A December of Art and Light: My Koi Fish and Birch Forest Paintings at the Dickens Festival Art Show

A December of Art and Light: My Koi Fish and Birch Forest Paintings at the Dickens Festival Art Show

Today, I submitted my artwork for the annual Dickens Festival Art Show, one of the most anticipated events hosted by the Night Heron Watercolor Artists. Each year, this exhibition marks a meaningful moment for me—a time when months of steady work, quiet focus, and creative reflection finally come together in a place filled with warmth and holiday magic. It is never just about hanging paintings on a wall; it is about becoming part of a tradition that transforms our local community during the month of December. Once again, I am grateful to participate, and this year I will be exhibiting three pieces.

I began preparing for this show back in September. As summer faded into fall, I spent many weeks considering which direction to take, what stories I wanted my paintings to carry, and how the winter atmosphere might complement my style. After much thought, I chose two themes that have long been central to my artistic journey: my signature koi fish series and my interpretations of birch forests. These subjects have accompanied me for years—koi fish representing freedom, movement, and vivid life; birch forests embodying calmness, resilience, and time’s quiet passage. Imagining how these familiar themes could harmonize with the serene beauty of Christmas became an inspiring and rewarding process in itself.

The venue for the Dickens Festival undergoes a remarkable transformation every December. Garlands drape across railings, shimmering snowflakes hang from the ceiling, and rows of Christmas trees stand illuminated by soft lights. During the day, natural sunlight filters through the large windows and gives the space a peaceful glow. By evening, the lights and decorations turn the entire building into something that feels like a winter village. Artworks displayed in this magical setting do not simply hang on the wall—they become part of the holiday scenery. Paintings nestled between the trees and ornaments shine like small jewels, inviting visitors to pause and look closer.

I wanted my work to blend naturally into that atmosphere while still carrying my own creative voice. The koi fish, swimming through deep blue water, add warmth and vitality to the cool winter palette. The birch forest piece, with its gentle pastels and textured strokes, evokes a quiet winter landscape—a moment of stillness that many people associate with the season. Though each piece has a distinct character, together they form a collection that speaks to both movement and calm, energy and reflection. Seeing them placed within the Christmas décor made the themes feel unexpectedly harmonious.

Submitting artwork is always a moment filled with both nervousness and excitement. Each piece holds hours of effort, layers of emotion, and countless decisions—down to the smallest brushstroke. Standing before the works as I dropped them off today, I felt both humble and grateful. When a space is decorated so beautifully, I find myself hoping that my paintings will resonate with someone who walks by, that they will become part of a visitor’s memory of this holiday season. That possibility alone is enough to make the long preparation worthwhile.

This year, the experience feels even more meaningful. As I managed multiple projects over the past months, I promised myself that this show would receive my full attention and care. These paintings became a personal way to close the year—a gift to myself and a doorway to whatever comes next. Knowing that they will spend the month of December in a space transformed by community, tradition, and holiday spirit brings me a quiet sense of fulfillment.
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The Dickens Festival Art Show is more than an exhibition; it is a cherished part of our town’s winter landscape. Visitors come not only for the decorations but also to enjoy the diverse works created by local artists. I am truly honored to be part of that collective expression. As my paintings settle into their places among the Christmas trees and greenery, I hope they bring a moment of beauty to someone’s day and shine gently within the magic of the season. And as I look ahead, I carry the energy of this experience with me, eager for what the next chapter of my creative journey will bring.
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Each December, the Dickens Festival transforms the community space into a winter wonderland filled with Christmas trees, snowflake decorations, and local art. This year, I am exhibiting three pieces—including my signature koi fish and birch forest paintings—created since September for this magical, month-long celebration.

The below post offers a detailed introduction to the three artworks I prepared for this year’s Dickens Festival Exhibition. Each piece reflects themes I have explored throughout the year, including the fluid motion of koi fish and the quiet elegance of winter forests. I describe the inspiration, process, and meaning behind each work, sharing how these paintings came together during months of preparation leading up to the holiday season.

The article also explains how these pieces fit into the festive atmosphere of the Port Jefferson Village Center, where the exhibition transforms the space with Christmas trees, garlands, and sparkling winter decorations. Through this post, readers can learn not only about the paintings themselves but also about the environment in which they are displayed and the emotions and intentions that guided their creation.

https://www.annakoh.com/blog/three-winter-works-for-the-dickens-festival-exhibition

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Exhibition Period
November 20 – End of December
(Artwork will be on display throughout the entire holiday season.)

Location
Port Jefferson Village Center, 2nd Floor
101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777

Admission
Free and open to the public

Map
Visitors can easily find the venue at the Port Jefferson Harbor waterfront.
Google Maps link:

Here we go~

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The exhibition will be on view from November 20 through the end of December at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 2nd Floor, a beautiful space overlooking the harbor. During this period, visitors can walk through the building’s holiday decorations, enjoy the Christmas trees, and explore the artwork freely. Admission is completely free, making it a welcoming seasonal destination for families, neighbors, and anyone spending time in the village. The Village Center is conveniently located at 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY, and can be easily found on the map here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/N6FQG7AJjX5vWLBK8

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These links are records from my previous participation in the Dickens Festival Art Show. They include the artwork I exhibited that year, along with photos and reflections from the event:​

www.annakoh.com/blog/winter-inspirations-with-a-festive-dickens-exhibit

https://www.annakoh.com/blog/the-winter-art-show-with-the-night-heron-in-port-jefferson-gallery​

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My thought

There is no such thing as a meaningless moment, and in the same way, there is no such thing as a meaningless exhibition. Every show, every display, every encounter holds a value that reveals itself in its own time. The Port Jefferson Village Center—where the Dickens Festival exhibition is held—is an especially meaningful place for me. Located right in front of the beautiful Port Jefferson Harbor, the gallery welcomes countless visitors each season, including many travelers who discover the artwork while exploring the village. Its openness and accessibility make it one of the most vibrant cultural spaces in the area.

One of the most charming aspects of exhibiting here is that the visitors take photographs of the displayed artworks and kindly send them to the artists via email. It is a small gesture, but it speaks to their respect for creators and their commitment to celebrating local art. These photographs often become treasured records—snapshots of a particular moment in my artistic journey, preserved before the pieces return home or find new owners.

A memorable experience from a previous year still stays with me. A visitor had taken a photograph of one of my koi fish paintings during the exhibition. Months later, that same person came to see me at an outdoor art show, holding the photo on their phone. They wanted to make sure the painting was mine. The moment they confirmed it, they purchased my work without hesitation. They told me they had kept the image all that time because the painting stayed in their mind, and they hoped to find the artist someday. Encounters like this remind me how art can quietly make its way into someone’s heart long before I ever meet them.

Moments like these are the reason I continue creating with sincerity. When I meet art lovers with such clear and genuine eyes—people who seek out beauty, connection, and meaning—it inspires me to work even harder and to give my best in every brushstroke. My paintings are not just objects; they are opportunities for connection, invitations for someone to pause, feel, and remember.
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As I prepare for this year’s exhibition, I carry that memory with me. I cannot help but wonder what new encounters or unexpected opportunities might unfold. Art has a way of creating its own path, weaving small miracles through ordinary days. With a hopeful and excited heart, I look forward to seeing what stories this December will bring.