Margaret Zylstra, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Margaret Zylstra is a self-taught artist who grew up in an environment where creativity and DIY skills were encouraged and taught. Her parents demonstrated how to knit, sew, and build, giving her a solid foundation in hands-on creative activities. These early formative experiences nurtured her love for making and creating.
Margaret's journey into painting began after retiring from a 40-year career in nursing. Shifting from caring for others to exploring art proved to be both enriching and fulfilling, allowing her to discover new aspects of herself through the expressive use of color and texture. With paint brushes and palette knives, she welcomes the unpredictability and joy of creation. Art serves as a meaningful connection for her—with creation itself and with the Creator—bringing beauty to the world and adding richness to her life.
Margaret’s artistic focus centers on abstract scenes and landscapes crafted to spark imagination and invite personal interpretation. She especially enjoys hearing the stories viewers find within her paintings, as their unique perspectives add new life and meaning to each piece. Listening to these responses is deeply rewarding for her and reminds her that art is a shared experience—allowing others to discover something special for themselves.
