304 State Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Find Original Artwork by Local Artists in this Wonderful Downtown Gallery
Showcasing incredible talent and celebrating our local artists for over 17 years!
Meet OurArtists
GREG HAYES / WOODWORKING
BARB KIRBY / PHOTOGRAPHY & MIXED MEDIA
MARGARET HOGEBOOM / CERAMICS
Gregory (Greg) Hayes, now retired, has spent over seven decades as an amateur woodworker and was employed professionally in the engineering field. His fascination with woodworking started in his youth and continues to today.
Over the years he has added additional processes to his resume, his current venture is wood carving.
Other than his
Gregory (Greg) Hayes, now retired, has spent over seven decades as an amateur woodworker and was employed professionally in the engineering field. His fascination with woodworking started in his youth and continues to today.
Over the years he has added additional processes to his resume, his current venture is wood carving.
Other than his family, he is most proud of his military service as a helicopter door gunner (Always be yourself, unless you can be a door gunner, then always be a door gunner) and even though he considers himself a novice woodworker, he is proud to display his work at Chartreuse Art Gallery.
MARGARET HOGEBOOM / CERAMICS
BARB KIRBY / PHOTOGRAPHY & MIXED MEDIA
MARGARET HOGEBOOM / CERAMICS
When I was in third grade, I won $15 in an art contest. I realized right then and there, that I wanted art to be a major part of my life. I worked as a graphic artist for many years before discovering my love of clay. I appreciate how forgiving and flexible clay is, and that my imagination and creativity can be expressed in so many ways w
When I was in third grade, I won $15 in an art contest. I realized right then and there, that I wanted art to be a major part of my life. I worked as a graphic artist for many years before discovering my love of clay. I appreciate how forgiving and flexible clay is, and that my imagination and creativity can be expressed in so many ways within this medium.
My fascination for nature shows itself often in my work, as does my Irish heritage and passion for gardening. I get a thrill from sharing what I make with my loved ones, friends and customers.
I hope to be creating with clay until I’m one hundred years old, or for the next 45 years, whichever comes first.
BARB KIRBY / PHOTOGRAPHY & MIXED MEDIA
BARB KIRBY / PHOTOGRAPHY & MIXED MEDIA
BARB KIRBY / PHOTOGRAPHY & MIXED MEDIA
To me, photography is something that lives in my soul. Thinking outside the box is my motto and having fun is a must! My purpose is telling a story with the things I create. Whether it’s a simple photograph or some of my artwork, I want my creations to leave a lasting impression to those who view them. My hope is that I am an inspiration
To me, photography is something that lives in my soul. Thinking outside the box is my motto and having fun is a must! My purpose is telling a story with the things I create. Whether it’s a simple photograph or some of my artwork, I want my creations to leave a lasting impression to those who view them. My hope is that I am an inspiration for others, am able to expand their horizons and reach for the stars. We are the stories we tell…I hope you enjoy mine.
JOEL MASHKE / WOODWORKING
ROBIN MAXON / WATERCOLOR PAINTING
BARB KIRBY / PHOTOGRAPHY & MIXED MEDIA
My story begins over 50 years ago, in the Industrial Arts program in high school, where my favorite class was Wood Shop. Since then, I’ve worked in manufacturing, learning and perfecting machining skills. I’m inspired from seeing the visual form and shape in everyday objects. After acquiring an antique lathe and some woodworking material
My story begins over 50 years ago, in the Industrial Arts program in high school, where my favorite class was Wood Shop. Since then, I’ve worked in manufacturing, learning and perfecting machining skills. I’m inspired from seeing the visual form and shape in everyday objects. After acquiring an antique lathe and some woodworking materials, my love of wood turning began, and it was love at first sight! I began to read books and watch videos on wood turning every chance I had. When starting a new project, I go through the same process. Having already decided what shape I'm going to turn, I select the piece of wood I am going to use, which is so important to the end result. Many things have to be considered; is the wood green or dry, the color, variety and grain structure. There are no two pieces of wood that are the same, even out of the same log or board. I love turning a piece of wood into a piece of art or a useful item. Sometimes you talk to the wood and sometimes the wood talks to you.
