Alicia Leeke, a native South Carolinian, produces abstract works of art inspired by nature’s ever-changing scenery. More recently, she is inspired by photographers Susan Kae Grant of Texas and John E. Powell of Columbia, SC to produce a body of work combining conceptual art, photography and digital mixed media. She has taught Artistic Furniture Makeover Classes at the Columbia Museum of Art and Beginner and Advanced Concepts in Abstract Painting at City Art in Columbia, South Carolina. Leeke was awarded a grant by the Charleston Scientific and Cultural Education Fund to produce a traveling exhibition entitled: View from Under the Microscope: Science-based Learning Through Art. The exhibition educates the non-scientific community about the importance Phytoplankton play in our life and why we need to be good stewards of our water bodies. This body of work is currently traveling. She is a 2017 recipient of the South Carolina Arts Commission’s Artists’ Ventures Initiatives Grant and a grant recipient from the Joan Mitchell Foundation located in New York City.
Columbia, SC artist doni jordan creates fiber art, art installations, mixed media assemblages, and collages. She received a BFA in studio art from the University of South Carolina (USC). In 2010, she was inducted into the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA) in New York City. Jordan’s love of nature, travel, design and typography is reflected in the art she creates. Her current work is nature inspired which includes botanical installations, eco printing and dyeing with indigo.Columbia, SC artist doni jordan creates fiber art, art installations, mixed media assemblages, and collages. She received a BFA in studio art from the University of South Carolina (USC). In 2010, she was inducted into the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA) in New York City. Jordan’s love of nature, travel, design and typography is reflected in the art she creates. Her current work is nature inspired which includes botanical installations, eco printing and dyeing with indigo.
Angelika Selman -Bondar was born in Hof Germany and came to America as a child. She received her BFA from Augusta University in1982, has continued art studies at the Atlanta College of Art, Savannah College of Art, the High Museum and the Morris Museum. Angelika has been an art teacher for over thirty years in the CSRA and also creates artworks that have been exhibited in the southeast with many pieces in private collections across the USA and in Europe. She has received many awards for her teaching as well as the art she creates. Recently she retired from teaching in the public school systems and now teaches workshops and private lessons. Her artwork consists of a variety of mediums. She is always seeking new ways to create art so does not limit herself to only one medium. The mediums she is most noted for are ceramic sculptures, assemblage sculpture, mixed media creations, watercolors, printmaking, photography and Prisma color paintings. Her ceramic sculptures are usually figurative that incorporate many techniques, textures and often added materials. The 2-D works are mostly realism of objects from nature and scenes from the environment. Assemblages and mixed media pieces tend to be abstract.
Located in the heart of Hilton Head Island, the award winning regional Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is a remarkable showcase for professional performing and visual arts, as well as cultural festivals and educational outreach. It is a year-round Equity theatre that produces musicals, comedies and dramas. In addition they also present visiting performers, musicians, vocalists, artists, dance companies, humorists and more. The venue consists of a 349-seat main stage house as well as a smaller block box studio, art gallery, and education spaces.
Jo Ann is a retired Dance Educator who now works as an award-winning metalsmith jeweler. Upon retirement , she reinvented herself by studying with well know metalsmiths and attended formal institutes of higher education learning the original technique of silversmithing. She has exhibited throughout the southeast.
Janette Marvin, a muralist and painter, grew up in northeast Brazil and has a love for the coast. She has many years of experience working for decorators, designers, home owners, hospitals, schools, and galleries. Most of her murals are very large and were painted under strict time constraints, but her work also includes paintings of all sizes on canvas and many other surfaces. She understands both budgetary constraints and the need for projects to be completed in a timely manner. For murals, she does several small painted sketches to be approved or changed before starting on the actual mural. She has many years of experience painting many different subjects but beach scenes are her favorite.
A graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design (BFA – Graphic Design) and the University of Georgia (MFA – Drawing & Painting), Troy Wingard has dedicated much of his career to creating art and sharing what he has personally discovered about its development and promotion. His work addresses questions on identity, culture, and individualism within a modern context. Troy’s portraits, sidewalk drawings, and sculptural works have been featured in numerous venues throughout the United States, as well as solo exhibitions in over 14 academic institutions such as Duke University, Grambling State University, the University of South Carolina-Aiken, The University of Mobil, and Coastal Carolina University, among others. His works have been exhibited internationally, including invitational and solo exhibitions in Havana, Cuba; Budapest, Hungary; Camagüey, Cuba, and Tel Aviv, Israel. Troy was also the featured artist in the nationally syndicated magazine, The Pastel Journal, and his work has been nationally showcased in multiple editions of New American Paintings. Troy has taught a variety of art and seminar courses as an instructor with the University of Georgia and Southeastern Louisiana University, as well as serving as the program coordinator for the School of Design at the Art Institute of Washington-Dulles.
