MJ Okawa Art

About Us

MJ Okawa is an Arizona-based visual artist and arts educator whose work is known for its luminous color, rich texture, and joyful sense of movement. Working primarily in silk painting, Okawa blends traditional Asian resist techniques with a contemporary Western aesthetic, creating vibrant landscapes, florals, and nature-inspired works accented with metallic detail and saturated jewel tones.

Her paintings celebrate light, beauty, and connection—inviting viewers to pause, breathe, and experience a sense of wonder and belonging. Each piece is created through a layered, hands-on process that incorporates dyes, metallic gutta, and experimental techniques using salt, sugar, and alcohol to produce organic textures and dynamic depth.

Okawa’s work has been exhibited nationally and is held in both public and private collections, including recent acquisitions through New Mexico’s Art in Public Places program. She is an active participant in juried fine art festivals and gallery exhibitions throughout Arizona and the Southwest.

In addition to her studio practice, Okawa offers private and small-group art instruction for children and adults, as well as immersive Silk & Sip painting experiences available for private booking, corporate events, and community gatherings. Commissions are also welcomed, allowing clients to collaborate on custom artwork created in her signature style.

Through her artwork, teaching, and community involvement, MJ Okawa is committed to enriching spaces, supporting local culture, and fostering meaningful connections through art.