Artist Profile: Liz Arango-Howshall

The first time I met Liz Arango-Howshall she hugged me.

We had never seen each other before, and I was just stopping by her store, , on North Washington Street to buy a few canvases.

She hurried to greet me at the door, a small dog trailing along behind her.

When I told her what I was looking for, she grabbed a ladder and started climbing shelves, shouting down to make sure she was selecting the right canvases for me. That's the kind of person she is.

Arango-Howshall radiates warmth and her kindness consumes anyone standing within a mile or so of whereever she is.

Arango-Howshall opened The Art Rooms in November 2007 after many years of dreaming and planning for the venture.

Before opening the store, she was the registrar at The John Carroll School in Bel Air.

The Art Rooms is a huge part of Arango-Howshall's life, since she spends nearly everyday in the store. And fortunately for her, since her business plan's primary focus is providing art supplies to colleges and universities, Arango-Howshall says she has been able to survive the economic downturn.

But it's what happens in the back room of The Art Rooms that Arango-Howshall gets most excited about. Not only does she paint back there, but she offers weekend classes— Saturday for children and Sunday for adults.

Though she teaches many of the workshops herself, she also occasionally brings in other local artists and professionals to help out.

Arango-Howshall recently sat down with me over lunch in her store to talk about herself, how she made her dream a reality, and the story behind that little dog that's always running along behind her.

What is your preferred form of art?

Painting. I use all mediums, not because I have an art store but because I have a love for the arts. As a kid, I grew up in Puerto Rico, always painting and always with my cheap little set of watercolors.

What inspires you?

Nature, mostly. Animals. I love animals and I paint a lot of fish because the fish is a symbol of well-being, happiness and freedom. They symbolize living in a state of fearlessness, without danger of drowining in the ocean of sufferings, and migrating from place to place freely and spontaneously.

What was your goal in opening The Art Rooms?

My goal was to actually bring the best materials possible and offer them at the best price possible. 

Why did you choose to open your business in Havre de Grace?

It was a changing, quirky little town and I just loved it here. It has grown and changed so much over the years.

Where can your work be purchased?

At the Art Rooms and also in Arts by the Bay Gallery.

Any upcoming shows?

"Visual Manifesto" Sat. April 2-Sat. May 7 at Legends Vineyard, 521 Asbury Road in Churchville.

Do you have a formal art education?

Yes, I attended Stroudsburg University and studied fine arts. 

What kinds of classes do you offer at The Art Rooms?

We offer classes on painting for all skill levels and also a class on how to market and sell your artwork. We also have fundraisers for the humane society by auctioning off miniature artwork. 

Do you live in the city?

Yes, I live here with my husband. We love Havre de Grace and have lived here for 10 years. We bought our home before housing costs began to rise, so we got a really good deal. And we've watched Havre de Grace grow into what it is today. 

Can you tell us a little about your dog, Shelby?

Shelby is what we call the "manager" of the Art Rooms. She is a 3-year-old mix that I adopted from the Cecil County SPCA. Everyone loves her. We work for her.