A native of Bogota, Colombia, who now makes her home in Greenville, Diana Farfán is an award-winning ceramic sculptor and instructor, cultural agent and art coach advancing Latino artists in South Carolina. Recognized statewide, Diana is an instrumental leader and key player in this sector who works to make these artists’ voices louder and stronger in South Carolina by mentoring young Latino artists and serving as member of the Board of Directors for Palmetto Luna Arts. Also an advocator for animal welfare and the natural environment, Diana supports local organizations by increasing awareness of Humane Education (HE) “A process that encourages an understanding of the need for compassion and respect for people, animals and the environment and recognizes the interdependence of all living things”, with emphasis on sensitizing the youth through the arts. Diana holds a B.A. in Graphic Design, a B.F.A. in Ceramic and Printmaking from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, and a M.F.A. in Ceramic Sculpture from University of South Carolina. She is a member of the Liberty Fellowship and the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
Born and reared in Latin America the colors, styles and rhythms have left a deep impression on how Katherine sees the world. Childhood memories of the lush tropics and patterned mosaic sidewalks also influences her art to this day. Starting with glass or clay and adding a little heat from a kiln, these elements are transformed into delicious mosaic stories. Nipped glass bits are placed together to create quilt blocks patterns depicting those used on the Underground Railroad or the wind speed maps of a hurricanes. Clay is rolled, coiled, pinched and glazed to create the components of a larger picture. Little has changed in these processes since ancient times. From the beginnings of these art forms, glass forming and clay building, to how they have grown through technology is explored during the residencies. Connections of the history, math and science used in these processes are also investigated. Past projects include mosaic murals installations for public art and schools, workshops and classes in museums, art schools and glass industry expos. Facilitated art for special events and festivals. Projects vary from individual designs to collaborative site-specific installations. Residencies are tailored to meet your individual populations and time schedules.
Mary Walker is a painter and printmaker. Born in New York and raised in Tryon, NC, she exhibits regularly in the South and the Northeast. She lives on Johns Island outside of Charleston SC and is the winner of numerous regional grants and residencies. She has experience teaching collage and various forms of printmaking.
University of South Carolina Bachelor of Fine Arts General Studio concentration in sculpture; minor in painting. Graduated 2007; John C. Campbell Folk School – Traditional Joinery Class (Clay Spencer Instructor) – 2010; John Boyd Smith Organic Forging Class – 2012. Experience – Back Street Studios, LLC (Owner/Artist – Bob Doster) artist assistant – 2001; Carolina Association of Sculpture Students (Founded 2004 / president 2004-2006 / advisor 2007); The Philip Simmons Artist Blacksmith Guild of South Carolina; Demonstrator, Instructor – 2009 – present; John C. Campbell SC Scholarship Recipient 2010 Active member since 2005 ; Web admin- 2014- present; Ironmans Shop / Carolina Powder Coaters, LLC. – Vice-President- 2010-2013; Journeyman- 2013-present. Roster Artist – Bringing blacksmithing to SC public schools teaching/demonstrations from honors level to special needs development Grades K-12. Demonstrations include traditional blacksmithing tools and equipment, hand-crank coal forge, anvil, hammers, tongs, and safety equipment. Blacksmithing history is discussed and simple goods (hooks, spikes, and chain) are produced without electricity. Artist’s work demonstrations include forged steel leaves and flowers using techniques created by the artist. 2-D steel designs are hammered out to create 3-D forms over the anvil. Herndon Asphalt Engineering and Consulting, Media/Communications/Art Director-2009- present. Currently Exhibiting: South Carolina State Museum 30th Anniversary Juried Exhibition.
Mike Fowle is a contemporary sculptor working in multiple media. He is an approved artist for the South Carolina Arts Commission and maintains a working studio where he creates art for public and private collections. Mike shares a studio with artist Patz Fowle where they collaborate and create large Public Art Sculptures. Mike has been a visiting International Artists-In-Residence at the American School in Japan in Tokyo, Japan, and co-teaches with Patz Fowle at the SCAD Educator Forum, at Savannah College of Art & Design.