ROBIN MAXON / WATERCOLOR PAINTING
ROBIN MAXON / WATERCOLOR PAINTING
ROBIN MAXON / WATERCOLOR PAINTING
I experimented with various mediums before discovering the joy of watercolor over 25 years ago. My painting style has evolved to have an illustrative component with an emphasis on realism. I paint a wide range of subjects as I attempt to capture a moment, the play of light and shadow, and the nuances of color. I live in St. Joseph, Michi
I experimented with various mediums before discovering the joy of watercolor over 25 years ago. My painting style has evolved to have an illustrative component with an emphasis on realism. I paint a wide range of subjects as I attempt to capture a moment, the play of light and shadow, and the nuances of color. I live in St. Joseph, Michigan.
I’ve been part of Chartreuse since 2015. I am a member of the Michigan Watercolor Society, Krasl Art Center & Berrien Artist Guild. I enjoy painting commissions of pets, home portraits, and a variety of other subjects. See Robins website at http://www.RobinMaxonArt.com .
MOLLY MORAN / JEWELRY
ROBIN MAXON / WATERCOLOR PAINTING
ROBIN MAXON / WATERCOLOR PAINTING
While walking past a store window, I fell in love with the most unique necklace. I went inside to ask the price, which was $250. Leaving somewhat saddened, knowing I couldn’t afford it, I decided right then that I was going to make a necklace similar to it.
That was 25 years ago and more than 2,000 pieces of my own, original jewelry later
While walking past a store window, I fell in love with the most unique necklace. I went inside to ask the price, which was $250. Leaving somewhat saddened, knowing I couldn’t afford it, I decided right then that I was going to make a necklace similar to it.
That was 25 years ago and more than 2,000 pieces of my own, original jewelry later!
As an elementary teacher, I know each of my students is a unique individual. I approach my art utilizing the same philosophy. Each piece of jewelry begins when I select the beads. I am blessed with the ability to visualize the finished piece even before it is started. All my jewelry is created using Mother Nature’s gifts of semi-precious stones, minerals, glass, paper and metals.
CATHY PAMPALONE / FUSED GLASS & MIXED MEDIA
CATHY PAMPALONE / FUSED GLASS & MIXED MEDIA
CATHY PAMPALONE / FUSED GLASS & MIXED MEDIA
Cathy discovered the art of fused glass later in life. Her wonder of nature is often reflected in her work.
Cathy creates landscapes, functional dishes, as well as pieces in a rare technique called Sgraffito. After careful manipulation, her pieces are fired in a kiln. Cathy also creates paintings using inks and often adds wax. These rich a
Cathy discovered the art of fused glass later in life. Her wonder of nature is often reflected in her work.
Cathy creates landscapes, functional dishes, as well as pieces in a rare technique called Sgraffito. After careful manipulation, her pieces are fired in a kiln. Cathy also creates paintings using inks and often adds wax. These rich and colorful inks are blended together with specialized tools to make one-of-a-kind paintings in vibrant colors.
Creating art provides balance in Cathy’s life; time away from work and “to do” lists that can often monopolize our time in each day, providing balance.
Cathy hopes to continue learning and creating well into her 90’s and will continue to “look to her future” as her mother often said.
CAROL WILLIAMS / BASKET WEAVER
CATHY PAMPALONE / FUSED GLASS & MIXED MEDIA
CATHY PAMPALONE / FUSED GLASS & MIXED MEDIA
I grew up on a cattle ranch on Rabbit Gulch, near Granite Station, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Being ranch raised I learned how to make things with my hands at an early age. The nearest town was 45 miles away so we didn't just run to the store when we needed someting. We made it.
In 1987 I married my husband, whom I'd kn
I grew up on a cattle ranch on Rabbit Gulch, near Granite Station, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Being ranch raised I learned how to make things with my hands at an early age. The nearest town was 45 miles away so we didn't just run to the store when we needed someting. We made it.
In 1987 I married my husband, whom I'd known since were were kids. He grew up on a neighboring ranch a few miles away. We operated our own ranch, where my hands continued to be my most important tools. We worked on our little ranch for over 20 years until we moved to Michigan in 2009.
