Past Exhibitions
Explore and Discover Thais Oliveira's Past Exhibitions
Sankofa
Harvesting the Legacy of Williamsburg's Bray School
Feb 19th - April 4th 2025
Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center
This solo exhibition explored the Williamsburg Bray School, the first school devoted to educating African American children in Virginia, and how its stories continue to resonate into a multi-layered story that centers the Black legacy at the historic Colonial Williamsburg.
With a blend of historical accuracy and creative expression, this collection is an opportunity to learn about the past, understand our current present, and use this knowledge to make wiser choices for a brighter future.
Fiber Art
Colonial Elf
Nov 6th - Dec 20th 2024
Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center
This colonial Christmas elf doll is a truly exquisite, one-of-a-kind treasure, lovingly crafted with timeless charm and old-world character.
Designed to evoke the warmth, hope, and gentle spirit of the holiday season, this heirloom-style piece brings a touch of nostalgic Christmas magic to your home while sharing a message of love throughout the community.
Watercolors
Aurora em Fão
Feb 19th - April 4th 2025
Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center
Inspired by a photograph featured in the 2025 Camera to Brush exhibition at the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center, this watercolor captures the vibrant colors and tranquil beauty of a sunset in Fão, Portugal.
Digital Art
Queen's Mill
Feb 19th - April 4th 2025
Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center
Inspired by a photograph featured in the 2025 Camera to Brush exhibition at the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center, this digital illustration offers the artist's interpretation of a picturesque scene featuring colorful colonial houses and a historic mill nestled in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Through a ink bold style and expressive detail, the artwork celebrates the region's timeless charm and scenic beauty though the artist's eyes.
Photography
Roller Coaster of Love
Feb 19th - April 4th 2025
Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center
Taken in 2010, the photograph was featured in the 2025 Camera to Brush exhibition at the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center.
It captures a moment of calm just before the anticipation and excitement of a roller coaster ride in a park in Brasília, Brazil. Set against the city's expansive blue sky, the image contrasts a sense of tranquility with the thrill that is about to unfold, while highlighting the open skyline and distinctive urban character of Brazil's capital.
Plasma
Feb 19th - April 4th 2025
Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center
Taken in 2010, the photograph was featured in the 2025 Camera to Brush exhibition at the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center.
This long-exposure photograph captures the mesmerizing patterns of a plasma lamp, revealing the intricate beauty of this fascinating physical phenomenon of the fourth state of matter.
Ermida
Feb 19th - April 4th 2025
Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center
Taken in 2010, the photograph was featured in the 2025 Camera to Brush exhibition at the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center.
This photograph captures the simple joy of two children playing by the lake after riding their bicycles through the park. The image reflects the innocence of childhood and the beauty found in everyday moments of play, friendship, and connection with nature.
Jackson's Dinner Table
Apr 15th - May 29th 2026
Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center
Taken in 2026, the photograph was featured in the 2026 Camera to Brush exhibition at the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center. This photograph captures the Jackson family dinner table at Freedom Park in Williamsburg, Virginia, offering a glimpse into the daily life of one of the area's historic free Black communities in colonial times.
The carefully arranged setting reflects the importance of family, tradition, and shared experiences, honoring the resilience and enduring legacy of the Jackson family. Through this quiet interior scene, the photograph invites viewers to connect with the rich cultural history preserved at Freedom Park.