Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville Presents
“Travels and Techniques”
the Odessey or Artist Journey of Hampton R. Olfus, Jr.
(Rockville, MD) – Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville is thrilled to host Hampton R. Olfus, Jr. for the month of June. The exhibit runs from June 5th through June 26th at Artists & Makers Studios, with an opening reception on Friday, June 7th, 5 – 8pm. “Travels & Techniques” samples works created between 2009 and 2023. In October 2008 artist Hampton R. Olfus, Jr. retired after working 33 years at the U.S. Postal Service, and began his journey as a full-time artist. Over the years, Hampton and his wife Susan Olfus, a dress maker and designer, traveled and enjoyed 7 years in Charleston, S.C. – eventually returning to the DMV. The viewer will experience some of the techniques and media Hampton used during his extended ongoing personal artistic travels – including inks, watercolors, collage, acrylic paints, and mixed media. Enjoy additional exhibits “Right Angles” with Resident Artists – on view in the Gallery Hall, along with nineteen Gallery 209 Member Artists exhibiting their latest work. Shop and support local working artists, makers, and professionals.
“Travels and Techniques” with Hampton R. Olfus, Jr.
“Right Angles” with Resident Artists
The Artists of Gallery 209
Opening Reception
5:00pm – 8:00pm, Friday, June 7th, 2024
Artists & Makers Studios
11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210
Rockville, MD 20852
Meet the Artist – Saturday, June 8th, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Viewing hours are 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Saturday, and Sundays by chance or appointment. Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville, established in October of 2014 by artist and arts community builder Judith HeartSong, is a 13,000 sq. ft. facility is home to 87 artists, as well as student artists. Artists & Makers Studios – Oro Valley, AZ is a three-year-old jewel box location with talented Resident Artists, 3,575 sq ft of studios, galleries, and flex-classroom space. Construction is currently underway in San Gabriel, CA for Artists & Makers Studios’ third location, with construction set to begin shortly for the fourth location in North Hollywood, CA. A&M Studios is dedicated to providing a supportive and vibrant environment for artists to realize their creative goals – through studio practice, collaboration, education, opportunities, networking and connecting with the community beyond our doors.
Artists and Makers Studios Press Release JUNE 2024 Parklawn Exhibits 052024
“TRAVELS AND TECHNIQUES “
The Odessey or Artist Journey of Hampton R. Olfus, Jr.
2009-2023
Artist Statement
In October 2008 artist Hampton R. Olfus, Jr. having worked 33 years at the U.S. Postal Service retired, and began his journey as a full-time artist. Over the years, Hampton and his wife Susan Olfus, a dress maker/designer, had in mind relocating to Negril, Jamaica, West Indies. Their plans were to have dual citizenship, and live 6 months out of the year in Jamaica. The couple was offered the position of managing an art gallery that carried and exhibited Hampton’s art. Their plans of relocating to Jamaica were changed by an unforeseen situation. The couple had traveled to Santa Fe a few years earlier, and decided it was not the right fit. While visiting Hampton’s sister, in Charleston, S.C. in 2008, they decided to relocate to Charleston. After settling into their new home, they were introduced and welcomed to Charleston by members of the Charleston artist community.
Hampton & Susan would make Charleston, their home for 7 years. During his time in Charleston, Hampton focused on working in a variety of mediums, while using a variety of techniques. Before long, Hampton had produced a large body of work. During this time, Hampton also developed lasting relationships within the Charleston artist community.
In April 2017, Hampton & Susan returned to the DMV to assist with their mother’s physical health challenges. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed to stay in Annapolis, Maryland at the home of a friend and art collector while house hunting. In September of 2017, they moved into their home/studio in St. Mary’s County, MD. Hampton continues with his artistic process of moving from one media, style, or technique to the next.
Within this exhibit are selected pieces from different series of work, created from 2009 – 2024. During this exhibit, the viewer will experience some of the techniques and media Hampton used during his “Odessey” (extended ongoing personal artistic travels) including inks, watercolors, collage, acrylic paints, and mixed media.
Hampton R. Olfus, Jr. is a member of Black Artists of D.C., and his art work is available for purchase at, Just Lookin Gallery, Hagerstown, Maryland, Kulture Gallery, Waldorf, Maryland, Anacostia Gallery & Boutique, Washington D.C., Framed Gallery, Cleveland, Ohio.
Online at, www.absolutearts.com/@holfus