About Us

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Deborah Howard is passionate about art and has always dreamed of having her own shop and gallery. She lives in historic Bowling Green, Virginia and has worked in health care for over 20 years. 

Her love for art and interior design has evolved from painting walls and furniture to  working with pastels.

Deborah’s vision for the Painted Horse is to provide a collaborative space for the community to share their stories, their passions, and their creative talents through the arts.

The many workshops offered at The  Painted Horse are designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and inspiration through floral designs and painted mediums. 

The Gallery Hall features a place for local artists to display and sell their creations so that others can appreciate and admire the amazing talent. Deborah welcomes local artisans to contact her for information about commissions.

The inspiration for the name of the Painted Horse comes from our rich equine history here in Caroline County.  The first horse racing track was located right here in Bowling Green, and of course the famous Triple Crown winner, Secretariat was born in Caroline County.

Bobbi Croson is the floral artist at the Painted Horse. She comes with over 20 years of experience in floral design ranging from live flowers to commercial holiday arrangements and rentals. A truly gifted artist, she is also extremely talented with watercolors, pastels, charcoal, and pen and ink. Bobbi’s  passion for  the  brush  has taken  her  to study art in Pittsburg, Colorado and even France,  where  she  studied  faux  finishes.

Bobbi grew up in Caroline county and currently resides with her husband in Sparta. She comes from a long line of artists and has inherited a natural talent and passion. Her great-uncle hand-painted windows across the nation for a living and passed this talent along to 3 generations. 

Bobbi loves Bowling Green and wants to help preserve its rich history. She will be bringing her talents to the town by teaching workshops,  offering  floral  designs  and  through  art  displays  in  the  gallery.