Our Spotlight on the Arts for October 2025 shines brightly on local artist, Jennifer Galloway!
How long have you been the owner of Swords & Spoons? We had our soft opening on August 16, 2024, and the official one-year anniversary is November 9, 2025!
Tell us more about Swords & Spoons (especially the art classes!)
At Swords and Spoons, art isn’t limited to brush and canvas—it’s the heart of how we play, imagine, and tell stories. From painting miniatures to designing entire worlds, our community thrives on creativity in all its forms.
> Paint Classes
Our guided painting sessions are open to all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting with your first miniature or refining advanced techniques, our classes offer hands-on guidance in a relaxed and welcoming setting. You’ll learn color theory, brush control, and finishing tricks that bring your miniatures—and your games—to life.
>Monthly Art Club
Once a month, artists of all kinds gather for our community art club. This casual meet-up is a chance to paint, sketch, craft, or experiment with any project you’re working on while surrounded by fellow creators. It’s a space to share ideas, swap techniques, and get inspired.
>Painting Contests
We host painting competitions where creativity takes center stage. Painters of all levels—from apprentices to masterclass artists—showcase their skills across categories like miniatures, dioramas, and more. With open judging and special awards, our contests celebrate artistry, storytelling, and craftsmanship in every entry.
>Game Masters’ (GMs’) Corner
Storytelling is its own art form, and we celebrate that through our GMs’ Corner! This is a dedicated time for Game Masters to come together, collaborate, and workshop their campaigns. Whether it’s brainstorming world-building details, refining encounter design, or sharing tips for player engagement, the GMs’ Corner is where creative writing meets collaborative craft.
>A Creative Community
Art at Swords and Spoons is about more than just making things—it’s about connecting, learning, and celebrating imagination in every form. Whether through painting, sketching, or story craft, we offer a welcoming home for those who want to bring creativity to the table.
We also have special events like the recent Pokemon Dance Battle with Megan Lee Dance Company and host craft shows!
What inspired you to pursue this career?
For me, the spark began with Dungeons & Dragons. What started as dice rolls and character sheets quickly became something much deeper: a love for storytelling, world-building, and creative collaboration. Sitting around a table with friends, we weren’t just playing a game—we were building entire worlds together, exploring what it means to imagine, to create, and to connect.
That passion for creativity grew beyond the game. I found myself painting miniatures, sketching maps, and writing adventures late into the night. It showed me how powerful art, writing, and gaming can be when they’re woven together. The picture of the mini pink space marine was mine from the Valentine’s Day paint contest we did!
But there was something missing here in St. Mary’s County—a true local game store, a community hub where people could come together to share that same joy.
What are your other interests outside of Swords & Spoons?
I enjoy reading fantasy books, which inspire my storytelling and world-building for tabletop games. I am also a fan of anime, both for its artistry and the way it blends character-driven stories with imaginative worlds. I spend time studying Japanese language and culture, which has deepened my appreciation for history, folklore, and aesthetics.
World-building is my creative outlet, and Dungeon Mastering gives me the space to bring that creativity to life. I love designing non-player characters (NPCs) with unique personalities, backstories, and motivations that make the world feel alive.
I also enjoy creating histories, myths, and cultures that shape the setting, giving players a sense that they are stepping into a living, breathing world with its own depth and traditions. Writing these details allows me to combine storytelling, imagination, and problem-solving into something interactive and collaborative. I also get to build maps, which I love and make terrain for the worlds.
Anything else that you would like to share with us?
Swords and Spoons is built to be a safe place for everyone to express their creativity. The store provides an inclusive and welcoming environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can explore their imagination without judgment. Our goal is to foster a community that values creativity, collaboration, and respect, making Swords and Spoons more than just a store—it’s a supportive space where people can truly feel at home.
Links of interest:
Discord: Swords & Spoons
Facebook: Swords & Spoons
Instagram: Swords and Spoons FLGS (@swordsnspoons)
TikTok: swordsnspoons (@swordsnspoons)
Swords & Spoons Fall Festival – October 25 & 26 – a weekend of festive frights, games, and fun!