Cara Olson is a Maryland-based artist whose works are both personal experience and faith focused. Utilizing naturalistic and animal depictions to convey deeper/spiritual messaging.

Although she utilizes vibrant color palettes and unnatural colors within her illustrations, Cara’s work aims to convey a deeper subtle meaning of either emotional vulnerability or is to inspire the viewer to strive to achieve things beyond themselves. Some of her works explore more solemn themes, such as that of her experience with generational trauma and how part of her upbringing has negatively influenced her perception of self. While other parts of her work are focused on being uplifting.

Cara currently lives and works in Maryland, hoping to get into a position within a gallery and or museum space after graduating from McDaniel College with a major in art and minor in management. Her goal is to work within a gallery and/or museum space so that she can bring recognition to other artists and uplift their works and voices, wanting to empower others to strive for their goals and get noticed for their talent.

Featured Exhibitions:

Senior Art Exhibition: Capstone 2 Exhibition Esther Prangley Rice Gallery | Westminster, MD | Forthcoming

Kathryn E. Wentz Juried Undergraduate Exhibition  Esther Prangley Rice Gallery | Westminster, MD | March 26 - April 10, 2026

Departmental Honors Exhibition                       Esther Prangley Rice Gallery | Westminster, MD | March 3 – 20, 2026

Kathryn E. Wentz Juried Undergraduate Exhibition  Esther Prangley Rice Gallery | Westminster, MD | April 3 - 11, 2025