I have always been a craftsman, cutting my own wood pieces to paint, etc. I also worked the local craft shows in California. After moving to Michigan and having more time on my hands, I made my first basket from wood bands that I cut on the scroll saw. I later met a local basket weaver that sold her baskets through a shop in town. I fell inlove with them. I purchased one of her baskets and took that little basket home and studied it as if it were a textbook, trying to puzzle out how it was made. After watching several videos and reading books, I finally hand-wove my first basket in 2016. I was hooked, and I haven't stopped weaving since. Because I am also a woodworker, I make most of my wooden bases for my baskets as well. Baskets have given my hard-working hands a purpose. It takes quite a bit of patience, stength and know-how to create a good, sturdy basket. I find the process very therapeutic and gratifying, because whenever you can combine something beautiful as well as useful, you can be proud to say you made it...with your very own hands.
TAMERA KLANN / RESIN
CATHY PAMPALONE / FUSED GLASS & MIXED MEDIA
TAMERA KLANN / RESIN
What's a product or service you'd like to show.Artist is a fairly new word used to describe myself. Nurse, mom, wife, daughter, friend, and even Air Force officer have been my primary titles over the years with taking little time to find a passion outside of those duties. I now see the importance of having a balance and feel my creative t
What's a product or service you'd like to show.Artist is a fairly new word used to describe myself. Nurse, mom, wife, daughter, friend, and even Air Force officer have been my primary titles over the years with taking little time to find a passion outside of those duties. I now see the importance of having a balance and feel my creative time fuels my service to others.
What started as a curiosity for fluid art has led to a fascination with epoxy resin. This medium can be very temperamental and requires precise measurements which is a skill I learned early in my nursing career.
My inspiration is drawn from nature, primarily flowers and the beach. The flowing waters and soothing sounds of the waves produce a calming sensation and watching a flower bloom reminds me of growth, new beginnings, and resilience. These are the qualities I want my art to portray.
Growing up on the “Emerald Coast” in NW Florida set the foundation for this passion, and now living steps from gorgeous Lake Michigan, my creativity has flourished and is translated into my work. My primary focus is to create home décor pieces that are not only beautiful but also functional (i.e.: coasters, serving boards, and bottle stoppers). Some pieces are crafted completely from epoxy resin while others have a wooden, canvas, or even 3D printed base. With every pour (success or failure), I am continually fine tuning my craft, pushing past my comfort zone, and learning to love each moment which is sometimes the hardest lesson in life.
Meet OurArtists
MAY SCHULTZ-REED / GLASS
MAY SCHULTZ-REED / GLASS
MAY SCHULTZ-REED / GLASS
After taking a multitude of art courses, including drawing, painting, jewelry, life drawing, textiles and weaving, ceramics, sculpture, glassblowing, intaglio and relief, paper and book making, and art history classes that never seemed to end, I found my niche in stained glass! I discovered stained glass while working in an art supple sto
After taking a multitude of art courses, including drawing, painting, jewelry, life drawing, textiles and weaving, ceramics, sculpture, glassblowing, intaglio and relief, paper and book making, and art history classes that never seemed to end, I found my niche in stained glass! I discovered stained glass while working in an art supple store, and it’s been my passion ever since.
After teaching for 40+ years, I retired from teaching art at a rural country school to pursue my love of stained glass. I’ve been working in glass for over 38 years.
I love using color, texture and form to create works of art. I especially like making windows for churches and places of reflection. I also do restorations, repairs for homes, businesses and churches, as well as commission work.
BECKY ROTTER / CERAMICS
MAY SCHULTZ-REED / GLASS
MAY SCHULTZ-REED / GLASS
I’ve always been truly excited by color and pattern, and I love watching something take shape from my very hands. I find it satisfying to construct a piece and add handles, spouts, lids, feet and other additions until a finished form comes together. I’m influenced by my surroundings. Leaves, flowers and birds from my wonderful gardens, an
I’ve always been truly excited by color and pattern, and I love watching something take shape from my very hands. I find it satisfying to construct a piece and add handles, spouts, lids, feet and other additions until a finished form comes together. I’m influenced by my surroundings. Leaves, flowers and birds from my wonderful gardens, and images from the Lake Michigan shoreline, such as fish and water, appear on my creations.
It’s fun to imagine my customers using my artwork at cherished times in their lives, when they are dining with family and friends. The love of beautiful dishes inspires me to make various serving pieces, highly decorated with colorful slips and glazes. I hope that by sharing my work with others, it enhances their personal spaces and brings enjoyment to their lives.”
