EXHIBIT OPENING: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 3-5 PM

Sandy Whitby is a San Antonio–based abstract artist whose work reflects decades of creative dedication and evolution. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she studied fine art and graphic design at the Ivy School of Professional Art and LaRoche College before building a professional career in graphic design and illustration. Her early experience included advertising, window design, and television work — a strong visual foundation that later informed her fine art practice. After relocating to Texas more than forty years ago, she became an active and respected presence in the San Antonio arts community.

Whitby’s painting style is rooted in bold abstraction, characterized by dynamic composition, expressive gesture, and richly textured surfaces. Her work often emphasizes rhythm, movement, and an intuitive sense of geometry. Rather than focusing on representation, she creates immersive visual experiences that evoke emotion and invite contemplation. Layering, color interplay, and tactile surfaces are central to her process, giving her paintings both physical depth and energetic presence.

A pivotal influence in her artistic development was her study with Alberto Mijangos at the Southwest School of Art. Mijangos encouraged expressive freedom and large-scale abstraction, reinforcing Whitby’s confidence in her own visual language. His mentorship helped guide her transition from commercial design into a more personal, intuitive fine art practice.

Over the years, Whitby has exhibited throughout the San Antonio area and has earned recognition for her sustained contribution to the region’s artistic landscape. Being named Artist of the Year by the Art League honors not only her compelling abstract work, but also her longstanding commitment to creative exploration and the vitality of the local arts community.