Liana is the Visual Arts Department Chair at The Governor’s School for the Arts. She is currently a member of the Arts District committee for NEON, celebrating the new energy of Norfolk. She has led students in creating public art works in the Arts District on Granby Street, the Ingleside Light Rail station, and the Earth Day Celebration at Mount Trashmore. In partnership with the Downtown Norfolk Council and muralist Matthew MacGuinness, she led students in researching, designing, and creating the Gourmandizing Norfolk mural, which was awarded Best Mural of 2022 by VEER Magazine. She facilitates student participation in various art exhibitions throughout the region, as well as partners with community organizations to produce exhibitions that highlight important topics such as mental wellness. Liana organizes and curates the GSA Fashion Show and Installation of Wearable Art at The Chrysler Museum and MacArthur Center. She is also the Director of the GSA Summer Visual Arts Camp, offered every summer.
Her education includes a B.S. Degree in Communications from JMU, and a B.F.A. in Painting from ODU, with an Art History minor. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, and was recognized as the College of Arts and Letters Outstanding Student in Studio Art. She also holds an endorsement from the Virginia Department of Education in Gifted Education. Her work has been exhibited at the Contemporary Art Center (now MOCA), the Riverview Gallery, The Selden Arcade, Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries, and the Hermitage Museum and Gardens.
Pictured above:
Sid and Nancy
2026 = Altered thrifted shirts, embroidery floss, metal studs, safety pins, fish hook
In my opinion and with all due respect, I see Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a true punk. She was a rebel in the courtroom, spoke out about social injustices, and expressed her non-conforming views through her fashion choices. She fought for gender equality and reproductive freedom.
My children were born between 1992-2002. I’ve had five unassisted homebirths. They are now all healthy, amazing adults. I am angered that my daughters have less autonomy over their own bodies regarding their reproduction choices than I was afforded at their age, and how reproductive rights have diminished for our next generation.
When the government gets over-involved in making decisions and laws governing women’s bodies, we are involuntarily entered into a controlling, unhealthy, and abusive relationship. And much like Sid and Nancy, this kind of relationship often ends tragically.