MONIKA WAYNE / FIBER
MAY SCHULTZ-REED / GLASS
LIZ BURNHAM / 2 cozins / STORY TELLLING
Growing up in Switzerland I received regular arts and crafts lessons, including crocheting and sewing from 3rd grade on throughout high school. It was mandatory, but I loved it all and always felt so calm and fulfilled during the creative process. Life’s path take many detours and becoming an artist was not in the cards. My work as a tran
Growing up in Switzerland I received regular arts and crafts lessons, including crocheting and sewing from 3rd grade on throughout high school. It was mandatory, but I loved it all and always felt so calm and fulfilled during the creative process. Life’s path take many detours and becoming an artist was not in the cards. My work as a translator took me to an international city, where I met my American husband, with whom I moved to Granger, Indiana in 1992.
After taking a few fiber classes with my daughter, my artist’s soul was re-awoke...the love of color, patterns, texture — the visual world! I love to play with stitches and different yarns, imagining new patterns. I even like the little math involved when I must measure and count to create my original pieces. I follow patterns, but I am the happiest when I just start to work on a vision I have for a piece. My work is transportable and matches the needs of my travelling soul — never do I have to part from my projects for long.
LIZ BURNHAM / 2 cozins / STORY TELLLING
LIZ BURNHAM / 2 cozins / STORY TELLLING
LIZ BURNHAM / 2 cozins / STORY TELLLING
“Writing and expressing my thoughts has always been my passion. My father told me stories at bedtime that included the elephants - Inky, Pinky and Stinky that come alive in our books, cards and artwork. Collaborating with my cousin Sara, who is really more like my sister is inspiring and exciting. Her imagination and life’s insights are
“Writing and expressing my thoughts has always been my passion. My father told me stories at bedtime that included the elephants - Inky, Pinky and Stinky that come alive in our books, cards and artwork. Collaborating with my cousin Sara, who is really more like my sister is inspiring and exciting. Her imagination and life’s insights are so unique. The illustrations are superb and inspirational. We are both so happy for the support and love of our family and friends.”
Liz was born and raised in Michigan City, IN and graduated from Indiana University. Always part of the creative community involved in music and dance on and off stage. Liz’s professional marketing career included The South Bend Symphony, The Joffrey Ballet, Art in Progress, Pivot Point International and 3Com Corporation.
SARA STUDER / 2 cozins / ILLUSTRATION
LIZ BURNHAM / 2 cozins / STORY TELLLING
SARA STUDER / 2 cozins / ILLUSTRATION
“Drawing has always been an adventure. I remember as a kid drawing at our kitchen table on Saturday morning. It is still a surprise just who will show up on that blank page! A joyful, satisfying bonus of drawing is being able to make people giggle, smile or even laugh! I am so grateful and thrilled to be working with my cousin Liz on 2 C
“Drawing has always been an adventure. I remember as a kid drawing at our kitchen table on Saturday morning. It is still a surprise just who will show up on that blank page! A joyful, satisfying bonus of drawing is being able to make people giggle, smile or even laugh! I am so grateful and thrilled to be working with my cousin Liz on 2 Cozins. The icing on the cake! She has always been the sister I never had and she is such an important person in my life. We grew up together.
Sara was born in Ft. Wayne, IN and raised in Michigan City. She graduated from Indiana University and drawing has always been her passion. At age 14 she put away her toys and amused herself by creating picture stories.
GENE GAMBER / MIXED MEDIA
LIZ BURNHAM / 2 cozins / STORY TELLLING
SARA STUDER / 2 cozins / ILLUSTRATION
It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our friend and fellow artist, Gene Gamber. We will continue to carry Gene’s work in the gallery for the time being.
I enjoy art because the process has taught me to let go of worldly distractions and enjoy the present moment. When I am in the present, I am at my most creative. Working
It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our friend and fellow artist, Gene Gamber. We will continue to carry Gene’s work in the gallery for the time being.
I enjoy art because the process has taught me to let go of worldly distractions and enjoy the present moment. When I am in the present, I am at my most creative. Working on art allows me to live in the now and brings out creative talent that only surfaces when I am not thinking about the past or future. The first step in the creative process is to pick an art project and give it a try. Initially you may not like what you have created but keep experimenting with all the different ideas that pop into your head. The more you experiment with new techniques, the more ideas will come to you. The new ideas are almost overwhelming. Eventually you will complete a piece you like and know you can improve on. You are now on your way to a creative place that will bring you true joy and pleasure. The last art form I attempted took me three years to reach a place where I felt good enough about my work to share with others. Art is an ever evolving process. Start an art project today and enjoy the journey.