2016- present board of South Carolina Artisan Center; 1977-Present Sculptor, Owner Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studio ltd.; visiting teaching artist with SC Arts Commission. Has worked with over 150,000 students k-12; first residency 1975; 1977 MFA Clemson University 1975 BFA University of South Carolina 1969-1973 owner Doster’s Grocery 1967 Lancaster High. Awards – South Carolina Arts Commission Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award Cultural & Heritage Commission of York County “Keeper of the Culture” Award First Steps of South Carolina “Hero of the Child” Award SC Main Street Inspiration Award. Public Art Commissions – Anderson SC, Cheraw SC, Columbia SC, Chesterfield SC, Chester SC, Clinton SC, Laurens SC, Lancaster SC, Pageland SC, Florence SC, Greenville SC, Spartanburg SC, Orangeburg,SC Gaffney SC, Walterboro SC, Lenior NC, Cary NC, Chapel Hill NC, Albemarle NC, Charlotte NC, Marvin NC, Raleigh NC, Rocky Mount NC, Atlanta Ga. This list doesn’t include the 100’s of sculptures created as legacy gifts for schools in North and South Carolina.
Katherine earned her BFA in Advertising Design at Kendall School in 1982. She worked as an advertiser in Germany for two years. She returned to school in 2009 to Converse College where she completed 33 hours of collective studies in: Studio Art, Art Therapy, Art Ed, Theatre. The last two years she has spent working in the Theatre as a stage manager, prop master and various back stage crew positions. Katherine is currently teaching paint classes and painting commissioned pet portraits. She has painted nearly 200 portraits of dogs and cats. “I find my happiness in watching others find theirs”. Teaching painting classes has opened up her heart. The paint your pet nights are the very best. One student explained it like this “it’s like being able to pet my dog one last time with each brush stroke”. She learns so much about herself with each class she teaches. It is also wonderful watching other people learn something about themselves as they watch their pet emerge on their canvas.
Tim Davis has worked as a professional illustrator and published author for thirty years. With over 500 Hidden Pictures to his credit, Tim teaches workshops for Highlights to train other illustrators in the art of Hidden Picture creation. These lessons are incorporated into an age-group-appropriate curriculum for the classroom.He has written and illustrated eight children’s books: the Mice of the Herringbone series and the Tales of Dust River Gulch series. His latest book, The Island Rule was published in May 2019. It emphasizes the importance of music and cross-cultural acceptance. He regularly teaches writing and illustration at Greenville Tech and Greenville Center for Creative Arts.
Shane Bryant has been a potter since 1993.He was the founder of the William Felton School of Crafts in 2004.He has taught classes through Furman University’s continuing education department, as well as the Spartanburg Museum of Art, where he was the pottery studio manager.Shane served asboard member for Upstate Visual Arts, and Greenville’s First Fridays.Shane has been listed with the SC Arts Commission’sArtist Roster since 2000, and has been an artist in residence for many schools over the years.He has been a teaching artist for MAC’s Smart Arts program since 2004, and was awarded the Smart Arts Teaching Artist of the Year award for 2017.
By using murals as a vehicle to enrich student learning across the full spectrum of standards, you give students an opportunity to not only surpass what is required from them academically but also the chance to beautify their home school, connect with fellow classmates at a deeper level and learn a whole host of skill sets around a different profession.
Kristy Bishop is a fiber artist specializing in weaving and natural dyes in Charleston.She has been involved in education ever since she was the North Charleston Artist in Residence in the 2012-2013 school year. By using techniques and topics of fiber art her curriculum augments what students are currently learning in math, science, and social studies.Using natural dyes, classes explore the scientific theory, critical thinking, all while creating hand dyed artwork.Students will utilize multiplication, fractions, and concrete math concepts through weaving.For social studies, courses discuss indigo’s impact on South Carolina, its importance to the world, and the lowcountry’s connection to West Africa.Through this dye, students create batik resists using African Adire symbols that they choose to represent themselves or families.This is a reflective project that also connects to another culture.All of these topics can be tailored to any grade level so that every student can experience an art form that has been used by humans throughout our history.
Mary How, MA, ATR-BC, founder of Full Circle Programs, is an artist, art therapist, coach, teacher and writer with twenty years of experience teaching individuals and groups large and small. She has extensive experience working with diverse populations including children, adolescents and adults with varying skills and abilities.She is a leader serving to enrich students’ (and teachers’) lives, helping them integrate mindfulness, emotional and relational health and stress management skills to enhance students’ abilities to self-regulate thereby enabling happier and healthier learners.Mary holds a BA in art and psychology from Columbia College, SC and an MA in Art Therapy from Norwich University, VT. She is a board certified and registered art therapist who has served on both state and national boards to advocate within her field and is past-president of the South Carolina Association of Art Therapists.As an artist Mary practices mindfulness meditation by creating small mandala circle drawings and larger mandala paintings. She also facilitates community based art experiences using natural or recycled materials, or brightly colored chalks to create large scale mandalas while working alongside group participants to help them understand and assimilate the skills that she teaches.
