, and social commentary. Through her growing body of work, she transforms familiar faces, everyday encounters, and personal observations into expressive works that are as visually engaging as they are meaningful.

For Momma Rain, art is more than an image on canvas; it is a conversation, an invitation to connect, and an opportunity to see the world from another perspective—one vibrant portrait at a time.

Momma Rain Artist Statement:

Zooly Art Pieces is a vibrant collection of portraitures by Momma Rain, inspired by the people, places, and experiences that shape my everyday life. Rooted in the beauty of human connection and the richness of the world around me, each portrait tells a story, captures a feeling, or reflects a moment that leaves an impression on my heart and imagination.

My Art celebrates individuality, personality, and the colorful spirit that makes each of us unique. Drawing inspiration from my wonderful Momma Rain Friends, everyday encounters and the energy of life itself, I create portraits that go beyond physical likeness. Each Piece carries its own character, emotion, and rhythm, inviting viewers to connect with the subject in a personal and meaningful way.

Zooly Art Pieces is more than portraiture; it is a celebration of life, culture, community, and self-expression. Every face has a story, every experie3nce leaves a mark, and every portrait brings its own vibe. Through my art, I invite you to see the world through my eyes – one face, one feeling, and one vibrant expression at a time.

Exhibition Schedule:

• November 3, 2026 Exhibition Opens
• November 5, 2026 Reception at Paul’s Café 4 – 6 PM
• Will be on display through January 2027

Their work will be on display at Paul’s Homewood Café located at 919 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401. Open daily.