mary broccolo-derr / FINE ARTIST OIL PAINTING
mary broccolo-derr / FINE ARTIST OIL PAINTING
mary broccolo-derr / FINE ARTIST OIL PAINTING
There is joy inherent in color that I try to emphasize in my paintings. It is the first thing that grabs my attention and what I aspire to recreate in my work. My small studies are primarily Alla Prima, meaning "All at once." In this method, I must apply the paint rapidly enough (before it dries) to work wet into wet layers. There's not
There is joy inherent in color that I try to emphasize in my paintings. It is the first thing that grabs my attention and what I aspire to recreate in my work. My small studies are primarily Alla Prima, meaning "All at once." In this method, I must apply the paint rapidly enough (before it dries) to work wet into wet layers. There's nothing better than luscious oil paint and how the layers interact working this way. Painting Alla Prima determines my subject matter, including floral, still life, and landscape, all easily accessible in my immediate surroundings.
Overall, I'm trying to recreate a feeling with the language of paint. I describe my style as "painterly," working within a spectrum of representation to abstraction, using whatever best communicates what I want to say. I use various tools to complete the job - brushes, palette knives, paper towels, and even finger painting. I hope you enjoy my work. To see more, you may visit my website:
Terry Strayn / PHOTOGRAPHY
mary broccolo-derr / FINE ARTIST OIL PAINTING
mary broccolo-derr / FINE ARTIST OIL PAINTING
Terry is an International Award winning black and white photographer that specializes in landscape and fine art.
“I love taking urban and seascape photos. My greatest thrill in photography is taking a boring photo and turning into dramatic black and white photo.
My photography journey began several years ago when my girlfriend (now wife)
Terry is an International Award winning black and white photographer that specializes in landscape and fine art.
“I love taking urban and seascape photos. My greatest thrill in photography is taking a boring photo and turning into dramatic black and white photo.
My photography journey began several years ago when my girlfriend (now wife) bought me a camera as a gift. I instantly became addicted to creating images. The journey wasn’t easy. I am self-taught; it took years of practice and hundreds of You Tube videos to get to where I am today. I am getting better each year but there is so much more I want to learn. My goal is develop my own style and have someone instantly know it’s one of my prints.
So, why only black and white?
I believe the main reason for my love of black and white is that it removes the distractions that color photos tend to introduce. I think color complicates a scene and causes your eyes to get pulled in several directions, not knowing what you should be looking at. You do not have this distraction in black and white. You know the subject as soon as you look at the photo and your eyes go directly to it. I believe this type of photography conveys a sense of drama and mystery that is missing in color photos. The strong contrast between dark and light releases a strong emotional response that sticks with a person longer than a color photo.
Plus black and white is just cool.
Meet OurArtists
MAY SCHULTZ-REED
MAY SCHULTZ-REED
MAY SCHULTZ-REED
After taking a multitude of art courses, including drawing, painting, jewelry, life drawing, textiles and weaving, ceramics, sculpture, glassblowing, intaglio and relief, paper and book making, and art history classes that never seemed to end, I found my niche in stained glass! I discovered stained glass while working in an art supple sto
After taking a multitude of art courses, including drawing, painting, jewelry, life drawing, textiles and weaving, ceramics, sculpture, glassblowing, intaglio and relief, paper and book making, and art history classes that never seemed to end, I found my niche in stained glass! I discovered stained glass while working in an art supple store, and it’s been my passion ever since.
After teaching for 40+ years, I retired from teaching art at a rural country school to pursue my love of stained glass. I’ve been working in glass for over 38 years.
I love using color, texture and form to create works of art. I especially like making windows for churches and places of reflection. I also do restorations, repairs for homes, businesses and churches, as well as commission work.
BECKY ROTTER
MAY SCHULTZ-REED
MAY SCHULTZ-REED
I’ve always been truly excited by color and pattern, and I love watching something take shape from my very hands. I find it satisfying to construct a piece and add handles, spouts, lids, feet and other additions until a finished form comes together. I’m influenced by my surroundings. Leaves, flowers and birds from my wonderful gardens, an
I’ve always been truly excited by color and pattern, and I love watching something take shape from my very hands. I find it satisfying to construct a piece and add handles, spouts, lids, feet and other additions until a finished form comes together. I’m influenced by my surroundings. Leaves, flowers and birds from my wonderful gardens, and images from the Lake Michigan shoreline, such as fish and water, appear on my creations.