Dave McDonald has built a career as a comics creator and teaching artist based on an award-winning background in television, theme park entertainment and puppetry.He served as head writer for the Scooby-Doo brand of live entertainment for Paramount Parks’ 5 North American theme parks and continues to provide writing services to U.S. & International theme park clients, museums and corporations.He is currently an accredited teaching artist and offers education-based programming to schools, museums and libraries through several state and local arts councils in North & South Carolina.McDonald presents to over 5,000 kids a year in schools with his “Kids Make Comics!” assembly programs and weeklong artist in residencies.He is also a featured kids cartooning instructor through his online “Kids Make Comics!” video series, which can be seen on the classroom reading and learning app, Epic! www.getepic.comand Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/DaveMcDonald
Tiffany is considered a tenacious self-starter who brings strategic conceptual thinking forward!She is passionate about creating new things using traditional or digital media.Tiffany holds a Bachelors’ degree in Animation and has a total work experience of 11 years as a freelancer.She is well versed in different areas of design and has successfully designed solutions for print media, children’s books, and websites. Overall Tiffany is a color-obsessed Artist, Educator, and photographer.
Clarence is a master artist working in the ARTS ACCESS SOUTH CAROLINA programs serving people with disabilities.He has been active on the South Carolina Arts Commissions Artist Roster since 1981.His residencies have included gifted, general population and talented students as well as special needs.He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators. Richard C. Owen publishes his children’s books.He also has nonfiction, and books of satire available on Amazon.com . His poetry has been published in numerous publications and anthologies.He won the International Golden poet award and has been listed in About the Author.His painting and/or other art works have been featured in national magazines and on Public Television.
EDUCATION
Schiller College, Strasbourg, (set design and direction) France 1978
University of South Carolina, Columbia, B. A. in Art 1977
Fine Art or illustration for NASA, Panasonic, U.S. Army Corps. Of Engineers, War Veterans Home(Percent for the Arts), Anderson, S.C., C & S Bank, Dictaphone, Federal Landbank, NCR, Southern Bank Corp., Westinghouse, Numerous Private Collections
Spirithawk is a Silversmith/Metalsmith producing her pieces the old way.Using a stump and anvil she designs, hand cuts, files, stamps, polishes each piece by hand.She teaches Silversmithing classes in her studio and at the School Of Mountain Arts in Pickens, SC.She is the Metalsmith at Hagood Mill in Pickens, SC and presents show and tell classes for students.
Belton Area Museum Association had her as one of their Heritage Days Traditional Artisans to demo Silversmithing to 1671 students, a very powerful interaction for the kids and her.
Stacy is the managing partner of Art & Soul of Aiken, a gallery by artists for artists in Aiken, South Carolina. She is the owner and an artist of O’Sulllyside Studio located southside Aiken, South Carolina, and an instructor and independent professional glass artist with over 40 years of industry experience.
As an artist, Gina derives so much joy from various forms of sculpture, and any work that provokes thought and imagination.She works primarily with lightweight materials, such as paper in all its forms, and recycled materials whenever possible.She loves creating odd characters and creepy creatures, anything with personality.Puppetry opens up a world of fascinating options.
In her classes, students take inspiration from world culture puppetry arts, and create original characters. They make connections to academic content, tell their own stories, and perform with much less inhibition as they can choose to hide behind the puppets and scenery. In her classes “weird” is okay, original thought is celebrated, and “messing up” artistically is not a fear.Process is emphasized over product.Students learn technique, build skills, retain content.
Each workshop is tailored for each group of teachers and students. Teachers provide the academic focus – standards, content, and objectives, and these inform the puppet and theater styles that are integrated. A workshop may include design, creation of age-appropriate characters, theater games, story-telling, or performance on any scale, from classroom skits in small groups, to school wide productions, through individual and team work. Please see examples on her website.
Joe Rock Edwardshas a BA in Art Educationfrom East Carolina University andwas a North Carolina State Certified Art Teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has worked with children and adults with a variety of learning styles. He has developed teaching techniques that ensure the student will complete works of art they will be proud of even without the benefit of previous artistic study. Demonstrating for classes as well as designing sculptures thatcan be reproduced by other artists means Joe can design a project for your classes that will align with topics and objectives you are doingwithyour students.Joe can capture the attention and mesmerize a class of students with his many anecdotes and board illustrations. Joe creates sculpturesforthe classroomto use as examples and has many videos that can be used either before or after residencies/workshops to enhance the presentation.