Art on Fishing Bay will have an international flavor this year with the inclusion of Joanna Tyka, an accomplished artist as well as a sailing champion. A native of Poland, she earned a master’s degree with honors from the country’s Academy of Fine Arts in 1978. She has worked in design, graphics, tapestry, while continuously refining her painting techniques. Besides Poland, she has practiced her profession in Germany, Spain, Miami, and now Virginia.

The recipient of many international and national art awards, Joanna’s unique style has allowed her to maintain thriving relationships with fine art societies and galleries in the both the U.S. and Europe. Additionally she has shared her love of art as an instructor in Germany and Miami. Unfortunately space does not permit a full disclosure of all of Joanna’s accomplishments listed on her impressive résumé.

On top of it all, she is also a championship sailor. Her love affair with sailing began in Poland as a youth, first in a Cadet, then an OK Dinghy, and finally the physically challenging Olympic-class single-handed Finn dinghy in which she was a national champion multiple times. Later she joined the racing circuit on offshore vessels in Germany, Brittany, Mallorca, and, for 20 years, in Miami. Now she enjoys cruising the Rappahannock River but is still eager to land a crew position on boats racing in the Chesapeake area.The following new and returning exhibitors will display their creations to both browsers and buyers: Kathleen Noffsinger, Bev Hardin, Laura Heyward, Dixie Hoggan, Grace Barnes, Jason Leslie, Pam Waldron, Michael Barnes, Susan Geary, Shiroko Lifer, Julie Colby, Bob Haynes, Brownie Haracivet, Kay Gearhart, Susan Hill, and Joanna Tyka. Each will generously contribute one item to the highly anticipated Leukemia Cup Auction at the Stingray Harbour Yacht Club on Friday evening, July 9 during the upcoming Regatta weekend.

Refreshments will be available. Background music will be provided by acclaimed Deltaville guitarist, David Moran. Admission is a donation benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and a hors d’oeuvre to share with your fellow art patrons.

Proceeds generated by the show will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission to support patients battling blood cancers. For more information, visit www.leukemiacup.org or contact Laura Boone at 804.627.0400 or laura.boone@lls.org.

Regatta organizers are excited about the remaining events for its 12th season including the Auction and Gala at the Stingray Harbour Yacht Club and Regatta at Fishing Bay Yacht Club over the grand finale weekend July 9 – 11 in Deltaville. Participants are encouraged to register on-line now for the Regatta at www.fbyc.net/LeukemiaCup.