It’s fun to imagine my customers using my artwork at cherished times in their lives, when they are dining with family and friends. The love of beautiful dishes inspires me to make various serving pieces, highly decorated with colorful slips and glazes. I hope that by sharing my work with others, it enhances their personal spaces and brings enjoyment to their lives.”
MONIKA WAYNE
MAY SCHULTZ-REED
LIZ BURNHAM / 2 cozins
Growing up in Switzerland I received regular arts and crafts lessons, including crocheting and sewing from 3rd grade on throughout high school. It was mandatory, but I loved it all and always felt so calm and fulfilled during the creative process. Life’s path take many detours and becoming an artist was not in the cards. My work as a tran
Growing up in Switzerland I received regular arts and crafts lessons, including crocheting and sewing from 3rd grade on throughout high school. It was mandatory, but I loved it all and always felt so calm and fulfilled during the creative process. Life’s path take many detours and becoming an artist was not in the cards. My work as a translator took me to an international city, where I met my American husband, with whom I moved to Granger, Indiana in 1992.
After taking a few fiber classes with my daughter, my artist’s soul was re-awoke...the love of color, patterns, texture — the visual world! I love to play with stitches and different yarns, imagining new patterns. I even like the little math involved when I must measure and count to create my original pieces. I follow patterns, but I am the happiest when I just start to work on a vision I have for a piece. My work is transportable and matches the needs of my travelling soul — never do I have to part from my projects for long.
LIZ BURNHAM / 2 cozins
GENE GAMBER / MIXED MEDIA
LIZ BURNHAM / 2 cozins
“Writing and expressing my thoughts has always been my passion. My father told me stories at bedtime that included the elephants - Inky, Pinky and Stinky that come alive in our books, cards and artwork. Collaborating with my cousin Sara, who is really more like my sister is inspiring and exciting. Her imagination and life’s insights are
“Writing and expressing my thoughts has always been my passion. My father told me stories at bedtime that included the elephants - Inky, Pinky and Stinky that come alive in our books, cards and artwork. Collaborating with my cousin Sara, who is really more like my sister is inspiring and exciting. Her imagination and life’s insights are so unique. The illustrations are superb and inspirational. We are both so happy for the support and love of our family and friends.”
Liz was born and raised in Michigan City, IN and graduated from Indiana University. Always part of the creative community involved in music and dance on and off stage. Liz’s professional marketing career included The South Bend Symphony, The Joffrey Ballet, Art in Progress, Pivot Point International and 3Com Corporation.
SARA STUDER / 2 cozins
GENE GAMBER / MIXED MEDIA
GENE GAMBER / MIXED MEDIA
“Drawing has always been an adventure. I remember as a kid drawing at our kitchen table on Saturday morning. It is still a surprise just who will show up on that blank page! A joyful, satisfying bonus of drawing is being able to make people giggle, smile or even laugh! I am so grateful and thrilled to be working with my cousin Liz on 2 C
“Drawing has always been an adventure. I remember as a kid drawing at our kitchen table on Saturday morning. It is still a surprise just who will show up on that blank page! A joyful, satisfying bonus of drawing is being able to make people giggle, smile or even laugh! I am so grateful and thrilled to be working with my cousin Liz on 2 Cozins. The icing on the cake! She has always been the sister I never had and she is such an important person in my life. We grew up together.
Sara was born in Ft. Wayne, IN and raised in Michigan City. She graduated from Indiana University and drawing has always been her passion. At age 14 she put away her toys and amused herself by creating picture stories.
GENE GAMBER / MIXED MEDIA
GENE GAMBER / MIXED MEDIA
GENE GAMBER / MIXED MEDIA
I enjoy art because the process has taught me to let go of worldly distractions and enjoy the present moment. When I am in the present, I am at my most creative. Working on art allows me to live in the now and brings out creative talent that only surfaces when I am not thinking about the past or future. The first step in the creative proc
I enjoy art because the process has taught me to let go of worldly distractions and enjoy the present moment. When I am in the present, I am at my most creative. Working on art allows me to live in the now and brings out creative talent that only surfaces when I am not thinking about the past or future. The first step in the creative process is to pick an art project and give it a try. Initially you may not like what you have created but keep experimenting with all the different ideas that pop into your head. The more you experiment with new techniques, the more ideas will come to you. The new ideas are almost overwhelming. Eventually you will complete a piece you like and know you can improve on. You are now on your way to a creative place that will bring you true joy and pleasure. The last art form I attempted took me three years to reach a place where I felt good enough about my work to share with others. Art is an ever evolving process. Start an art project today and enjoy the journey.
mary broccolo-derr
HEIDI HEALD / CERAMICS & PHOTOGRAPHY
Terry Strayn / PHOTOGRAPHY
There is joy inherent in color that I try to emphasize in my paintings. It is the first thing that grabs my attention and what I aspire to recreate in my work. My small studies are primarily Alla Prima, meaning "All at once." In this method, I must apply the paint rapidly enough (before it dries) to work wet into wet layers. There's not
There is joy inherent in color that I try to emphasize in my paintings. It is the first thing that grabs my attention and what I aspire to recreate in my work. My small studies are primarily Alla Prima, meaning "All at once." In this method, I must apply the paint rapidly enough (before it dries) to work wet into wet layers. There's nothing better than luscious oil paint and how the layers interact working this way. Painting Alla Prima determines my subject matter, including floral, still life, and landscape, all easily accessible in my immediate surroundings.
Overall, I'm trying to recreate a feeling with the language of paint. I describe my style as "painterly," working within a spectrum of representation to abstraction, using whatever best communicates what I want to say. I use various tools to complete the job - brushes, palette knives, paper towels, and even finger painting. I hope you enjoy my work. To see more, you may visit my website:
Terry Strayn / PHOTOGRAPHY
HEIDI HEALD / CERAMICS & PHOTOGRAPHY
Terry Strayn / PHOTOGRAPHY
Terry is an International Award winning black and white photographer that specializes in landscape and fine art.
“I love taking urban and seascape photos. My greatest thrill in photography is taking a boring photo and turning into dramatic black and white photo.
My photography journey began several years ago when my girlfriend (now wife)
Terry is an International Award winning black and white photographer that specializes in landscape and fine art.
“I love taking urban and seascape photos. My greatest thrill in photography is taking a boring photo and turning into dramatic black and white photo.
My photography journey began several years ago when my girlfriend (now wife) bought me a camera as a gift. I instantly became addicted to creating images. The journey wasn’t easy. I am self-taught; it took years of practice and hundreds of You Tube videos to get to where I am today. I am getting better each year but there is so much more I want to learn. My goal is develop my own style and have someone instantly know it’s one of my prints.
So, why only black and white?
I believe the main reason for my love of black and white is that it removes the distractions that color photos tend to introduce. I think color complicates a scene and causes your eyes to get pulled in several directions, not knowing what you should be looking at. You do not have this distraction in black and white. You know the subject as soon as you look at the photo and your eyes go directly to it. I believe this type of photography conveys a sense of drama and mystery that is missing in color photos. The strong contrast between dark and light releases a strong emotional response that sticks with a person longer than a color photo.
Plus black and white is just cool.
HEIDI HEALD / CERAMICS & PHOTOGRAPHY
HEIDI HEALD / CERAMICS & PHOTOGRAPHY
HEIDI HEALD / CERAMICS & PHOTOGRAPHY
As a young child, my heart was drawn to art…crafting from nature, painting, drawing, music—anything I could get my hands on!
I was privileged to grow up in Germany, and had wonderful exposure to different cultures and how art could be displayed in different ways. This helped lay the foundation for the artist I am today.
While playing with
As a young child, my heart was drawn to art…crafting from nature, painting, drawing, music—anything I could get my hands on!
I was privileged to grow up in Germany, and had wonderful exposure to different cultures and how art could be displayed in different ways. This helped lay the foundation for the artist I am today.
While playing with clay in college, I quickly discovered that ceramics and pottery would be a lifelong pursuit. I started out working with coils and making large scale pots, and eventually honed my skills on the wheel. I love working with all the color possibilities with different glazes and my stamps. This has become part of my signature style in what I create today.
After college, I bought my first camera, and soon photography became another passion of mine. To see the details of God’s creation…from a tiny, crawling caterpillar to a bee harvesting pollen from a flower, capturing these moments bring me a sense of awe, wonder and joy.
Just as God has taken a little, broken vessel and continues to mold and shape me, I hope my artwork reflects that same beauty and puts a smile on your face.